Best beer in world award for France

Frenchman Patrice Pobel scoops the World Beer Award for his pale beer Thou

A BREWER from Pont d’Ain near Lyon has picked up the Pale Beer prize at the World Beer Awards.

Patrice Pobel’s beer Thou was described by judges at the competition in Norfolk as “thirst quenching, very quaffable” and “warming and smooth”.

The World Beer Awards have 1,000 competing beers from 42 countries

“Winning in this category the first time that I entered is a huge boost and added pride,” said Mr Pobel, 38, who runs the Maison de Brasseur. “Above all, it’s the international recognition, and that is priceless.”

Mr Pobel produces around 500 hectolitres of beer a year, or roughly 152,000 33ml bottles.