Congratulations to the Adnams brewing team! Deep Seas, our Belgian-style Blonde, has won Gold in the Keg Continental Style Beer category at UK’s biggest independent beer competition - the SIBA Independent Beer Awards 2025. 

The awards are organised by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates and to earn a place in the national finals at their BeerX UK event in Liverpool, brewers must first win Gold in the regional competitions.

Released just last year, Deep Seas took Gold in the East of England’s heats in November and went on to represent the region in the final. A second keg Adnams beer, Blanche Witbier, also won Gold in the regional rounds in the Keg Speciality & Flavoured Beer category.

Deep Seas is a relatively new beer in the Adnams portfolio, but it is a showcase for something much older – our unique dual yeast strain. The origins of Adnams house yeast date back to the 1920s and we've been using it in Southwold since the 1940s. When crafting Deep Seas, we wanted to create a beer that accentuated its unique characteristics.

“We’ve always said that our yeast has a slight Belgian accent when you really dive in, so a Belgian-Style Blonde fitted the bill as we could really embrace the fermentation process,” said Dan, our head brewer.

“Paying particular attention to temperature in the brewhouse helps us make the most of the big fruity esters our house yeast imparts. We used Mandarina Bavaria hops for some tangerine notes and there is a small amount of malt flavour for balance. Careful use of wheat gives this brew real depth.” It’s no wonder it was a hit with the judges.

Judged by brewers and industry experts, the SIBA Independent Beer Awards 2025 awards run across a huge range of beer style categories including pale ale, IPA, stout and lager.

“The ‘Continental Beer Style’ category is broad and ranges from a strong Tripel to a dark lager. With that said, for Deep Seas to win Gold in the national finals is hugely impressive, especially in such a diverse group of beers and abvs. Belgian-style beer is where our yeast really sings and our brewers too, so good job everyone!” Dan added.

This year’s BeerX UK was the event’s biggest ever, attracting a record number of delegates to a packed conference of talks, seminars, tasting sessions, and of course the beer awards, which name the very best of the best in the independent beer industry. Finalists from Scotland, the North East, North West, Midlands, East of England, Wales & West, South East, and South West all fought it out to take home the top spots.

“These awards are twelve months in the making and are given to only the UK’s very best beers. Huge congratulations to all of this year’s medal winners,” said Andy Slee, SIBA’s Chief Executive. 

Deep Seas is available on draught in keg and can also be found in 440ml cans. Have fun diving in!