UPDATE: A calculation error initially saw Black Hops awarded the Champion Large Brewery Trophy in error. The Champion Large Brewery Trophy was actually won by Victoria’s Stomping Ground Brewery. The awards catalogue has been updated.

Victoria’s Stomping Ground’s Czech Pilsner brewed in Collingwood has scooped gold and won the title of Australia’s best beer at the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show (RQFWS) Beer Awards presented by Rallings Labels, Stickers & Packaging at the Brisbane Showgrounds today.

Stomping Ground Brewing Co. beat a record number of 570 entries to take the title of Grand Champion Beer, winning a $5,000 Lion Bursary to invest in their business. The brewery was also named Champion Large Brewery.

Queensland breweries made a huge splash in this year’s competition, dominating the awards and receiving 14 of the 17 available trophies.

RQFWS Beer Advisory Group member and judge Chris Sheehan said this year there was a big lift in the number of entries and in the quality of the beers.

“While the number of entries increased, so too did the quality and drinkability, making it a highly competitive experience for all entrants and difficult to judge,’’ Mr Sheehan said.

“Pilsner is one of the lighter and cleaner styles of beer and Stomping Ground’s Czech Pilsner was flawless in the judges’ eyes.’’

Meanwhile the Best Queensland Beer of Show supported by Treasury Brisbane went to Brisbane-based Ballistic Beer Co. for their Coup de Grace.

“The standard of gold medals in the Queensland category was exceptional,” Mr Sheehan said.

“Given this high standard it is even more of an achievement for the team at Ballistic Brewing Co who took home this coveted award.

“All the Queensland breweries should be commended for brewing excellent products that appeal to broad audiences.

“I look forward to seeing Ballistic beers distributed nationally, as all of Australia needs to see how great Queensland craft beer is.”

Up-and-coming brewer Jared Palu from Felons Brewing Co. was awarded Treasury Brisbane’s Emerging Queensland Brewer trophy, winning a 12-month commercial contract to sell his brewery’s beer at Treasury Brisbane’s wide array of venues.

Treasury Brisbane COO Kelvin Dodt said it was the second year Treasury Brisbane had backed the RQFWS Beer Awards and he congratulated all the winners.

“We are really proud of our involvement and have already seen the rewards of promoting, supporting and unearthing home-grown talent and produce,” Mr Dodt said.

A total of 570 beers from 76 breweries were entered in this year’s competition, with entries up 14 per cent on last year.

Interstate entries increased by more than 60 per cent compared to 2021.

RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said the RQFWS Beer Awards recognise, reward, and showcase the very best of the best.

“For 145 years, the RNA has given producers a platform to shine, be judged against their peers and get great consumer market exposure,’’ Mr Christou said.

“We thank all those who have entered and continue to support our competitions after such challenging times for us all.’’

Below are the 2022 trophy winners. The full results catalogue is now available here https://www.rqfws.com.au/beer-awards/

2022 TROPHY AWARD WINNERS

GRAND CHAMPION BEER (Australia’s best beer) SUPPORTED BY RALLINGS LABELS, STICKERS & PACKAGING
Stomping Ground Brewing Co. – Czech Pilsner

BEST QUEENSLAND BEER OF SHOW SUPPORTED BY TREASURY BRISBANE
Ballistic Beer Co. – Coup de Grace

TREASURY BRISBANE BEST EMERGING QUEENSLAND BREWER AWARD
Jared Palu – Felons Brewing Co.

CHAMPION BREWPUB
Felons Brewing Co.

CHAMPION LARGE BREWERY SUPPORTED BY CRYER MALT AUSTRALIA
Stomping Ground Brewery

CHAMPION SMALL/MEDIUM BREWERY SUPPORTED BY HOP PRODUCTS AUSTRALIA
Moffat Beach Brewing Co.

BEST NEW BREWERY SUPPORTED BY KONVOY KEGS
Hudson Brewing

CHAMPION MIXED CULTURE BEER
Brouhaha Brewery – Strawberry Rhubarb Sour

CHAMPION STRONG BEER SUPPORTED BY 13 CABS
Ballistic Beer Co. – Sleep When You’re Dead – Trans Tasman IPA

CHAMPION SESSION BEER SUPPORTED BY YAKIMA CHIEF HOPS
Moffat Beach Brewing Co – Moffs Summer Ale

CHAMPION EUROPEAN-STYLE ALE SUPPORTED BY BREWS NEWS
Burleigh Brewing Company – Burleigh Hef

CHAMPION INDIA PALE ALE SUPPORTED BY HPA
Moffat Beach Brewing Co. – Trilogy Best Coast IPA

CHAMPION LAGER SUPPORTED BY BARRETT BURSTON MALTING
Stomping Ground Brewing Co. – Czech Pilsner

CHAMPION HYBRID BEER SUPPORTED BY SHOOBRIDGE TRANSPORT
Black Hops Brewing – Why Can’t IBU?

CHAMPION PORTER-STOUT SUPPORTED BY KONVOY KEGS
Revel Brewing Company – Neo Mexicanus Black IPA

CHAMPION AMBER DARK-ALE SUPPORTED BY 13CABS
Matilda Bay Brewery – Dogbolter Winter Ale

CHAMPION PALE ALE SUPPORTED BY YAKIMA CHIEF HOPS
Moffat Beach Brewing Co. – Passenger Pale Ale