By Andrew Starke
Holgate Brewhouse and White Rabbit Brewery have taken out top honours at the Federation Square Microbreweries Showcase, one of Victoria's biggest beer tasting events.
Up against 24 of Victoria’s leading microbreweries and more than 101 boutique beers, Holgate Brewhouse and White Rabbit Brewery won the People’s Choice Award for Best Brewery, in the very first tie of the series.
Holgate Brewhouse also won Best Dark Ale for their Temptress Ale, while White Rabbit took home Best Wheat Beer for their White Ale.
Other winners included, Mildura Brewery, Hawthorn Brewing, Grand Ridge Brewery, 2 Brothers Brewery and Southern Bay Brewing.
The biannual Fed Square Microbreweries Showcase in Melbourne provided the public with an opportunity to talk to the brewers and sample their latest releases, celebrating the strength of Victoria’s craft beer industry.
The People’s Choice Awards are the highest awards presented at the event and allow the public to vote for their favourite brews.
Supported by Regional Development Victoria and the Victorian Association of Microbrewery Industry, the Fed Square Microbreweries Showcase is one of the country’s biggest beer festivals exclusively devoted to craft beer, with a focus on supporting Victoria’s boutique producers.
People’s Choice Awards
Best Brewery: Holgate Brewhouse and White Rabbit Brewery
Best Wheat Beer: White Rabbit Brewery – White Ale
Best Lager: Mildura Brewery – Desert Premium Lager
Best Pale Ale: Hawthorn Brewing – Premium Pale Ale
Best Dark Ale: Holgate Brewhouse – Temptress
Best Stout: Grand Ridge Brewery – Hatlifter Stout
Best Belgian Beer: 2 Brothers Brewery – ‘James Brown’ Ale
Best Specialty Beer: Southern Bay Brewing Co – The Ranga Premium Red Ale.