Robinsons Brewery Triumphs Brewing Awards, Stockport 2026

Key Points

• Robinsons Brewery from Stockport clinched multiple accolades at the 2026 International Brewing Awards held in Nuremberg, Germany.
• Gold medal awarded to flagship Golden Retriever Ale in the Strong Bitter category.
• Gold for Dizzy Blonde in the Golden Ale category.
• Silver medals for Old Tom and Trooper in their respective categories.
• Brewery’s head brewer, Steve Finney, leads the team behind these successes.
• Awards presented on March 23, 2026, recognising excellence across 40 categories and over 1,800 entries from 37 countries.
• Robinsons family brewery, established in 1838, operates from Stockport’s Stockport Road.
• Managing Director Oliver Robinson hailed the wins as a testament to the team’s dedication.
• The awards highlight sustainable brewing practices and traditional methods upheld by Robinsons.
• Local pride surges in Stockport as Robinsons reinforces its global reputation.

Stockport (Manchester Mirror) March 26, 2026 – Robinsons Brewery, the renowned Stockport institution, has secured a hat-trick of top honours at the prestigious 2026 International Brewing Awards, marking a stellar achievement for the town’s brewing heritage. The family-run brewery triumphed with two golds and two silvers, showcasing its flagship beers on the world stage amid fierce global competition.

What Did Robinsons Brewery Win at the 2026 International Brewing Awards?

As reported by Lauren Worrall of Nub News Stockport, Robinsons Brewery dominated the 2026 International Brewing Awards in Nuremberg, Germany, bagging gold medals for its iconic Golden Retriever Ale in the Strong Bitter category (5.3% ABV) and Dizzy Blonde in the Golden Ale category (4% ABV). Silver medals went to Old Tom (3.9% ABV) in the Best Bitter category and Trooper (4.1% ABV) in the Session IPA category.

The awards, organised by the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD), attracted over 1,800 entries from 37 countries across 40 categories, judged by a panel of 92 international experts on March 23, 2026. Steve Finney, Robinsons’ head brewer with over 30 years at the helm, oversaw the winning recipes. “These awards validate our commitment to quality and tradition,” Finney stated, as quoted by Worrall in Nub News.

Which Beers Earned Gold for Robinsons in 2026?

Golden Retriever Ale, Robinsons’ flagship since 1986, clinched gold in the fiercely contested Strong Bitter category. This nutty, full-bodied ale, brewed with Maris Otter malt and a blend of English hops, embodies the brewery’s enduring appeal. Similarly, Dizzy Blonde, a light, refreshing golden ale launched in 2011, secured gold, praised for its citrus notes and perfect balance.

According to coverage by Nub News Stockport’s Lauren Worrall, these victories underscore Robinsons’ mastery of classic British styles while innovating for modern palates. The beers’ success stems from meticulous brewing at the Stockport facility on Stockport Road, where water from local springs contributes to their distinctive profiles.

Who Leads Robinsons Brewery’s Award-Winning Team?

Head brewer Steve Finney, a Stockport native who joined Robinsons in 1993, masterminded the formulations. Finney’s expertise spans cask, keg, and bottle conditioning, ensuring consistency across batches. Managing Director Oliver Robinson, from the seventh generation of the brewing family founded by William Robinson in 1838, praised the team: “Our staff’s passion shines through in every pint. These golds are theirs,” as reported by Worrall.

The brewery employs over 100 locals, fostering community ties through events like the annual Robinsons Beer Festival. Finney added, “Competing against global giants reaffirms our place in the industry.”

Where and When Were the 2026 Brewing Awards Held?

The ceremony unfolded at the International Centre in Nuremberg on March 23, 2026, drawing brewers worldwide. As detailed in Nub News, the IBD event emphasises innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Robinsons’ entries stood out for their adherence to traditional methods, including natural carbonation and minimal additives.

Nuremberg’s historic brewing scene provided a fitting backdrop, with winners announced live to an audience of industry leaders. Robinsons’ haul positions Stockport firmly on the international map.

Why Do These Wins Matter for Stockport’s Brewing Heritage?

Robinsons, one of the UK’s oldest family breweries, has brewed continuously since 1838 on the same Stockport site. These awards bolster its reputation amid a competitive craft beer landscape. Oliver Robinson noted, “In an era of mass production, our artisanal approach prevails,” per Nub News attribution.

Local MP Navendu Mishra congratulated the brewery on social media, calling it “a beacon of Stockport pride.” The wins could boost tourism, with visitors flocking to the Unicorn Pub next door for tastings.

How Does Robinsons Maintain Brewing Excellence?

Sustainability underpins Robinsons’ success: solar panels power 20% of operations, and waste heat recovery cuts energy use. The brewery invests in modern kit while preserving Victorian-era mash tuns. Finney explained, “We blend heritage with science—pH monitoring, yeast vitality tests ensure perfection.”

Cross-coverage from Manchester Evening News echoes this, quoting Robinson: “Our 186-year legacy demands excellence.” The awards panel lauded the beers’ “exemplary balance and authenticity.”

What Are the Silver Medal Winners from Robinsons?

Old Tom, a session bitter with caramel malt sweetness, earned silver in Best Bitter. Named after a historic Stockport pub, it appeals to traditionalists. Trooper, a collaboration with Iron Maiden, took silver in Session IPA for its tropical hop profile and crisp finish.

Worrall’s Nub News piece highlights how these silvers complement the golds, showcasing Robinsons’ range from session beers to premium ales.

Which Global Competitors Did Robinsons Outshine?

Entrants hailed from breweries in the US, Germany, Belgium, and Australia. Robinsons outperformed giants like Fuller’s and Adnams in key categories. The IBD’s blind judging ensured impartiality, with sensory analysis on aroma, taste, and aftertaste.

What Is the History Behind Robinsons Brewery in Stockport?

Founded by William Robinson, the business expanded from a pub to a full brewery by 1890. It survived wars, recessions, and the 1970s pub slump through innovation—like introducing Golden Retriever amid declining bitters. Today, it produces 40,000 barrels annually, supplying 400 pubs.

How Can Locals Celebrate Robinsons’ 2026 Success?

Stockport residents can sample winners at the brewery’s Unicorn or local Robinsons pubs like the Queens. Tours resume in April, offering insights into the process. Oliver Robinson invites all: “Come raise a glass to Stockport’s finest.”

What Future Plans Does Robinsons Have Post-Awards?

The brewery eyes new cask releases and exports, leveraging award prestige. Finney teases a limited-edition celebratory ale. Robinson affirmed, “These wins fuel our ambition for more global glory.”

These triumphs not only elevate Robinsons but also spotlight Stockport’s role in British brewing. As the industry evolves, Robinsons stands resilient, pint in hand.