AN acclaimed Burnley brewery is celebrating a five-fold triumph for its newly launched range of bottled ales.

All bottled versions of the Moorhouse’s ‘famous five’ core Pendle Witches range claimed accolades at the International Beer Challenge (IBC).

In the first brewing contest to judge the revamped range, Black Cat was voted a silver medal while Premier Bitter, Pride of Pendle, Blond Witch and Pendle Witches Brew all took bronze.

The success comes just months after its new multi-million pound tower brewery in Accrington Road trebled capacity and allowed the launch of an expanded bottled selection.

The new brewing capacity meant that award winning Pride of Pendle and Premier Bitter could be added to the former three strong line-up in a bid to seek further sales in the UK off-trade and abroad.

David Grant, Moorhouse’s managing director, hailed the achievement, saying it was proof that quality had not been compromised following the expansion.

He said: “To win this fantastic international recognition for all our brands is an outstanding tribute to our brewers and the quality of brewing at the new brew house.

“It is wonderful news coming so soon after we have expanded the bottle selection and increased output.

“Previously, sales were restricted simply by the limits on our brewing resources.

“Now we can meet new orders and supply a much wider market.

"The IBC awards will be a great boost to this.”

In the annual Off Licence News-organised contest, a diverse array of 400 beers from around the world were blind-tasted in 62 categories by expert judges.

The best beers were then re-tasted by a smaller group of judges, led by chairman and leading beer writer Jeff Evans.