From judging home brew entries in a country show, to deciding the winner in an international competition – it all comes down to a matter of personal taste.
Depending on what you enjoy, your opinion on beer may vary greatly to that of your best mate – and that’s OK.
And that’s why I use the selection of winners in major competitions as guides and incentives to trying beers which haves appealed to more knowledgeable beer judges than yours truly.
So it was with great interest that I checked out the winners of this year’s Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) held in Melbourne.
The awards, which have been going since 1987, attracted more than 2500 entries across a very wide range of categories, submitted by more than 400 breweries from 21 countries.
They recognise champion brews from both Australia and internationally in just about every beer category you can think of and also the brewers, large and small.
While I would hardly expect anyone to ‘sample’ their way through the long list of winners from home and aboard, I would like to suggest a few “local” champions which you may find easier to acquire either through your local bottle or online.
The champion Aussie brew went to Western Australian brewer Wedgetail Brewing for their Dark Lager – an appropriate winner given the time of year when dark brews are very much in fashion.
On the subject of dark beers (my favourites), the Best Dark Ale went to Carlton Black brewed by Cascade Brewing in Tasmania. This is a surprise because I tend to rank Toohey Old above this drop – but what am I to know?
The Best Porter/Stout was won by NSW’s Reckless Brewing Stout.
As for the brewers, the Champion Large Brewery award was taken out by Hawkers Beer from Victoria, (the really big boys didn’t get a look in), the Champion Middle Sized Brewery was Philter Brewing from NSW while the Champion Small Sized Brewery was Queensland’s own Slipsteam Brewing in Brisbane.
I suggest it would be worthwhile find out what these brewers have to offer and sample them for yourself to see if you agree with the judges.
For more on the AIBAs, go to https://www.melbourneroyal.com.au/australian-international-beer-awards/
And staying on the subject of dark beers, South Australia brewer, Coopers, has taken a small but significant step in releasing its famed Dark Ale in a can.
Until now, Coopers Dark Ale has only been sold in bottles and kegs, but now it is available for a limited time in 375ml cans.
This is the last in the Coopers range to be canned.
It’s full bodied drop at 4.5 percent and offers a smooth malty flavour with a touch of bitterness as it leaves the mouth.
In the cooler months, it’s an ideal ‘warmer’ but not a brew to have a big session on due to the fact it will “fill” you up.
I would suggest having it with a hearty stew or rich broth or beef brisket.
At around $23 per 375ml six pack, it’s reasonably priced and you know with Coopers, you are getting a big can – not your 330ml short falls.
Head to your local and grab your Coopers Dark Ale cans while they last.
