Media Release

Good Beer Week loves IPA

Does anything excite today’s beer lovers more than a beautifully balanced, hoppy IPA? The team at Good Beer Week doesn’t think so, which is why the festival is thrilled to announce it is sponsoring the trophy for Champion IPA at this year’s Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA).

The third Good Beer Week features 140 events at 115 venues across Melbourne and Victoria from May 18 to 26, including the AIBA Gala Dinner on May 23. This is the first time the festival has sponsored a trophy at the awards, which are now in their 21st year.

“The IPA – or India Pale Ale, to give the beer its full name – is a beer that has played a major role in the craft beer revolution that’s sweeping the globe,” said Good Beer Week co-founder James Smith.

“It’s come a long way from its origins in the days of the British Empire, with brewers today creating amazing variations on the style and beer lovers in thrall to the best of them.

“As such, when the opportunity arose to sponsor a trophy at this year’s awards, we were only too keen to put the Good Beer Week name to that of Best IPA.”

The first Good Beer Week took place in May 2011, with a program of more than 50 events centered around that year’s AIBA Gala Dinner. The not-for-profit festival has since grown to become Australia’s leading celebration of the beer world and has continued to work closely with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria that runs the awards.

RASV CEO Mark O’Sullivan said: “The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria is committed to working in collaboration with industry and Good Beer Week in promoting and celebrating excellence in beer and brewing. We are delighted that the relationship between the AIBA and Good Beer Week this year is strengthened by their new sponsorship of the Best IPA Trophy.”

This year’s Good Beer Week program features degustations at some of Victoria’s top restaurants, live brews, international guest brewers, weeklong showcases, walking tours, beer launches, masterclasses and much more. The awards continue to grow too, with a record number of entries received from all over the world.

“The growing success of Good Beer Week as well as record entries received into this year’s AIBA, are testament to the enthusiasm within both the Australian and international brewing industry and the interest of consumers in drinking good beer,” added Mr O’Sullivan.

• Good Beer Week 2013 runs from May 18 to 26. The full program is online at goodbeerweek.com.au. Print copies are also available at all participating venues.
• The Gala Dinner for the 21st Australian International Beer Awards is on May 23. Tickets are available from www.rasv.com.au

Good Beer Week 2013 runs from May 18 to 26. Tickets are on sale now.You can stay up-to-date with Good Beer Week via: Web: goodbeerweek.com.au

Twitter: @GoodBeerWeek
Facebook: facebook.com/GoodBeerWeek
Instagram: #GBW2013