Australian International Beer Awards return in 2021 with new categories and record Australian entries

Trophies to be presented at AIBA Presentation Dinner on Thursday 20 May at Melbourne Showgrounds

The annualAustralian International Beer Awards (AIBA)conducted byThe Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) isthe largest annual competition in the world judging both draught and packaged beer.

This year the AIBA attracted an incredible 2,495 entries from 373 breweries in 21 countries, including 110 new exhibitors as the Awards celebrate 29 years of providing a benchmarking platform for breweries of all sizes, globally.

As Australian brewing continues its incredible rise, the Awards received the highest number of Australian entries it has ever received (1781 entries). 35 trophies will be awarded at the AIBA Presentation Dinnerto be held onThursday 20 Mayin the fabulous new Victoria Pavilion atMelbourne Showgrounds.

New for 2021, a trophy will be awarded to theChampion Victorian Brewery. The award will be judged on the brewery’s top four scoring beers, at least one of which must be a gold medal-winning exhibit. This year saw growth in the categories ofBest Traditional IPAandBest Modern IPA, along with a solid 25 entries in the new category ofBest Non-Alcohol Beer.

Judging will take place over four days on11 – 14 Mayat Melbourne Showgrounds with 67 expert judges invited to assess the worlds best beer. With the health of AIBA judges, stewards and staff remaining the highest priority, this year the AIBA will utilise highly experienced Victorian-based judging panels and stewarding staff. Judges in 2021 will includeBen Kraus(Bridge Road Brewers),Jayne Lewis(Two Birds Brewing),Justin Fox(Hawke’s Brewinh Co.),Kirrily Waldhorn(Beer Diva),Tina Panoutsos(Carlton & United Breweries),Warren Pawsey(Little Creatures) andSteve “Hendo’ Henderson(Rockstar Brewing) and many others.

RASV CEO Brad Jenkinssaid: “The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria is thrilled to receive such a wide range of support for the 2021 Australian International Beer Awards. To have such strong numbers of Australian and International entries this year tells us that despite the many challenges of the past 12 months, the Australian International Beer Awards continue to provide a valuable benchmarking and networking opportunity for brewers from around the world.“

Tickets to the AIBA Presentation Dinner are on sale now until Sunday 16 May and are available for purchase on the RASV website.

About the AIBA

Conducted by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, the AIBA is the largest annual beer competition in the worldassessing both draught and packaged beer

Renowned for showcasing the highest quality beer and for celebrating brewing excellence, AIBA is open for entry to brewers and breweries of all sizes, from small and medium volume to large scale commercial production. From 2019 – 2021 AIBA has had a 71% exhibitor retention rate (AIBA did not run in 2020 due to the global pandemic).

About the RASV

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), is a member-based, not-for-profit organisation that was formed in 1848 and the purpose is to celebrate agriculture, cultivate events and strengthen communities.

Our Vision is for the RASV to be globally recognised as a seal of excellence, highly valued for:

• Showcasing food and beverage, produce and producers
• Presenting premier events, including but not limited to the Royal Melbourne Show
• Activating and creating vibrant event spaces at Melbourne Showgrounds