The Swan Valley’s Feral Brewing has been named Australia’s best brewery, beating out a competitive field of international and Australian beer makers.
Feral scooped the pool at last night’s Australian International Beer Awards, winning the top prize of Champion Large Brewery for 2012.
Feral also took out prizes for best international pale ale and best scotch & barley wine, as well winning as a host of gold medals.
Feral head brewer Brendan Varis was bemused by the title of large brewery, but was delighted nonetheless to take home the award.
No other Western Australian breweries took out any of the 18 categories.
The awards presentation, run in collaboration by the University of Ballarat and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, showcases premium beer and brewing excellence in the Asia Pacific region.
Ten of the categories were won by international breweries, while eight were awarded to Australians.
AIBA committee chairman Peter Manders said the awards drew international recognition from the beer industry and showcased Australian brewers’ commitment to excellence.
“Now in its 20th year, the AIBA continues to attract a remarkable number of high calibre entries from Australian and international breweries, with a record 1,344 brews entered from 41 countries this year, an increase of 10 per cent on last year’s,” Mr Manders said.
“The AIBA welcomed 52 judges, all of whom were awed by the quality of entries. Each year sees standards continually improve as brewers push for excellence and exceed all expectations.”
