BEER brewed from spring water in the Cotswolds is now officially world-famous after reaching the gold standard at an international ceremony.

Hook Norton Brewery ran out proud winners at the International Brewing Awards after winning gold with their premium ale, Hooky, in the bottled ale competition.

It's sister brew, Old Hooky, won a commendable silver medal in its category.

More than 30 judges from 16 different countries assessed nearly 1,000 beers over a course of three days to be able to decide the eventual winners.

The competition itself is unique in that all the judges are, themselves, practising and professional brewers so the beers have to be perfect to stand any chance of coming out on top.

These Awards have been running since 1886 and are held at the National Brewery Centre, Burton Upon Trent.

James Clarke, managing director of brewing and fifth generation of the family which founded Hook Norton Brewery, said: “We are all absolutely delighted to win these awards. It is testament to our exacting standards and dedicated staff. It also demonstrates that whilst a traditional brewer, we are at the forefront of quality brewing."

Mr Clarke said his winning brew, Hooky, had been part of the range they created for as long as anyone can remember. He describes it as a "subtly balanced beer, gently 'hoppy' to the nose with a malty fresh palate and is eminently drinkable."

It is described as a classic session beer at 3.5 per cent volume.

"Old Hooky was first brewed in 1977, for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. It soon became a permanent beer. A beautifully balanced beer, fruity by nature with a well-rounded body and the suggestive echo of crystal malt. At 4.6 per cent alcohol, this is a premium beer, and an excellent accompaniment to roast meat dishes," Mr Clarke explained.

Hook Norton Brewery is an independent family run brewery. The original footprint was a farm house in Brewery Lane which was bought by founder John Harris, Mr Clarke's great, great grandfather in 1849, and has seen a wealth of renovation and expansion over that time. It is said to be the finest example of a Victorian Tower Brewery in the country. The current visitor centre was converted from outbuildings and malt stores and was opened by The Princess Royal in 1999 to celebrate 150 years of brewing and the brewery remains one of only 32 independent family-run brewery businesses in the country.

The brewery produces around 20,000 barrels a year and supplies a wide range of beers to pubs, bars, shops and stores throughout the UK. Around 10 per cent of production is exported to countries including Australia and Russia.

Their most recent creation, Greedy Goose, was produced just before Christmas.