2012 Australian International Beer Awards Winners Announced

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The Brewers Association Export Development Program (EDP) members participated in the 20th annual Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) competition.

The AIBA has named Deschutes Brewery and Pelican Pub & Brewery as Champion Large International Brewery and Champion Small International Brewery respectively at the prestigious Awards Presentation Dinner in Melbourne, Australia.

Conducted annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) in conjunction with the University of Ballarat, the pre-eminent showcase for premium beer and brewing excellence in the Asia Pacific region presented 18 Trophies with 10 awarded to international breweries and eight to Australians.

The United States was a standout, winning four Trophies; New Zealand breweries claimed two and Belgium, Brazil, Germany and Norway achieving one each.

deschutes_aibaAustralian International Beer Awards ceremony was held Thursday, May 17 2012 in Melbourne. The event was an invitation only formal dinner held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 700 people in attendance with format of the evening very similar to WBC awards. Beer and food paired dinner followed by the announcement of the awards. 
 
The AIBA divides the competition into 19 Major Trophy categories and 5 Champion Trophies. BA Export Development program members were very well represented.

  • Trophy for Best Amber/Dark Ale went to Pelican Pub and Brewery for their Doryman’s Dark
  • pelican_smallTrophy for Best IPA went to Caldera Brewing Co, for their Caldera IPA
  • Interesting that 6 Trophy awards were not awarded; including the categories of Australian Lager, European Style Lager, Australian Style Pale Ale and Best British Style Ale

There were 5 Champion Trophies awarded and the EDP members again stood out:

  • Champion Trophy for Small International Brewery to Pelican Pub and Brewery 
  • Champion Trophy for Large International Brewery to Deschutes Brewery

aibaResults from the AIBA competition represent a significant achievement for the EDP. Over 36 US craft breweries entered the competition, sending over 173 different brands, enabling the US industry to have far greater representation than ever before. US craft beer industry performed exceedingly well, winning a total of 156 awards. The AIBA continues to attract a remarkable number of high caliber entries from Australian and international breweries, with a record 1,344 brews entered from 41 countries this year, an increase of 10 per cent on last year’s. Supported by 52 judges representing the best of the industry, the Australian International Beer Awards set industry benchmarks and forge industry reputations.

The AIBA is the pre-eminent showcase for premium beer and brewing excellence in the Asia Pacific Region. Held in Melbourne each year, the AIBA, Australia’s most prestigious beer event, has become firmly established on the international brewing calendar as a renowned and recognized barometer of diversity in beer brewing across the world.

Please see attached for Australian International Beer Awards releases, detailing both Australian and international winners.

For a complete list of award winners go to: 2012 Australian International Beer Awards.