The Royal Queensland Awards Beer Competition recently took place at the Brisbane Showgrounds, showcasing local brewers and their exceptional brews that captivated the judges. One of the standout winners was Slipstream Brewing Company from Yeerongpilly, claiming the Grand Champion Beer and The Star Entertainment Group Best Queensland Beer titles with their Classic Saison. This victory marked a significant milestone for Slipstream, earning them a Lion bursary of $5000.
Saison, a traditional beer with roots in Belgium and Northern France, impressed Judge Steve Henderson with its intricate balance of flavors. Henderson emphasized the rarity of this style prevailing and praised Slipstream’s expertise in crafting such a remarkable brew. He highlighted the underrepresentation of Saison in the Australian beer market, making this win all the more exceptional.
Adding to the local triumph, Aether Brewing based in Northgate, Brisbane, claimed the best Ginger Beer trophy, showcasing the versatility and innovation of Australian agricultural ingredients. Judge Henderson commended Aether Brewing for producing a world-class ginger beer, emphasizing the significance of utilizing local resources in crafting exceptional beverages.
Felons Brewing Co also shined at the awards, as Ben Malt was named the Emerging Queensland Brewer, earning the opportunity to have his beers featured at The Star Brisbane. The event featured over 530 entries from 67 Australian breweries, evaluated by a panel of nearly 50 industry experts over two intensive days of judging.
Judge Henderson noted the continuous improvement in the quality of entries each year, attributing the success of winning breweries to the exposure gained through the Royal Queensland Awards. The competition serves as a springboard for breweries, setting a high standard for the rest of the year and providing invaluable feedback to all participants, enhancing the overall industry.
Established to celebrate and promote the country’s top brewers, the Royal Queensland Beer Awards offer a platform for industry recognition and product benchmarking. The 2025 edition recognized various breweries across different categories, with Slipstream Brewing Company and Felons Brewing Co among the notable winners.
The awards not only acknowledge excellence in brewing but also contribute to the growth and diversification of the craft beer landscape. With categories ranging from Pale Ale to Mixed Culture Beer, the competition highlights the creativity and innovation prevalent in the Australian brewing scene.
By honoring emerging talents and established breweries alike, the Royal Queensland Beer Awards play a crucial role in fostering a thriving beer culture and showcasing the diverse range of offerings in the market. The awards serve as a barometer for industry trends and standards, setting a precedent for excellence and innovation within the brewing community.
As the Australian beer industry continues to evolve, events like the Royal Queensland Beer Awards serve as a testament to the passion and dedication of brewers nationwide, pushing boundaries and redefining the craft beer landscape with each exceptional brew.
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