Media Release

Wednesday October 26, 2011

Australia’s best beer – Kosciuszko reaches the peak

After five hours of judging, Lion Nathan’s Kosciuszko Pale Ale has been crowned Australia’s best beer at the RNA’s Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show (RQFWS) Beer Competition in Brisbane today.

Competition came to a head with the Kosciuszko Pale Ale beating 54 other beers to claim the trophy for Grand Champion Beer of Show and Champion Ale of Show, while Burleigh Brewing’s HEF and Blue Sky Brewery’s FNQ Lager also took out champion trophies.

RQFWS Beer Competition Chief Judge Ian Chant said this year’s competition was tough with a great standard achieved across the board.

“Australian brewers have lifted the benchmark and consumers can rest assured that our local beers are continually delivering a good product, so there’s no need to reach for international products,’’ he said.

“There was a vast difference in the flavours of beers presented and all consumers can be excited with the great experience they have ahead of them.

“The number of gold medals awarded just goes to show the quality of beers on the market today, and the consistency of judging really impressed me.

“We were splitting hairs in the pale ale category and it took us three attempts to finally award a champion.’’

Ian said the Grand Champion title was challenged by nine gold medal winning beers.

“The Kosciuszko Pale Ale ticked all the boxes and was clearly top of its class,” he said.

“Immediately when you see the beer you like it – it’s inviting and oozes excitement.

“It has a beautiful hoppy aroma and perfectly balanced flavours with a clean finish.”

The RQFWS Beer Competition showcases the top beers on the market and this year attracted record entries across the 10 classes.

Now in its third year, the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show is an exciting initiative of the RNA and involves individual competitions that showcases the best of the best from dairy, to ice-cream, wine, steak, lamb, sausages and beer.

Editors please note:

The 2011 Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show Beer Competition major winners are:

Grand Champion Beer of Show – Lion Nathan – Kosciuszko Pale Ale

Cryermalt Champion Queensland Beer of Show – Burleigh Brewing Company – HEF

Champion Lager of Show – Blue Sky Brewery – FNQ Lager

Champion Ale of Show – Lion Nathan – Kosciuszko Pale Ale

Full Results.

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