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Déjà Brew! Lager than life hunt for nation’s best beer

The nation’s brewers will have to hops to it for the chance to claim the title of Australia’s best beer, with entries opening today for the revitalised Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show (RQFWS) Beer Awards.

For the first time, the competition will also offer a $10,000 education bursary for a South East Queensland brewer, to be awarded to the best beer crafted with desalinated water.

Featuring a dedicated team of brewers, beer writers and industry figures, the RQFWS Beer Awards offers a comprehensive snapshot of the quality of Australian brewing and a trustworthy guide for consumers.

The highly anticipated competition won’t just crown Australia’s best beer and champion beer made with desalinated water, but also its best brewery, which could see a local crowned with Brisbane a hot spot in the microbrewery scene.

A panel of industry experts will be ‘casked’ with judging the entries, with RQFWS Beer Advisory Board spokesperson and Lion Craft Head Brewer, Chris Sheehan, excited about the awards return and the opportunity the bursary provides to up and coming SEQ brewers.

“It is very timely with the explosion of craft beer across both Australia and Queensland that we see the return of the RQFWS Beer Awards,” he said.

“The significant bursary prize is a great incentive to bring new ideas and techniques back in the industry and further the successful brewer’s development and growth.”

Lager, pilsner, pale ale and more will be put to the taste test, with entries open to all Australian brewing companies that produce beer for commercial sale.

Mr Sheehan said the panel were looking forward to judging the quality of entries from across the nation, with the awards an essential benchmarking opportunity for brewers.

“The beer landscape has changed significantly with people drinking far less, and looking further for new tastes and experiences,” he said.

“At present there are nearly 600 breweries in Australia, with almost 100 based here in Queensland, and the awards will provide a great opportunity for both the industry and public to celebrate the craft and passion that goes into all beer.”

There is also an opportunity for medal-winning beers to be served at Queensland’s largest event – the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) – as well as the Royal Queensland Steakhouse presented by JBS, RQFWS food outlets; Corporate Suites, Sponsor Lounge; and RNA Council events.

Entries for the RQFWS Beer Awards close on Friday 8 February 2019, with judging taking place from Monday 11 March and the winners announced Wednesday 13 March.

South East Queensland brewers eager to test their skills in the Feature Category should apply schooner rather than later, with only 15 spots available in the desalinated water class. Successful breweries will be advised by 21 December 2018.

To enter the competition and to express interest in applying for the Feature Category, click here.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media @rqfws.