Wiltshire-brewed stout Corvus has beaten Guinness in a blind tasting, brewers Wadworth have revealed.

Independent research was carried out by the Oxford School of Hospitality, with drinkers asked to try both stouts, which were unlabelled. 

Having chosen their favourite, those taking part were asked to mark this out of ten.

Researchers said that 65 per cent chose Devizes-brewed Corvus as their favourite, with most of those taking part marking it eight, nine or ten out of ten.

Taking its name from the Latin for raven, Corvus (4.1% ABV), Wadworth says the brew is a smooth stout, with a roasted malt body and subtle bitterness.

Wadworth revealed the blind-tasting finding as it announced that Corvus stout and its Swordfish ale were both awarded silver in the 2014 Taste of the West Awards.

Promoting the West Country’s best produce, Taste of the West has been running the coveted awards for over two decades, awarding ales with either bronze, silver or gold.

Paul Sullivan, Wadworth sales and marketing director, said: "We are really proud of all our beers.

"It takes the best ingredients, time honoured brewing methods and years of experience to brew the finest ales, so it’s fantastic to receive this recognition.”

Available throughout the Wadworth estate and in selected pubs nationally. Corvus is also sold in cans at Wadworth's online shop.

Swordfish (5% ABV) was created by Wadworth as a one-off brew to celebrate the centenary of the Fleet Air Arm in 2009. It proved so popular it has been enjoyed in Wadworth pubs ever since.

The beer is named after the historic Fairey Swordfish aircraft and is blended with Pussers Rum to create an ale with a naval twist.

For information about Wadworth pubs visit www.wadworth.co.uk