Australian International Beer Awards: 2013 Winners Announced

Tonight the Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) has announced its champions at a prestigious presentation dinner in Melbourne, Australia.

Top accolades went to Alpha Pale Ale draught brewed by Matilda Bay Brewing Company from Victoria, Australia, and Oud Beersel Oude Geuze brewed by Oud Beersel from Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium, who took home the titles of Champion Australian Beer and Champion International Beer, respectively.

Now in its 21^st year, the AIBA is the pre-eminent showcase for premium beer and brewing excellence in the Asia Pacific region, and is coordinated annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) and the University of Ballarat. A record number of entries were received in 2013; over 1,480 beers from more than 230 brewers in 35 countries, an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year.

The dynamic judging panel was headed by Brad Rodgers, a highly respected member of the Australian brewing community and current Chairman of the Craft Beer Industry Association (CBIA). A total of 42 judges participated from Australia, Norway, Belgium, United States, United Kingdom, Japan and New Zealand.

Brad Rogers, AIBA Chief Judge said, “Stand out classes this year included beers competing for Best Stout, with 49 medals awarded, Best Amber/Dark Ale with 48 medals awarded, Best International Pale Ale with 43 medals awarded and of course Best Belgium & French Style Ale with 55 medals awarded, 11 of these gold.”

“We are also pleased to have another first this year with a gold medal awarded in the Gluten Free Beer Class. This is a great result and a reflection that this beer is of the highest standard and quality in its category,” said Mr Rodgers.

RASV CEO, Mr Mark O’Sullivan said, “The AIBA draws international recognition from the beer industry and showcases the commitment to excellence from brewers. Each year has seen standards continually improve and brewers continually exceed our expectations.”

“This year in response to both Australian and international brewing industry changes and trends, a medium sized brewery category was introduced recognising, in particular, the global growth in the craft sector.

“The RASV would like to congratulate the AIBA 2013 winners, and thank all the Australian and international brewers who participated in the competition,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

For further information please visit www.beerawards.com and follow the AIBA on Twitter @AIBA2013.

Winners of the 2013 Australian International Beer Awards:

2013 Champion Trophies

Barrett Burston Malting Trophy For Champion Australian Beer: Alpha Pale Ale: Matilda Bay Brewing Company, Victoria, Australia

City Of Ballarat Trophy For Champion International Beer: Oud Beersel Oude Geuze: Oud Beersel, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium

Graincorp Trophy For Champion Large Australian Brewery: Carlton & United Breweries — Abbotsford, Victoria, Australia

Spiegelau Trophy For Champion Large International Brewery: Die Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Bavaria, Germany

Fb*Propak Trophy For Champion Medium Australian Brewery: Feral Brewing Company, Western Australia, Australia

Brewpack Trophy For Champion Small Australian Brewery: 2 Brothers Brewery, Victoria, Australia

City Of Ballarat Trophy For Champion Small International Brewery: Renaissance Brewing Ltd, Marlborough, New Zealand

Gary Sheppard Memorial Trophy For Boston New Exhibitor: Schlossbrauerei Au-Hallertau, Au-Hallertau, Germany

2013 Major Trophies

City Of Ballarat Trophy For Best Australian Style Lager: Mac’s Gold: Lion — The Pride, Auckland, New Zealand

Royal Agricultural Society Of Victoria Trophy For Best European Style Lager: Taxi: 2 Brothers Brewery, Victoria, Australia

University Of Ballarat Trophy For Best International Lager: Cascade Pure: Cascade Brewery Co, Tasmania, Australia

Brewers Guild Of New Zealand Trophy For Best Pilsner: Mac’s Hop Rocker: Lion — The Pride, Auckland, New Zealand

Beer & Brewer Magazine Trophy For Best Australian Style Pale Ale: Coopers Sparkling Ale Draught: Coopers Brewery Ltd, South Australia, Australia

University Of Ballarat Trophy For Best International Pale Ale: Alpha Pale Ale: Matilda Bay Brewing Company Victoria, Australia

Barrett Burston Malting Trophy For Best British Style Ale: Up Yer Kilt Scottish Ale: Brisbane Brewing Co, Queensland, Australia

Weyermann Specialty Malting Trophy For Best European Style Ale: Bamberg Altbier: Cervejaria Bamberg, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Good Beer Week Trophy For Best IPA: Superconductor: 8 Wired Brewing, Blenheim, New Zealand

3 Degrees Marketing Trophy For Best Amber / Dark Ale: Siren Red Ale: Lighthouse Brewing Co, British Columbia, Canada

Cryermalt Trophy For Best Porter: Boris: Feral Brewing Company, Western Australia, Australia

Good Beer Week Trophy For Best Stout: Mornington Russian Imperial Stout: Mornington Peninsula Brewery, Victoria, Australia

University Of Ballarat Trophy For Best Reduced Or Low Alcohol: Carlton Mid: Carlton & United Breweries — Abbotsford, Victoria, Australia

Royal Agricultural Society Of Victoria Trophy For Best Wheat Beer: Weihenstephaner Vitus: Die Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Bavaria, Germany

