By Amy Looker
Victoria’s growing microbrewing industry got a nod of approval at the recent Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), with nine regional breweries winning medals and trophies at the prestigious event.
A brew by the name of Voodoo by 2 Brothers won the Premier’s Trophy for best Victorian beer, while Holgate Brewhouse, Bridge Road Brewers, Temple Brewing Company, Mountain Goat Beer, White Rabbit Brewery and Red Hill Brewery also took home medals.
The last 12 months has seen a boom in microbrewing operations in Victoria, with an additional 10 breweries opening in the last two years, brining the total to 35.
The parliamentary secretary for regional and rural development, Jaala Pulford, said she expects the number to increase to 50 microbreweries by the end of this year, sustaining 260 full-time jobs and contributing more than $180 million to the Victorian economy.
“Victoria is a national leader in the beer industry, with more beer and malt establishments than any other state and many small craft breweries in our regions. The sector’s rapid growth, particularly in regional Victoria, strengthens our status as the leading microbrewing state,” Pulford said.
This year saw 30 Victorian breweries enter the AIBA, exhibiting a total of 223 beers.