Three Australian breweries have been awarded medals at the World Beer Cup which took place in Minneapolis last Thursday, 5 May.
Stone & Wood’s Green Coast Lager won Silver in the category for its Kellerbier or Zwickelbier while both Urban Alley and Bucketty’s Brewing were awarded Bronze in the categories of Australian Pale Ale and Session Ale, respectively.
Widely considered the most presitgious beer competition in the world, the World Beer Cup is hosted by the US Brewers Association and celebrates the craft beer-makers globally. This year is the first time the competition has been held since 2018. It received more than 10,500 entries from close to 2,500 breweries representing 57 countries.
Suffice to say, competition was fierce.
Stone & Wood’s Green Coast Lager was pipped at the post by US Brewery Heater Allen which won the Kellerbier or Zwickelbier category for its beer, Pils. A kellerbier or zwickelbier is an unfiltered European-style lager or ale. Historically the category has been dominated by European breweries.
Brewery’s Slapshot was awarded Bronze in the Australian Pale Ale category and Bucketty’s Pale Ale No 2 in the category of Session Ale.
Bucketty’s Brewing Founder Nick McDonald said, “It’s a big deal for us. We’re known as a brew pub, not as a brewery, so hopefully this will put us on the map with beer drinkers.”
Bucketty’s Brewing Co is in Sydney’s Brookvale and its brews are stocked in around ten independent bottle shops as well as on tap at The Stowaway in Freshwater and at The Keel Bar in The Rocks.
“We sell a lot of beer on tap,” says Mr McDonald.
Sadly the Gold and Silver awards for the Australian Pale Ale category were awarded to American based breweries: Lost Winds Brewing Co for its Beach Hoppin’ Pale Ale and Sunriver Brewing Co for its Bondi Beach Party. (Ouch!)
But Head Brewer at Urban Alley Dove Bailey points out, “They have freshness on their side.” The homeground advantage is that US brewers deliver their beers for the contest in kegs.
Regardless, for Urban Alley’s Slapshot, Mr Bailey says it is a great affirmation for him and his team.
“We’re constantly working and thinking about whether to tweak things. This award is the right excuse to say, ‘We’re doing something right, so let’s keep on doing the same’,” he says.
Slapshot is available at a wide range of stockists and is on tap at Urban Alley’s Brewhouse in Docklands as well as the new brewpub at Knox Ozone which is due to open to the public on Thursday, 12 May.
Lead photo: Bucketty’s Brewing Co’s Dan, Gareth and head brewer Tony. Photo by Founder, Nick McDonald.
