On Thursday night industry gathered to celebrate the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), recognising standout breweries, cideries and producers from around Australia and the world.
The Trophy presentation dinner caps what is the largest annual beer competition in the world, renowned for its rigorous judging process and commitment to recognising excellence in brewing, attracting entries from far and wide.
Topping the podium this year was Mountain Goat Brewery, taking the prestigious Champion Australian Beer award for its Bract to the Future brew.
Bract forms part of an exclusive global trial using experimental Hops-106 varietal from the NZ Hops Bract Program. Just 60 breweries worldwide were selected as part of the hop’s commercialisation process to determine if it progresses to full commercial release.
Suitably, the award was presented to Mountain Goat by Andrew Sutherland, from Oast House Hops – part of the co-op and the grower behind the Hops-106 varietal.
Aiming to provide a truly international platform for producers, in 2026 the Awards introduced eight new beer styles and updated existing classes to celebrate innovation, diversity and international brewing standards.
Taking home Champion International Beer was internationally Weissbier, Zebra Craft Beer, from China, while Victorian favourite Stomping Ground Brewing Co collected the Champion Australian Independent Beer award,
Claiming the Best Amber/Dark Ale trophy was Victoria’s 2 tenacious Brothers Brewery for its much-loved Grizz, which first entered the AIBAs in 2012 and has remained a consistent favourite, previously taking a Gold medal, back in 2017.
Continuing the “growth and innovation” in the category of no- and reduced-alcohol, Love Shack Brewery was awarded Best Reduced/Low Alcohol Beer for its Midstrength Red Ale.
This comes after a particularly challenging period for the brewer, having recently lost stock in bushfires. In support of affected producers, the brewery was one of the companies provided complimentary competition entries, making the accolade especially meaningful as it rebuilds.
And picking up Best Design for the striking packaging of its Soul Cat Hazy IPA, was New Zealand’s Heyday Beer Co.
Kirrily Waldhorn, senior manager of Food & Beverage Awards at Melbourne Royal, says the AIBAs highlight the “strength and diversity of Australia’s independent beer scene” globally.
“To be recognised at this level is a reflection of the passion and precision driving our brewing community, and a reminder of just how strong Australian and international beer continues to be on the world stage.”
Major Trophy Winners
Champion Large Australian Brewery: Pirate Life Brewing, South Australia, Australia
Champion Medium Australian Brewery: Hawkesbury Brewing Co, New South Wales, Australia
Champion Small Australian Brewery: King Road Brewing Co, Western Australia, Australia
Champion Australian Independent Brewery: King Road Brewing Co, Western Australia, Australia
Champion Victorian Brewery: Hawkers Brewery, Victoria, Australia
Champion Cider or Perry Producer: Plenty Cider, Tasmania, Australia
Champion Large International Brewery: Garage Project, Wellington, New Zealand
Champion Medium International Brewery: COEDO Brewery, Saitama, Japan
Champion Small International Brewery: Altitude Brewing, Otago, New Zealand
Best New Exhibitor: Froth Craft Brewery, Western Australia, Australia
Category Highlights:
Best Fruit Beer: Cherry Pick’n, Draught, Half Pace Brewing Company, New South Wales, Australia
Best Non-Alcohol Beer: All Day Hazy Non-Alcoholic IPA, Packaged Bach Brewing, Auckland, New Zealand
Best Traditional IPA: NZ Cold IPA, Draught, King Road Brewing Co, Western Australia, Australia
Best Modern IPA: Bract To The Future, Draught, Mountain Goat, Victoria, Australia
Best Specialty Beer: Four Seasons Autumn 2026, Draught, Hawkers Brewery, Victoria, Australia
Best Cider: Berry DaHongPao Tea Cider, Packaged, Jun Yin (Beijing) Brand Management, China
Best Design: Soul Cat Hazy IPA, Heyday Beer Co, New Zealand
