Sharp's Brewery's Doom Bar ale beat competition from global brewing giants to win the Drinks Brand of the Year award at the highly-esteemed Grocer Gold Awards 2019.

Facing other finalists in the form of brands such as Bud Light, Coca Cola, Heineken 0.0 and Thatchers Cider, Doom Bar stood out for its ability to thrive in a challenging market.

Judges acknowledged that competition in the category was tough, but Doom Bar's quality and consistency placed it above the rest.

Last year, Doom Bar sales grew by 25 per cent, and the team at Sharp's introduced a new four-pack of 500ml cans and mini kegs of the ale.

Sharp's' flagship ale is inspired by its namesake, the treacherous sandbank at the mouth of the Camel Estuary near the brewery's home in Rock.

The company has a record of more than 90 international brewing awards, which last year included five medals at the Drinks Business Awards, five medals at the International Beer Challenge and two medals at the World Beer Challenge.

James Nicholls, marketing controller for the brewery, said: “The Grocer Gold Award is a fantastic accolade and for Doom Bar to take home the gold award in the brand new category ‘Drinks Brand of the Year’, is something we’re absolutely over the moon about.

"Sharp’s Brewery has barely turned 25 years old and we’re beyond proud and honoured that our flagship ale is already world-class, challenging brands like Coca-Cola and Heineken that have been established for more than a century. It is truly phenomenal.”