By Clyde Mooney
The brethren of brewing gathered in Surry Hills last night to swap hoppy tales and celebrate the year's best batches at the Beer & Brewer Awards.
Western Australia's Feral Brewing had a great night, picking up Best Beer (Australia) for the Hop Hog, while their own Will Irving took away Young Brewer of the Year.
The Australian Hotel & Brewery in Sydney's Rouse Hill was the stand-out drinker's favourite, walking away with two of the three People's Choice awards – Best Beer, for their 'AB Pale Lager' as well as for Best Beer Venue.
"It's fantastic news that the hard work of all of our staff was rewarded with Best Beer Venue and one of our flagship beers won Best Beer in Australia. The night was a great celebration of craft beer in Australia as well!" AHB beer ambassador, David Ward, told TheShout. [continues below]
Brewer of the Year, Shawn Sherlock from Murray’s Craft Brewing Co with Peter Meddings from (sponsor) Bintani
The 2012 Beer & Brewer Awards Winners
Brewer of the Year
Shawn Sherlock (Murray's Craft Brewing Co, NSW)
Young Brewer of the Year
Will Irving (Feral Brewing Co, WA)
Brewer of the Year (NZ)
Luke Nicholas (Epic Brewing)
Beertender of the Year
Ross Terlick (Cowaramup Brewing Co, WA)
Best Beer (Australia)
Feral Hop Hog (WA)
Best Beer (Imported)
Rogue Brutal IPA (USA)
Best Beer (NZ)
Epic Armageddon IPA
Best Cider (Australia)
Matilda Bay Dirty Granny (Vic)
Best Cider (Imported)
Thatchers Green Goblin (UK)
Best Cider (NZ)
McCashin's Rochdale Traditional Cider
Best Beer Venue (Australia)
The Wheatsheaf Hotel (SA)
Best Beer List
Beer DeLuxe (Vic)
Best Specialty Beer Venue
Sail & Anchor Hotel (WA)
Best Microbrewery / Cellar Door
Mountain Goat Brewery (Vic)
Best Restaurant / Café
Redoak Boutique Beer Café (NSW)
Best Brew Bar / Pub
Little Creatures Brewing (WA)
Best Small Bar / Pub (<150 patrons)
Albion Alehouse (NSW)
Best Large Bar / Pub (>150 patrons)
The Wheatsheaf Hotel (SA)
Best Bottleshop (<300 beers)
Beer Cartel (NSW)
Best Bottleshop (>300 beers)
Plonk Beer Store (ACT)
Best Beer Event
Bitter & Twisted International Boutique Beer Festival (NSW)
Best Online Retailer
Dan Murphy's, www.danmurphys.com.au
Best eNewsletter
Oak Barrel (NSW), www.oakbarrel.com.au
Best Web Site
The Local Taphouse (Vic, NSW), www.thelocal.com.au
Best Homebrew Shop
The Brew Shop (NSW)
Best Homebrew Can Kit
Black Rock East India Pale Ale
Best Beer Ad
Malt Shovel (NSW) Mad Brewers Hoppy Hefe & Ginger Chops Ale
Best Beer Promotion
The Perfect Lager Project, Arvo Beer (NSW)
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Best Beer (Australia)
The Australian Brewery (NSW) AB Pale Lager
Best Beer (Imported)
Murphy's (Ireland) Irish Stout
Best Beer Venue (Australia)
The Australian Brewery (NSW)