Underdog challenged brewers to produce an IPA that offered “powerful flavours and aromas” without using Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial, Citra, Galaxy, Mosaic or Simcoe hops.

In addition, the brewer had to use a minimum of 20% of the so-called ‘underdog’ hop, which was Target.

Beers from 11 different countries were entered and judged through four rounds by a team of industry experts.

The two runners-up Vorpal Blade, a Black IPA by Helm Bar Brewery and Brasserie Galibiere’s EXP 16.1 IPA were both give high praise.

However, the judges opted for “straight Outta Boston” an IPA brewed by an American from Boston in a Farmhouse Brewery from Denmark.

Dan Christmas, craft marketing manager at Simply Hops explained: “It’s nice to be able to say that the result could not have been better for us.

“Not only is “Straight Outta Boston” a great IPA that manages to deliver big flavours and aromas, it does so in a way that really highlights the fundamental idea behind the Underdog campaign.

“Ben Howe [the brewer] has used Target in conjunction with other hop varieties [Chinook and Columbus] to create something that craft beer drinkers would really appreciate.

“The result is not ‘run of the mill’ but remains very pleasant. I think that’s what really impressed the judges in the end.”     

Ebeltoft were presented with the winners prize of £2000 credit to spend on Simplyhops.com.