By Melissa Keogh
South Australia was the flavour of this year’s Royal Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards (RABCA) as local breweries snagged several big wins on Friday night (July 28).
Among beer connoisseurs raising their glass this weekend are SA brew icons Pirate Life Brewing.
The Hindmarsh brewer snagged trophies for Champion India Pale Ale, Champion SA Exhibit and Champion Large Brewery.
Announced at the Adelaide Beer and Barbecue Festival at the Adelaide Showground, the annual awards program attracted hot competition from 50 brewers across Australia and New Zealand.
Successful McLaren Vale boutique brewer Vale Brewing came home with three major awards, Champion Reduced Alcohol Beer, Champion Pilsener and Champion Other Lager.
RABCA committee chair Simon Fahey said the awards, run by the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA, recognised the importance of Australia’s $7 billion beer and cider industry.
“This year’s awards attracted 224 entries from 50 brewers of all sizes from across Australia and New Zealand, with all entries judged blind by an expert industry panel,” he says.
Much-loved SA cider maker, Hills Cider Company, dominated the cider awards after walking away with Best Cider and Best Perry.
Other SA award winners included Coopers Brewery, Little Bang Brewing Co, Woolshed Brewery and Clare Valley Brewing Co.
The Beer and Barbecue Festival unfolds at the Adelaide Showground on July 29-30.
Scores of beer and cider lovers were able to sample the trophy and award-winning beers on Friday night as part of the opening of the beer and barbecue fest.
2017 WINNERS
Champion Reduced Alcohol Beer
Vale Brewing (SA) – Vale Mid Coast
Champion Australian Style Lager
Australian Beer Company – Alehouse Premium Lager
Champion Pilsener
Vale Brewing (SA) – Vale Knee Slapper German Pilsner
Champion Other Lager
Vale Brewing – Vale Amber Lager
Champion Traditional Australian Style Pale Ale
Coopers Brewery (SA) – Coopers Sparkling Ale
Champion American Style Pale Ale
Bodriggy Brewing Company (VIC)– Highbinder American Pale Ale
Champion India Pale Ale
Pirate Life Brewing (SA) – Pirate Life IIPA
Champion Other Ale
Nail Brewing Australia (WA) – Nail Red
Champion Stout Beer
Nail Brewing Australia (WA) – Clout Stout
Clare Valley Brewing Co (SA) – CVBC Extra Stout
Champion Porter Beer
Little Bang Brewing Co (SA) – May Contain Traces of Panther
Champion Hybrid Beer
Woolshed Brewery (SA) – Firehouse Coffee Stout
Best New Exhibit
Bodriggy Brewing Company (VIC)– Highbinder American Pale Ale
Best Cider In Show
The Hills Cider Company (SA) – The Hills Cider Company Apple
Best Perry In Show
The Hills Cider Company (SA) – The Hills Cider Company Pear
Champion Small Brewery
Clare Valley Brewing Co (SA)
Champion Medium Brewery
Nail Brewing Australia (WA)
Champion Large Brewery
Pirate Life Brewing (SA)
Champion South Australian Beer Exhibit
Pirate Life Brewing (SA) – Pirate Life IIPA
Best South Australian Cider Exhibit
The Hills Cider Company (SA) – The Hills Cider Company Apple
Most Outstanding Beer In Show
Bodriggy Brewing Company (VIC) – Highbinder American Pale Ale