Dartmoor Brewery’s flagship Jail Ale has been awarded Gold in the Premium Bitters category at the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain Area Awards 2026.
England’s highest brewery, nestled in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, is celebrating success at the 2026 CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Awards after taking home Gold in the Premium Bitter category for the South Central and Southwest region.
As an area gold winner, Jail Ale also progressed to the national Champion Beer of Britain finals, where the UK’s regional winners compete for the overall title in their category.
CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain Awards are among the UK’s most respected brewing accolades, celebrating exceptional beers brewed using traditional cask ale methods. Judging takes place through a series of regional beer festivals before the national finals.
Best known for its iconic Jail Ale, named after the nearby historic Dartmoor Prison, Dartmoor Brewery has been crafting award-winning beers in Princetown since 1994. What began as a small brewery behind the Prince of Wales pub has grown into a purpose-built brewery that has proudly been brewing on Dartmoor for more than 30 years.
Ian Cobham, Head Brewer and Managing Director of Dartmoor Brewery, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive this Gold award for Jail Ale. It’s especially rewarding because it’s recognition from CAMRA members and real ale enthusiasts who are passionate about cask beer and the traditions behind it.
“Cask ale is a naturally brewed beer that’s full of character, and CAMRA plays an important role in celebrating and protecting that style of brewing. We’re proud to keep those traditions alive while continuing to introduce our ale to new generations of beer drinkers.”
Alongside the iconic Jail Ale, Dartmoor Brewery’s range includes Dartmoor IPA and Legend, two beers that have become firm favourites in pubs across Devon and beyond.
Dartmoor Brewery remains committed to traditional, natural brewing methods while embracing carefully selected modern techniques. Every beer is brewed using the finest English malts, carefully chosen hops, pure Dartmoor water and the brewery’s own in-house yeast to create the distinctive flavour and quality it has become known for.
Each pint is brewed to reflect the character of Dartmoor itself: bold, authentic and full of flavour. To find out more head on over to the Dartmoor Brewery website.
