The Dark Lord won the best stout or porter category because of its ruby colour and creamy malt character, and Triple XB was singled out as one of the best 50 beers in the world.


Bateman's managing director Stuart Bateman said: "We are really pleased to win the best in category with Dark Lord and it is rewarding to see our decision to give more taste details to our customers on our beer labels is paying dividends."


The contest is judged over two days and the competition is fierce with hundreds of entries. Beers are judged on taste and presentation.


Chairman of judges Jeff Evans said: "Dark Lord is a natural winner in the IBC as it ticks both the taste and packaging boxes. The beer is excellently balanced and full of interesting, satisfying dark malt flavours, while the bottle is attractive and very informative, giving customers all they need to know when shopping for beer."