MEDIA RELEASE

2012 Perth Royal Beer Show

Something is brewing at the Claremont Showground

And it is not just the number of entries, totalling 340 – the largest in the six-year, highly-contested Perth Royal Beer Show – for interstate rivalry is on the increase as commercial brewers seek to snatch accolades, medals and trophies to add credence to their frothy products, from their sandgroper counterparts!

Categories commercial brewers will compete for include best stout draft, reduced-alcohol draft, wheat beer, lager, gluten-free and ale draught. Amateur brewers will vie for trophies including best stout, reduced alcohol and ale. Gold, silver and bronze medals are also awarded in each category.

A new packaging design class will see entries judged on design, visual communication and overall package. A marketing and design judge will award gold, silver and bronze medals to the winning exhibitors.

Moving into the position of chief judge this year will be Richard Watkins, Canberra-based head brewer of the award-winning Wig and Pen Brewery and Tavern. Richard is looking forward to the competition particularly as entries this year have escalated and include a larger number of exhibits from the eastern seaboard!

“I think because WA is the premier craft brewing state in Australia the standard will be very high and I expect the winning beers will be decided by very small margins. It will come down to the delicate finesse of the brewer in deciding the trophies.”

Richard was quick to point out:

“It is also a reflection of the skill and quality of Western Australia brewers and beers because the other states want to test themselves in the best competition.”

Judging takes place on Monday and Tuesday, November 5 and 6. On completion, the 2012 Perth Royal Beer Show awards will be made during a presentation dinner on Friday, November 9 at the Parmelia Hilton. This officially opens WA Beer Week for which there will be 40 events.

The final event of the show will be a trade and exhibitors tasting (invitation only) on November 10.