Tongham-based Hogs Back Brewery is celebrating after its Little Swine 0.5 per cent pale ale won gold medals in the European Beer Challenge and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) National Independent Beer Awards.

Hogs Back Brewery managing director Rupert Thompson said: “We’re delighted Little Swine 0.5 per cent has won these two accolades. The European Beer Awards are judged by buyers, who know what beers consumers are looking for, while the SIBA Awards are judged by experienced brewers and beer writers.

“When we set out to brew a low alcohol beer, we wanted it to deliver the same character and flavour as all our beers. Little Swine 0.5 per cent is naturally brewed, using a stopped fermentation method which gently limits the amount of alcohol in the beer. Head brewer Miles Chesterman and his team took their time in getting the process and the recipe right.”