The Australian International Beer Awards is the pre-eminent showcase for premium beer and brewing excellence in the Asia-Pacifc region
No one can deny that beer is an essential part of the Australian way of life. And with the Australian beer brewing industry generating almost $3 billion annually, it is only fitting that the world’s second largest brewing event – the Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) - is held on Australian soil.
The beginnings of this competition were founded in 1987 at the then Ballarat College of Advanced Education, quite by accident. Mr Neville Gow, a lecturer in Food Sciences, who had heard of a competition in South Australia, some years prior and contacted the then Secretary of the Australian Section of the IOB, Mr John Harvey. Both Neville and John were instrumental in setting up the competition which was called ‘The National Beer & Brewing Exhibition', Ballarat. In its first year 35 entries were received and judged by only three judges.
With no previous experience in creating such a competition, they turned to The Australian Wine Research Institute, of Adelaide, South Australia for details of the well tried 20 point Australian Wine judging system as a basis for discussion. This system was adopted with modifications that the College staff believed were appropriate for beer judging and remained in use up to & including the 1991 competition.
As the competition continued to evolve the judging panels realized that the format favoured more flavoursome alcoholic beverages, such as Stouts, and modifications to the tasting profile would be needed. Plans were made to modify the flavour profile point system for the 1989 competition.
In 1993, the Ballart University College and The Royal Agriculture Society of Victoria commenced a harmonious relationship, with the RASV becoming the Event Organiser and established the Australian International Beer Awards and continue to conduct the competition jointly.
As of 2002, The Australian International Beer Awards have retained the 20 point system, but modified the scoring into the following 5 categories including:appearance, aroma, flavour, style and technical quality to a maximum of twenty points.
Each year, invitations are given to international brewers to participate as guest judges. Entries are received from as far afield as Europe, North America, South America and the Asia Pacific region, including China, Japan, Vietnam and Tonga - plus all states of Australia.
The Australian International Beer Awards, continues to grow in both entry numbers and world wide reach, firmly establishing itself as the pre-eminent showcase of beer and brewing excellence in the Asia Pacific region. A record number of entries were received in 2013; over 1,480 beers were received from more than 230 brewers in 35 countries.
- Category:
- Food/beverages