Congratulations to Brad Rogers on his achievements during his tenure as AIBA head judge, and instilling a new sense of vigour into the awards. It’s unsurprising with all he has on in commissioning a new brewery that he has had to relinquish the position, but Warren Pawsey is an admirable replacement. We wish Warren well. [Ed]

Media Release

AIBA appoints interim head judge

Interim Head Judge, Warren Pawsey

Little Creatures Head Brewer Warren Pawsey has been appointed interim Head Judge for this year’s Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA).

Mr Pawsey will take over from current Head Judge Brad Rogers who will step aside from the position this year to open a new brewery in late April in Northern New South Wales.

Mr Rogers said he was disappointed he could not continue in the role of Head Judge for the 2014 AIBA.

“Unfortunately due to the timing of my business commitments I am unable to take part in this year’s Australian International Beer Awards. However, I am confident that Warren with his wealth of experience in the industry and in judging locally and internationally will be a fantastic replacement.”

Warren has worked in the beer and brewing industry for more than 27 years in the craft and large beer sector, brewing in Australia, the Pacific Region and in the US. Warren joined Lion in 2001 and has worked in positions with Castlemaine-Perkins and Tooheys until his recent role as Head Brewer with Little Creatures. Warren’s passion for beer has seen him judging for the AIBA, World Beer Cup, Great American Beer Festival and Brew NZ.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to judge at these prestigious beer awards and mix with some of the best in the business,” Mr Pawsey said.

“The Australian International Beer Awards is important to the Australian brewing industry and as a brewer and past judge it is an exciting award to be part of.”

RASV, CEO Mark O’Sullivan said the RASV is pleased to have Warren Pawsey on board in this interim position.

“We thank Warren for taking on the position with us this year and welcome his global knowledge and experience in the industry to our dedicated team,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Winners of the 2014 AIBA will be announced on Thursday, 22 May 2014 as part of Good Beer Week, with brewers given the opportunity to showcase their award-winning products at various events during the AIBA program.

The AIBA are presented annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) in conjunction with Federation University Australia. For more information on the AIBA please visit www.rasv.com.au/beer or connect on Twitter at @AIBA2014.

[ENDS]

Notes to editors

About the Australian International Beer Awards:

The Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) champions beer and brewing excellence in Australia and around the world. As one of the best brewing competitions in the world and the second largest of its kind, the AIBA is renowned for showcasing and celebrating the highest quality beer. In 2013, the competition attracted 1,480 entries from 35 countries, with 27 trophies awarded by judges from Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, China, Japan, Norway and Belgium. The AIBA is conducted annually in Melbourne, Australia by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) in partnership with the University of Ballarat.