Entries are now open for the 2015 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show, after last year’s edition received record-number of entries and accolades.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) hosts the most prestigious and competitive events on the industry calendar with the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show showcasing the best in Australian draught and bottled beers, as well as ciders and perrys, which have boomed in popularity in recent years.

Janet Hollyoak, Co-founder of Redoak Brewery in Sydney, has been an exhibitor at the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show since its inception, and believes it provides an excellent opportunity for Australian brewers to learn from and benchmark themselves against their peers.

“Beer competitions are a unique chance for brewers to receive feedback and recognition through judging results,” Ms Hollyoak said.

“Last year we were thrilled to win Champion Bottled Beer for our Château Sour, just one month after this same beer was awarded Supreme Champion at the International Beer Awards in London. This confirmed for us the level of competition at the Sydney Royal Show is amongst the best in the world.

“The Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show is renowned for its superior judging quality, so I’d encourage any brewers considering taking part in this year’s competition to enter the Show and be judged by the best!” Ms Hollyoak said.

Head Brewer at The Australian Brewery, well-known author and experienced Judge, Mr Neal Cameron, will again this year take on the role of Chair of Judges.

“After receiving a record number of competition entries in 2014, and awarding an unprecedented eight Gold, 42 Silver and 52 Bronze medals, the judging panel are looking forward to tasting their way through the best beer and cider Australia’s brewers have to offer,” Mr Cameron said.

“The highlight of last year’s competition was the superb quality of beers, particularly the three awarded a Championship, including Sydney brewer Redoak’s Château Sour, Mash Brewing’s Russell brew from Western Australia and the Squashed Apple Cider from The Barossa Valley Cider Company Pty Ltd.

“Winning a Sydney Royal medal provides producers with an invaluable opportunity to brand their product with this distinction, allowing it to stand out from its competitors,” he said.

Classes to be judged include Golden Lagers, Dark Lagers, Pale and Golden Ales, Amber and Dark Ales, Stouts and Porters, Wheat Beers, Strong Beers, Reduced Alcohol Beer, Cider, Perry and Speciality Beer.

Competition results will be announced at an Awards Night, which will be held on Friday, 18 September. This event is open to the public and will include a tasting of the medal-winning beers and ciders. The results will be available following the GoodBrew Awards Night at: www.sydneyroyal.com.au/beercider