Fresh off its ALIA award win for Best Draught Product of the year, Stone & Wood’s Pacific Ale has taken out the prime spot in the GABS Hottest 100.
35,500 beer lovers voted for their favourite craft beers of the year in the famed annual poll, nominating more than 2500 beers from 290 breweries. It is the fourth time that Pacific Ale has topped the list — having also winning out in 2011, 2015 and 2016 — proving it’s a long-term favourite of craft beer drinkers.
Nick Boots, Stone & Wood’s leader, reflected on the beer’s win and longevity.
“The GABS Hottest 100 is never short of great independent and locally brewed beers – and 2019 was no exception. To come in number one once again feels like a huge achievement after the Original Pacific Ale’s journey and we’re thrilled that beer-lovers are still discovering and enjoying it now as much as ever.”
Craig Williams, GABS Festival event director and organiser of the poll, described the intertwined history of the Hottest 100 and Stone & Wood Pacific Ale.
“In many ways the Hottest 100 has grown organically alongside the Australian craft beer industry, while holding a mirror to it at the same time. In its very early days, there might have been only 50 craft breweries in all of Australia. Today, voters could choose from more than 2500 beers made by nearly 300 breweries. It’s quite remarkable how far craft beer has come in such a short time,” Williams said.
“And through it all, Pacific Ale has been the Hottest 100’s most outstanding performer, debuting at number 14 in the 2009 poll (under original moniker ‘Draught’), moving to number three in 2010 and has truly stood the test of time never straying from the podium since, including wins in 2011, 2015, 2016 and now 2019. To me, it’s a testament both to the beer’s quality and consistency, but importantly to the community and lifestyle they’ve built around the brand.”
Other Stone & Wood SKUs made it on to the GABS list, among other notable craft beers.
“We’re also stoked to see our Cloud Catcher Pale Ale move up to #23 amongst other top 100 results for our beers. A huge ‘thank you’ to all our trade partners and drinkers who voted for us. Finally, congratulations also go out to our mates at Balter, Bentspoke and all the other independent breweries who made the Hottest 100,” stated Boots.
The GABS win for Pacific Ale comes not long after being named Best Draught Product in the on-premise section of the 2019 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIAs), solidifying its presence as a draught favourite for pubs across the country.