MEDIA RELEASE

Australian International Beer Awards: 2013 Winners Announced

Tonight the Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) has announced its champions at a prestigious presentation dinner in Melbourne, Australia.

Top accolades went to Alpha Pale Ale draught brewed by Matilda Bay Brewing Company from Victoria, Australia, and Oud Beersel Oude Geuze brewed by Oud Beersel from Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium, who took home the titles of Champion Australian Beer and Champion International Beer, respectively.

Now in its 21st year, the AIBA is the pre-eminent showcase for premium beer and brewing excellence in the Asia Pacific region, and is coordinated annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) and the University of Ballarat. A record number of entries were received in 2013; over 1,480 beers from more than 230 brewers in 35 countries, an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year.

The dynamic judging panel was headed by Brad Rodgers, a highly respected member of the Australian brewing community and current Chairman of the Craft Beer Industry Association (CBIA). A total of 42 judges participated from Australia, Norway, Belgium, United States, United Kingdom, Japan and New Zealand.

Brad Rogers, AIBA 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 & 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,” said Mr Rodgers.

RASV CEO, Mr Mark O’Sullivan said, “The AIBA draws international recognition from the beer industry and showcases the commitment to excellence from brewers. Each year has seen standards continually improve and brewers continually exceed our expectations.”

“This year in response to both Australian and international brewing industry changes and trends, a medium sized brewery category was introduced recognising, in particular, the global growth in the craft sector.

“The RASV would like to congratulate the AIBA 2013 winners, and thank all the Australian and international brewers who participated in the competition,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

For further information please visit www.beerawards.com and follow the AIBA on Twitter @AIBA2013.

Full catalogue of results.

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 & United Breweries – Abbotsford, 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

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 Boston New Exhibitor: Schlossbrauerei Au-Hallertau, Au-Hallertau, Germany

2013 Major Trophies

City Of Ballarat Trophy For Best Australian Style Lager: Mac’s Gold: Lion – The Pride, Auckland, New Zealand

Royal Agricultural Society Of Victoria Trophy For Best European Style Lager: Taxi: 2 Brothers Brewery, Victoria, Australia

University Of Ballarat Trophy For Best International Lager: Cascade Pure: Cascade Brewery Co, Tasmania, Australia

Brewers Guild Of New Zealand Trophy For Best Pilsner: Mac’s Hop Rocker: Lion – The Pride, Auckland, New Zealand

Beer & Brewer Magazine Trophy For Best Australian Style Pale Ale: Coopers Sparkling Ale Draught: Coopers Brewery Ltd, South Australia, Australia

University Of Ballarat Trophy For Best International Pale Ale: Alpha Pale Ale: Matilda Bay Brewing Company Victoria, Australia

Barrett Burston Malting Trophy For Best British Style Ale: Up Yer Kilt Scottish Ale: Brisbane Brewing Co, Queensland, Australia

Weyermann Specialty Malting Trophy For Best European Style Ale: Bamberg Altbier: Cervejaria Bamberg, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Good Beer Week Trophy For Best IPA: Superconductor: 8 Wired Brewing, Blenheim, New Zealand

3 Degrees Marketing Trophy For Best Amber / Dark Ale: Siren Red Ale: Lighthouse Brewing Co, British Columbia, Canada

Cryermalt Trophy For Best Porter: Boris: Feral Brewing Company, Western Australia, Australia

Good Beer Week Trophy For Best Stout: Mornington Russian Imperial Stout: Mornington Peninsula Brewery, Victoria, Australia

University Of Ballarat Trophy For Best Reduced Or Low Alcohol: Carlton Mid: Carlton & United Breweries – Abbotsford, Victoria, Australia

Royal Agricultural Society Of Victoria Trophy For Best Wheat Beer: Weihenstephaner Vitus: Die Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Bavaria, Germany

Weyermann Specialty Malting Trophy For Best Belgian & French Style: Ale Oud Beersel Oude Geuze: Oud Beersel, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium

Labelmakers Group Trophy For Best Scotch Ale & Barley Wine: Tribute 2011 Barley Wine: Renaissance Brewing Ltd, Marlborough, New Zealand

Barrel Media & Events Trophy For Best Speciality Beer: Samuel Adams Norse Legend: Boston Beer Company, Massachusetts, USA

Labelmakers Group Trophy For Best Packaging: Tuatara Brewing Co Ltd Pilsner Twelve Bottle Carton: Tuatara Brewing Co Ltd, Wellington – Kapiti, New Zealand

Trophy For Best Amber / Dark Lager: Not Awarded

About the Australian International Beer Awards:

Conducted annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) and the University of Ballarat, the Australian International Beer Awards is the pre-eminent showcase of beer and brewing excellence in the Asia-Pacific region. Now in its 21st year, the annual awards draw exhibits from across the world, with 2013 seeing more than 1,480 brews entered from countries including Belgium, Czech Republic, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, the US, and Vietnam. This year’s judging panel, made up of 42 Australian and international industry experts, includes representatives from Norway, Belgium, United States, United Kingdom, Japan and New Zealand.