Articles published under the media release byline are news produced by the relevant business and remain unedited by Brews News. This release was circulated by the Independent Brewers Association.

In November, the Independent Beer Awards (The Indies) will be broadcast into bars and breweries around Australia.

With so many events going virtual this year, the Independent Brewers Association wants to set its celebration apart, which is why the team is planning a mixture of virtual and real-life parties, with a nationwide awards ceremony on November 19, 2020 at 8pm (AEDT).

Australia’s Independent brewers have submitted more than 700 entries to this year’s competition. To judge all these beers, with current travel and gathering restrictions in place, the IBA has created judging hubs around the country. Judging will take place at three locations: Perth, Brisbane, and the main hub in Newcastle.

Siobhan Kerin, IBA Events Director says she is amazed with the response from the industry in supporting this event.

“Without this incredible mobilisation around the country, running the Indies this year wouldn’t have been possible.” Kerin says. “Celebrating Australian owned and independent businesses is more important than ever.”

The awards ceremony will be hosted by James Smith (The Crafty Pint), with Karl van Buuren (Moon Dog Brewery) on hand to provide special comments throughout the evening. Plus, live crosses to our parties in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, and Tasmania. The IBA will also assist in promotion of viewing parties free for anyone to host around Australia. There will be more details on the sign-up process for venues, and locations, in the lead up to the event.

Associate Members are also assisting with major prizes for trophy winners (25 trophies in total). Owen Johnston, from Hop Products Australia, will present the Champion Small/Medium Brewery Trophy, and says the company is committed to supporting independent brewers.

“It’s been an unbelievably tough year for so many people.” Johnston says. ”We feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a creative and collaborative industry and have watched in awe as so many brewers have rapidly adapted to the current conditions.”

Other key supporters are Bintani (presenting Champion Independent Beer), Cryer Malt (Champion Large Brewery), and Kegstar, (Champion Brewpub). Other trophies are supported by Barrett Burston, Yakima Chief Hops, HopCo, Lallemand Brewing, Ellerslie Hop Australia, Roxset Health and Safety Flooring, Midland Insurance Brokers, and Konvoy Kegs.

You can set a reminder, subscribe to the YouTube channel, and stream the awards using this link. Make sure to follow the IBA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and its website for all the information about the event, live parties, and winners.