The future looks bright for Western Australian beer – despite the impending closure of the Swan Brewery – with the state's craft brewers taking home a swag of awards at the Beer and Brewer Magazine's annual awards ceremony, including best Australian beer.
The Swan Valley's Feral Brewing was again the standout performer, with its Hop Hog beer named Australia's best for the second consecutive year, and brewer Will Irving adding the title Young Brewer of the Year to his resume
Other winners from WA included Bartender of the Year Ross Terlick, from Cowaramup Brewing Co; Little Creatures, which was named best brew bar; and the Sail and Anchor, which won best speciality beer venue.
The presitiguous Brewer of the Year prize went to Shawn Sherlock, of Murray's Craft Brewing Co in New South Wales, while Australia's best beer venue was South Australia's Wheatsheaf Hotel.
Feral was named Australia’s best brewery at the Australian International Beer Awards in May, while also taking out prizes for best international pale ale and best scotch & barley wine, as well as winning a host of gold medals.
