Where is Australia’s top beer?
The Australian International Beer Awards for 2013 were held recently and the Champion Australian Beer was the Alpha Pale Ale from the Matilda bay Brewing Company in Victoria.
The awards have been going for 21 years now and there were record entries this year – more than 1480 beers from 35 countries and at least 230 brewers. There were 42 judges from many countries.
This is the top competition for beers in the Asia Pacific region, so the award of Champion Beer is high recognition. The top international beer was the ‘Oud Beersel Oude Geuze’ by Oud Beersel from Vlaams-Brabant in Belgium.
Brad Rodgers, Chief Judge said; “Stand out classes this year included beers competing for Best Stout, with 49 medals awarded, Best Amber/Dark Ale with 48 medals awarded, Best International Pale Ale with 43 medals awarded, and of course Best Belgium and French Style ale with 55 medals awarded, 11 of these gold. We are also pleased to have another first this year with a gold medal awarded in the Gluten Free Beer Class. This is a great result and a reflection that this beer is of the highest standard and quality in its category.”
The following are the winners of the 2013 Australian International Beer Awards:
2013 Champion Trophies
Barrett Burston Malting Trophy for Champion Australian Beer: ‘Alpha Pale Ale’, Matilda Bay Brewing Company, Victoria, Australia
City of Ballarat Trophy for Champion International Beer: ‘Oud Beersel Oude Geuze’, Oud Beersel, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
Graincorp Trophy for Champion Large Australian Brewery: Carlton and United Breweries, Abbortsford, Victoria, Australia
Spiegelau Trophy for Champion Large International Brewery: Die Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Bavaria, Germany
FB* Propak Trophy for Champion Medium Australian Brewery: Feral Brewing Company, Western Australia, Australia
Cryermalt Trophy for Champion Medium International Brewery: NØgne Ø, Det Kompromisslose Bryggeri, Grimstand, Norway Brewpack Trophy for Champion Small Australian Brewery: 2 Brothers Brewery, Victoria, Australia
City of Ballarat Trophy for Champion Small International Brewery: Renaissance Brewing Ltd, Marlborough, New Zealand
Gary Sheppard Memorial Trophy for Best New Exhibitor: Schlossbrauerei Au-Hallertau, Au-Hallertau, Germany
This article has been written by Rachelle Williams – The Green Food Safety Coach.