A small husband and wife run brewery in Botany has taken home both Champion Packaged Beer and Best NSW Beer at the 2021 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show for their European inspired Threefold Belgian Tripel after entering the competition for the first time.

Slow Lane Brewing, which is known for its traditional brewing methods used to produce slow- fermented beer, impressed the Sydney Royal judges claiming a Gold (and two champions) for its Threefold Belgian Tripel, Silver for its Solitude Belgian Dark Strong Ale and Bronze medal for its Botany Weisse Mixed Fermentation Sour Ale

The competition saw a record number of entries this gear (313), with 183 Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded across the competition.

Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show Chair of Judges, Sam Fuss said it was fantastic to be back judging again.

“With COVID-19 forcing us to postpone and work around restrictions this Sea r, the 2021 competition was truly a team effort, and I can’t thank our exhibitors, stewards and NSW judges enough for their patience and commitment to making this event happen,” Sam Fuss said.

“This gear, we welcomed an increase in entries and new exhibitors, particularly in first-time classes like the experimental and specialty cider class, which is a fantastic reflection of the growth we are witnessing across the Australian beer and cider industry and the value our producers are placing on shows like the Sydney Royal.

“In addition to an increase in exhibitors, the competition also celebrated a rise in female judges with seven great female beer and cider experts driving the team forward

“For our Champions this gear, Slow Lane Brewing certainly demonstrated their unique style and attention to detail with the Threefold Belgian Tripel, and as a first-time exhibitor, it’s incredible to see them take out both Champion Packaged and Best NSW Beer.”

2021 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show highlights:

Best NSW Beer:
Slow Lane Brewing with Threefold Belgian Tripel

Champion Packaged:
Slow Lane Brewing with Threefold Belgian Tripel

Champion Experimental or Specialty Beer:
South East Brewing Company (KAIJU! Beer) with KAIJU! WHERE STRIDES THE BEHEMOTH DOUBLE INDIA BLACK ALE.

Champion Draught Beer:
Australian Brewery with Old Cattle Dog Dark Ale

Champion Cider:
Small Acres Cider won Champion Cider for its 2017 The Cat’s Pyjamas

Champion Perry:
The Hills Cider Company with Hills Cider Pear

Champion Bottle Conditioned Perry or Cider:
Small Acres Cyder won Champion Bottle Conditioned Perry for Cider for the second year with its 2017 The Cat’s Pyjamas

Full results can be found here.