By James Atkinson
The continued evolution of the Australian Pale Ale style and the growth of gluten-free beer were some of the trends in evidence at this year’s Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), according to head judge Warren Pawsey (pictured).
Pawsey told media at the AIBA 2014 presentation dinner that the guideline for the Australian Pale Ale style will likely have to be reviewed, with many of this year’s entries having moved beyond what the guideline originally intended.
“The style guide says ‘low hop aroma’ but so many people are putting Australian hops in it and calling it ‘Australian Pale Ale’, so they’re really redefining the style,” he said.
Pawsey said AIBA 2014 was also notable for the number of entries in the gluten free category and their rapidly improving quality.
“I was quite surprised at how drinkable a lot of them were,” he said.
Victoria’s Beeblebrox Beverages picked up a Silver Medal at AIBA 2014 for its Harvester Gluten Free IPA No. 1, as did Wilde Gluten Free Pale Ale, brewed by Koala Beer in NSW.
Three of Rebellion Brewing’s O’Brien beers were awarded Bronze Medals in the gluten free category.