By James Atkinson
Hop Hog from Western Australia’s Feral Brewing has again topped the Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers poll, organised by The Local Taphouse.
The poll is now in its eighth year, with thousands of beer lovers from around the country voting for their favourite products of 2014 from a selection of more than 1800 beers.
Feral Brewing came top of the list with its ‘Hop Hog’ American Pale Ale; NSW’s Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, which has been in the top ten for the past six years, took out second place; while NSW brewery 4 Pines came in third with its Pale Ale.
Following the top three was Little Creatures Brewery with its Pale Ale, which has been in the top ten since the poll started in 2008.
This year thousands of beer fans counted down the Hottest 100 at almost 70 of the country's best craft beer venues.
Click here to listen to the Australian Brews News podcast of the countdown, including interviews with Feral Brewing's Brendan Varis and Steve Finney.
The 2014 Hottest 100 included debuts for 35 beers. Detailed analysis of the brewers, beer styles and states that made up the list is available on The Crafty Pint.
Co-founder of The Local Taphouse, Steve Jeffares, said that while Pale Ales easily remain the most popular style, India Pale Ales, a stronger, hoppier style, were catching up, following US trends.
“It’s also great to see seven beers brewed especially for our craft beer and food festival – the Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular – featured on the list, including La Sirène’s Belgian Praline Ale, which won the 2014 People’s Choice Award.”
A strict voting process ensures there is just one vote per person and the breweries involved can also only vote once.
Click here for the complete list of the Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers of 2014.