Weyermann Specialty Malting Trophy For Best Belgian & French Style: Ale Oud Beersel Oude Geuze: Oud Beersel, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium

Labelmakers Group Trophy For Best Scotch Ale & Barley Wine: Tribute 2011 Barley Wine: Renaissance Brewing Ltd, Marlborough, New Zealand

Barrel Media & Events Trophy For Best Speciality Beer: Samuel Adams Norse Legend: Boston Beer Company, Massachusetts, USA

Labelmakers Group Trophy For Best Packaging: Tuatara Brewing Co Ltd Pilsner Twelve Bottle Carton: Tuatara Brewing Co Ltd, Wellington — Kapiti, New Zealand

Trophy For Best Amber / Dark Lager: Not Awarded

About the Australian International Beer Awards:

Conducted annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) and the University of Ballarat, the Australian International Beer Awards is the pre-eminent showcase of beer and brewing excellence in the Asia-Pacific region. Now in its 21^st year, the annual awards draw exhibits from across the world, with 2013 seeing more than 1,480 brews entered from countries including Belgium, Czech Republic, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, the US, and Vietnam. This year’s judging panel, made up of 42 Australian and international industry experts, includes representatives from Norway, Belgium, United States, United Kingdom, Japan and New Zealand.

Brewing Manager

• Iconic Brand
• Full-time permanent position
• Brisbane Location

Our client is an iconic producer of beer to the Australian market. With an opportunity for an experienced Brewing Manager to join their Brisbane team on the horizon, this is a fantastic opportunity to express your interest in advance.

Primary duties of the role will include day to day management of the brewing process and overseeing production schedules to ensure demand is met. With an extensive product range manufactured on site, this will certainly be a challenging role. To be considered for this position, you must have substantial experience in a similar role. International applicants are welcome to apply as sponsorship will be an option for the right fit.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an iconic market leader and help drive their business to new heights.

To submit your application in strict confidence, please apply online using the appropriate link below. Alternatively, please contact Joel Cridland on07 3347 7600 quoting reference code TSQLD35299JC.

To view all Techstaff job opportunities visit www.techstaff.com.au.

Apply Now.

GABS opens on Friday and thousands of visitors from near and far are expected to pass through the doors across the weekend, enticed by the opportunity to sample 92 unique craft beers.

I asked the event’s organisers, Steve Jeffares and Guy Greenstone from The Local Taphouse, how they used the lessons of last year’s GABS, the first held at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Centre, to shape this year’s event.

“The obvious lesson we learnt from last year was that having one large bar where people could get samples of every beer doesn’t work when it gets very busy,” Steve told Australian Brews News.

“This year we have broken the bars up, with each serving a smaller selection of beers. Whereas last year there were really only four access points to buying a beer, this year there are more than 70.”

I asked Steve what achievement he found most satisfying when planning for this year’s GABS.

“Having so many breweries launch a new beer at GABS is arguably a highlight but the addition of the new Beer Market, where many excellent breweries are showcasing their regular beers at their own stands, is very exciting too.”

The option to purchase a Season Pass ticket, providing access to all five sessions of GABS across the weekend, has proven very popular for eager event goers. It has also indicated the strong interest of many beer lovers to attempt a tasting of all 92 festival beers across the three days.

Steve offered the following advice for those who are extra excited by the very large number of new beers that will be on offer.

“Pace yourself, drink plenty of water and make sure you eat something. While the specially brewed festival beers are very exciting, people won’t have tried many of the beers in the Dan Murphy’s Beer Market so factor in those too.”

The SpecTAPular is not all about drinking beer. The Craft Beer College, hosted by Australian Brews News’ own Pete Mitcham, will provide beer education and brewer Q&A sessions. There will also be live music, gourmet food stalls and traditional pub games.

GABS has been designed as a celebration of craft brewing to be enjoyed in a Bavarian beer hall like atmosphere. Steve noted that the greatness of the event will come from the combination of its scale, the participation of many world renowned brewers, and the overall unique experience that is not available anywhere else in Australia.

“We hope that people who come to GABS will take away with them a sense that they’ve experienced a craft beer adventure by sampling such a large variety of craft beers from so many leading craft breweries.”

Tickets for GABS area available via Ticketmaster. To learn more about the event, visit the GABS website.

Craft Beer Sales & Marketing

Southern Bay Brewing is celebrating its 25th Anniversary and looking to increase sales in the growing craft beer market. We are looking for a Melbourne-based sales person with a passion for craft beer and a willingness to educate consumers about the diversity it offers.

Southern Bay Brewing is currently on tap around Melbourne in 30+ venues and is growing strongly. The brewery is based in Geelong and has a small dedicated Brew Crew passionate about craft beer.

To be considered the successful candidate will possess the following attributes and experience:

• Australian craft beer market knowledge
• Previous liquor industry experience selling into On & Off premise accounts i.e Bars, Pubs, Bottle Shops and Key Retail Stores
• Current Australian drivers license
• Demonstrated solid work ethic, well presented, excellent communication skills, team player and exhibit pride in being part of the Southern Bay Brew Crew
• Budget management and responsibility for volume targets, distribution, marketing strategy and execution
• Ability to manage both Metro & Country territory

We offer a competitive salary package and growth opportunity for the right candidate who enjoys hard work and thrives on a challenge.

