'Breakfast stout' scoops top UK beer award

A STRONG beer called Broken Dream Breakfast Stout has won a prestigious award after being described as "dangerously drinkable".

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) named the drink as its Champion Beer of Britain.

It is brewed near the town of Reading, west of London, by Siren Brewery, which was founded five years ago.

Speaking at Camra's Great British Beer Festival at London's Olympia, owner Darron Anley revealed that the 6.5 per cent strength beer had some interesting ingredients, including coffee, oats and milk - hence the breakfast part of its name.

Judges praised the beer's "deep and complex blend of chocolate, coffee and a touch of smoke" and commented that it stood out for its "superb" aroma, taste and finish.

Nick Boley, Camra's national director, said: "If there is any beer in the world that is dangerously drinkable, it's this one."

Green Jack brewery based in the county of Suffolk took second place for its barley wine Ripper (8.5 per cent), described as "dangerously smooth", with well-hopped flavours. It was also named the Champion Winter Beer of Britain earlier this year.

Bronze was taken by Tyne & Wear-based Mordue for their Workie Ticket (4.5 per cent). Judges said it was a "complex and tasty bitter".