A CASK ale brewed in Burnley has been proclaimed a world-beating beer at the industry’s answer to the Oscars.

Moorhouse’s Black Cat took gold in the Standard Strength Cask-Conditioned Ale category of the Brewing Industry International Awards (BIIA).

The multi-award-winning 3.4 per cent dark brew is one of the Accrington Road brewery’s Pendle Witches ales.

The bi-annual event was judged over three days at the National Brewing Museum, Burton-on-Trent, with beers from across the world entered into nine categories.

Moorhouse’s managing director David Grant said: “The international awards are judged by top brewers from throughout the world – people who really know what they are talking about.

We knew that Black Cat was outstanding and now our peers have confirmed this.

“This is a huge tribute to our head brewer Peter Curran and his talented team. It means we are brewing the best standard strength cask ale in the world.

“For us, it is like winning an Olympic medal.”

The accolade comes less than four months after Moorhouse’s launched its new tower brewery, which is part of a £4.2 million development.

Last month saw a sales jump of 10 per cent over January 2010 and competition wins for Blond Witch and Pendle Witches Brew.

The tower brewery is part of an ambitious complex that includes a visitor centre and training school to be completed this spring.

It trebles former production capacity to more than 1,000 brewer’s barrels a week.

Mr Grant said: “This is really fantastic news so soon after starting brewing on the new plant.

“It is international confirmation that we are brewing amazing world class ale on our world class tower brewery.”

Nine championship beers have been selected and will be revealed at an awards luncheon at London’s Guildhall in April.