By Ian Neubauer
A record number of entries have been submitted to the Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA).
As of today, 1078 entries from 42 counties had been received from Australian and international brewers hoping to take home gold, silver and bronze medals in 53 different classes.
“It is great to witness the growth of this event with record entries again this year along with the strongest line-up of countries outside of Australia, including a newcomer from Iceland,” said AIBA Chairman, Peter Manders.
An expert panel of judges will gather in Melbourne and Ballarat in March to select the best entries. This year’s judging panel includes three international beer gurus hailing from Romania, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The judges will also award 13 trophies, including Champion Lager, Ale, Reduced Alcohol, Stout, Porter, Wheat, Specialty, Small Brewery, Large Brewery, Best New Exhibitor, Packaging, Premier’s Trophy, and the Grand Champion Brewery Trophy — awarded to the overall highest scoring brewery.
Judging for packaged entries will take place at the University of Ballarat from March 3 to March 8. Draught entries will be judged between March 11 and March 13 at the Melbourne Showgrouds.
The AIBA were established in 1987 to reward excellence in the field of brewing and to promote the industry. The event is organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RAS)
in conjunction with The University of Ballarat.