Last night witnessed a jubilant celebration of breweries from Australia and around the globe at the 2024 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards (AIBAs), where industry stalwarts such as Stone & Wood, Garage Project, and Brick Lane Brewing emerged as dominant forces.
Marked as the world’s largest beer competition evaluating both draught and packaged beer, alongside design and media, this year’s awards garnered over 2500 beer entries hailing from more than 400 breweries across 23 countries. Darren Keating, Melbourne Royal’s Executive General Manager of Agriculture, lauded this year as a milestone, labeling it a record-breaking edition for the AIBAs.
“The AIBAs stand as the paramount platform for honoring excellence, dedication, and ingenuity within the beer and brewing domain. This year’s rendition of the Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards witnessed resounding success, with an unprecedented number of brewers showcasing their fervor and finesse in crafting some of the world’s finest brews,” remarked Keating.
A staggering volume of over 41,000 liters of beer was generously provided by the participants, meticulously evaluated by the judging panel over a span of four days. Comprising an international contingent of 84 judges, among whom 30 percent were women, and 15 hailed as beer connoisseurs from nine diverse nations.
“We express our profound gratitude for the extraordinary backing from the beer fraternity and extend our thanks to all brewers, judges, stewards, sponsors, and event personnel for upholding the stature of this world-class event,” added Keating.
The coveted title of Champion Australian Beer, sponsored by Cryer Malt, was clinched by New South Wales-based brewery Stone & Wood for its Hinterland Pale Ale. This brew also secured the accolade for Best Australian Style Pale Ale, sponsored by KONVOY. Part of Stone & Wood’s All-Australian Hops series, Hinterland Pale Ale harnesses Eclipse and Vic Secret hops, boasting tasting notes that highlight succulent citrus flavors intertwined with subtle hints of tropical pineapple and mandarin.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Garage Project emerged triumphant with four prestigious awards. Their Chance, Luck & Magic 2021 claimed the title of Champion International Beer, sponsored by Boortmalt Asia Pacific, while also seizing the crown for Best Belgian or French-Style Ale. Additionally, Garage Project clinched the title of Champion Large International Brewery, sponsored by KONVOY.
Brick Lane Brewing, based in Melbourne, also basked in glory with four accolades to its name. Notable among these were the titles of Champion Victorian Brewery, sponsored by Agriculture Victoria, and Champion Large Australian Brewery, sponsored by Barrett Burston Malting.
“The attainment of a trophy or medal at the esteemed Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards opens myriad commercial avenues and sets consumer trends in motion. I extend heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients of medals and trophies,” concluded Keating.
Among other significant winners were Victoria’s Dollar Bill Brewing, securing the Australian Gypsy Brewer Award, while Western Australia’s King Road Brewing Co was honored with the title of Champion Small Australian Brewery, sponsored by Hop Products Australia (HPA). Victoria’s Kaiju! Beer clinched the title of Champion Medium Australian Brewery, sponsored by Cryer Malt.
