The popular Old Speckled Hen brew was awarded the coveted prize in the malted beer category, after impressing the panel at the tasting event in Venice on Monday.

The beer, which was first brewed 30 years ago to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the MG car factory, stood out from hundreds of beers from more than 70 countries at the annual event.

Justin Adams, Greene King Brewing Company's managing director, said: "We already know how much people in Britain and abroad like Old Speckled Hen, but these awards provide an added testament to the skills, craft and high standards followed by our talented team of brewers.

"Old Speckled Hen is Britain's number one take-home, premium beer and the fact it has won an international quality award proves what a great beer it is."

The newer Old Crafty Hen brand, created by the Bury St Edmunds brewer six months ago, also won a gold in the special or regional beer category, for its blend of Old Speckled Hen with the darker Old 5X beer, which is left to age in oak vats.

Mr Adams added: "The gold medal is a tremendous accolade and I am extremely proud of our brewers and our beer."

Brewer Craig Bennett travelled to Italy to collect the prestigious prize.

He said: "I already thought I had one of the best jobs in the world, but when I was asked to go to Venice to collect the gold medals on behalf of the brewing team, it got even better.

"It's fantastic to be working for a brewery where taste and quality are top of the agenda and where the whole workforce is passionate about the products and it's great to be given the opportunity to represent them in Venice."


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