For all applications, please email ben@southernbay.com.au

Ben Israel
General Manager
Southern Bay Brewing

The tank is described as insulated with top man way, 4 x tri clover inlet/oulets on top, 2 x tri clover inlets on cone bottom.

Price: $4500 ex gst.

Contact Ben info@bridgeroadbrewers.com.au

Packaging Team Member

Stone & Wood is taking a fresh approach to brewing hand crafted beer in one of the greatest places on earth.

Due to strong national demand for our beers, we are continuing to expand our production and distribution capability. In line with our expansion plans we are increasing the capacity of our brewery. To support this growth we are looking to build a strong and competent packaging team and are now looking for an enthusiastic, mechanically minded person to join the team.

Key responsibilities will include line setup and operation, cleaning and sanitation, meeting quality specifications and general preventative maintenance of the line.

If you are a good communicator with a positive attitude, have operational experience in a beverage production facility, and you’re interested in joining a rapidly growing beer business, then drop me a line.

Contact Brad Rogers: email: brad@stoneandwood.com.au   phone: 0417 523 185

Fortunately, there is now an app to help you navigate the myriad beers on offer.

The official unofficial app of the Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular contains listings for all 92 beers, space for your ratings and tasting notes, a map of the festival floor, and a cool planner for your tasting paddles.

Unfortunately for non-Apple users, there’s no Android version this year.

Download it here.

SALE OF BUSINESS ASSETS

TEMPLE BREWING COMPANY PTY LTD
(FORMERLY TRADING AS “TEMPLE BREWERY & BRASSERIE”)
(IN LIQUIDATION)
A.C.N. 056 617 380

Expressions of interest are sought for the business assets of the “Temple Brewery & Brasserie” located at 122 Weston Street, Brunswick East, Victoria.

Temple operated a front of house brasserie and a micro brewery which locally manufactured and distributed craft beers.

Business assets for sale include:

• Lease to the premises in Brunswick East (subject to landlord approval);
• Fixtures and Fittings;
• Stock (subject to retention of title);
• Plant and Equipment;
• Intellectual Property (including trademarks, logos and beer recipes)
• Business names; and
• Website (www.templebrewing.com.au)

All interested parties will be required to execute a Confidentiality Deed, together with providing a nonrefundable deposit of $150 prior to receiving an Information Memorandum.

Expressions of interest should be registered with Ms Lauren Graham of SV Partners by no later than 5.00pm on Friday, 17 May 2013.

Insolvency Accountants and Business Solutions

Level 17
200 Queen Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Telephone:   03 9669 1100
Facsimile:   03 9670 4435
E — mail:    lauren.graham@svp.com.au

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small brown onion – sliced
• 1 small red onion – sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic – crushed
• 6 pork spare ribs – each cut into three pieces
• 3 sticks of celery – chopped
• 2 medium carrots – peeled and roughly chopped
• 250 grams of Jap or Kent pumpkin – cut into large cubes
• ¼ of red cabbage – cut into 3 chunks
• ¼ of green cabbage – cut into 3 chunks
• 330 mil bottle of Scotch Ale
• 250 mils of chicken stock
• Salt and black pepper

Method

Preheat oven to 140 fan forced or allow your wood fired oven to cool down (after you have made your pizzas of course) you are looking for a floor temp of around 200°c.

If cooking in a wood fired oven you will need to pull the clay pot out to add an ingredient and then put it back in the wood fired oven so as to cook it then pull it out each time you add an ingredient or stir it. If you are cooking in a casserole dish the first part of the recipe is done on the stove top and then the long cooking is done in your oven with a lid on.

Heat your pot in the oven or heat you casserole dish over medium high heat add the olive oil and onions and cook for several minutes stirring then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Now add in your pork and give it a good stir and allow to cook for about 8 minutes stirring often.

Put in the carrots and celery stir and return to the heat for several more minutes. Once you have some nice smells coming out of the oven and a little bit of colour happening toss in the pumpkin, the cabbages, the beer and the stock and give it all a stir then season with the salt and black pepper give it one more stir and put the lid on the clay pot and put back in to the middle of the oven.

At this stage if cooking on a stove top you now put your casserole dish in to the oven and leave it there to cook for 3 hours – checking it every hour. Check the clay pot after 20 – 30 minutes if it is boiling quite a bit pull the clay pot forward towards the opening of the wood fired oven so that the heat is less intense and it just has a nice easy simmer.

Keep the lid on and cook for 3 or so hours or until the pork is fall apart tender.

Serve as is or serve with some boiled potatoes and steamed green beans.

I used Red Hill Scotch Ale but you could use a Belgian ale such as Leffe Brune, or something dark, high alcohol and interesting from your local microbrewery.

Like this recipe? You can get more in Paul Mercurio’s excellent Cooking With Beer.

Australian Brews News would like to echo the Board of the Craft Beer Industry Association’s thanks to the following companies who have shown their continued support of the Australian craft beer industry by becoming Gold Partners in presenting the inaugural Australian Craft Brewers’ Conference…