Seven Mile Brewing wins Champion Traditional India Pale Ale at BrewCon

Seven Mile Brewing’s West Coast IPA was crowned Champion Traditional India Pale Ale at the 2023 Australian Independent Beer Awards (The Indies), held at BrewCon overnight.

The win means the Northern Rivers breweries’ winning IPA will now be ranged through select First Choice Liquor Market stores in New South Wales, as Coles Liquor sponsors the award.

Nick McArdle, Business Category Manager for Beer at Coles Liquor, presented Seven Mile Brewing with their award. He said Coles Liquor is proud to support small operations by ranging them at First Choice Liquor Markets.

“We’re passionate about craft beer and supporting local,” he said. “We’re sure our customers are going to love this IPA as much as the judges did.

“In fact, our customers will find the majority of beers that took home a trophy at this year’s BrewCon, such as Bricklane Brewing Co, Moon Dog Craft Brewery and Aether Brewing, in our stores,” he said.

Kylie Lethbridge, CEO of the Independent Brewers Association, praised Coles Liquor for their commitment to supporting independent breweries, many of whom have been feeling added pressure from the increased price of raw materials and cost-of-living crisis.

“Coles Liquor has a strong history of supporting independent brewers and we’re grateful they are taking the voluntary step of displaying our logo on all local beers sold online. Seeing the IBA seal will make it easier for customers to support local and ensure Aussie breweries can continue to make delicious craft beer for many years to come.

“The prize of being ranged within First Choice Liquor Market stores in New South Wales is an incredible opportunity for Seven Mile Brewing to grow their brand and allow new drinkers to discover their delicious IPA,” she said.

In Coles Liquor’s latest range review, independent breweries made up more than 80 per cent of new craft beers, taking the total number of craft beers available across Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars to more than 800, up 11 per cent compared to last financial year.

Check out the other winners at The Indies here.