By Tom Dyson DUNHAM Massey Brewery is toasting success after its beer was crowned CAMRA’s Supreme Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2014.

The brewerey received the accolade on February 19 at the National Winter Ales Festival in Derby, courtesy of its flavoursome Dunham Porter.

The winning beer is described as a classic, old-style English Porter; creamy, full-bodied and packed with flavour.

Owner John Costello said: “We’re made up. We are a relatively new brewery who love making traditional styles like porters, milds and stouts, and I thought our porter would do well but I can’t believe we’ve won overall champion. I’m over the moon.”

The Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition judges the best of the best in terms of classic winter warmers, from thick, rich, dark porters and stouts, to sweet and strong barley wines.

Asked what the secret to success is, John said: “It’s all about attention to detail.

“We brew traditional beer and we use traditional English ingredients.”

The competition was judged by a panel of beer writers, members of the licensed trade and CAMRA members.

Nik Antona, Champion Winter Beer of Britain director, said: “The Winter Beer of Britain has been given even greater significance in recent years, with the last two winners going on to win the Overall Champion Beer of Britain held at the Great British Beer Festival in the summer, proving these once lesser known styles are perfect for drinking all year round.”

John added: “The CAMRA (Champion Winter Beer of Britain) awards mean everything to us. It’s the highest accolade a dark beer can earn.”