Entries are now open for the 2021 Australian International Beer Awards, which annually celebrate and recognise the best brewers across the world with up to 35 trophies presented.
The awards are conducted by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) and will this year be judged over four days at Melbourne Showgrounds, from 11-14 May.
RASV CEO, Brad Jenkins said the awards offer brewers an unrivalled experience in benchmarking and feedback.
“As the world’s largest annual beer competition judging both draught and packaged beer, the Australian International Beer Awards is the pinnacle benchmarking opportunity for brewers from Australia and abroad,” Jenkins said.
“To minimise the potential impact of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, in particular interstate travel, we have assembled an expert judging panel that involves the best Victorian-based beer and brewing experts that bring the skills, knowledge, experience and importantly – a passion for celebrating beer and brewing excellence.”
While the AIBAs did not go ahead last year because of the pandemic, previous years have seen around 2600 entries from more than 400 breweries spread across 26 countries. Judges and associates are selected for the knowledge and experience, with each entry judged against specific criteria including appearance, aroma, flavour and body, technical quality and style.
Jenkins added: “The Australian International Beer Awards attract entries from the best brewers and breweries from around the world because it offers an incredible opportunity to benchmark against industry standards and place their brand among some of the most talented brewers in the world.”
This year will also include the presentation of a new trophy for Champion Victorian Brewery, awarded by the Premier of Victoria.
To be eligible for the Champion Victorian Brewery Trophy, the brewery must be located in Victoria and have produced the eligible entries at their own brewery. The award will be judged on the brewery’s top four (4) scoring entries, of which one must be a gold medal-winning exhibit.
All trophies are set to be awarded at the 2021 AIBA Presentation Ceremony with details regarding the format to be announced closer to the date.
The AIBA is open for entry until Friday 26 March – for all details on how to enter head to the RASV’s AIBA website.