About Us
Established for over 10 years, the International Beer Challenge is the largest packaged beer competition in the world.
The IBC covers 12 classes and aims to find the world's most amazing lagers, ales, stouts, and speciality beers. Awards are given for the winner of each of the 12 classes, plus the highly coveted Supreme Champion and best international entry.
Who Enters the IBC
Entries are received from all over the world. The IBC is restricted to packaged products rather than beers that are exclusively available on draught.
Why are so many points available for packaging?
Because the competition organisers feel packaging plays such a crucial role in the off-trade. If a product label is unappealing, the consumer will probably never even try the liquid inside. Also, we believe that packaging can play an important role in helping consumers understand more about the beers they are drinking. In previous years, the IBC has awarded as many points for packaging as for liquid but the organisers now believe a 60-40 split is fairer.
Do judges use spittoons or swallow when tasting?
Interestingly, spittoons have been used by several of the judges over the years, although some prefer to stick to the traditional method. Tasting nearly 100 beers in quick succession can be tiring, so appropriate breaks are allowed to allow palates to be refreshed.
About Off Licence News
Off Licence News is the weekly news magazine for the UK take-home drinks trade. Its audience includes specialist drinks retailers and off-licences, supermarkets, wholesalers, producers and distributors, all of whom rely on Off Licence News to keep them informed about this fast-moving industry.
Every week Off Licence News has all the latest news affecting beers, wines and spirits and the businesses which handle them throughout the supply chain.
Part of the William Reed Business Media stable which also includes famous names like The Grocer and Morning Advertiser, OLN started life in the 1870s as the Wine Trade review, changing its name in 1970 to Off Licence News.
As well as organising the International Beer Competition, OLN also runs the annual Drinks Retailing Awards and has a circulation of around 18,000.
For further information please visit: www.offlicencenews.co.uk
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