The ale didn’t have to be seen to be believed at the 14th annual Oxford Beer Festival.

Yesterday saw a blind tasting session of 25 beers from 25 breweries, all within a 25-mile radius of Oxford.

The 23 judges unanimously named Vanilla Stout from Bingham’s Brewery in Berkshire the winner. Matt Bullock, pictured, one of the event’s organisers, said the beer tasted just as its name suggested, adding: “It was very, very nice.”

The festival, which is taking place in Oxford Town Hall, opened on Thursday. Mr Bullock said: “There is an excellent atmosphere and every year it just gets busier and busier.

“We do not advertise greatly, but people seem to find out about it and then they come back year in, year out.

“It has become an annual date in the diary now that people look forward to.”

The festival raises money for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and will continue today at 11am. Entrance costs £10, which includes £6 in beer tokens and a glass.