Despite the beer world spending much of this year feeling like it’s dealing in powder kegs rather than the ones we’re more accustomed to such has been the minefield of obstacles to navigate, there will always be room, and indeed the need, to celebrate the wins.
So as the Beer & Brewer Awards return for another year it’s timelier than ever to be shining a spotlight on some of those who have raised the bar and given us all plenty of reasons to raise a toast.
From a lifetime of achievement to a new brewing company that’s spent the last 12 months high achieving, our winners highlight what is great and healthy about the broader industry at a time when it needs all the limelight it can get.
Like last year, votes from our panel of judges (see below for the full list) were counted alongside ones from the public who gave their opinions via an online poll on our website back in September. It meant that the counting process was long and whilst some categories were largely a one-horse race, some were tightly contested which goes to show the level of competition, and passion, evident in the industry across the country.
Congratulations to all our winners but the biggest toast must go to everyone in the industry who continue to strive for excellence and who celebrate our vibrant beer culture.
These awards feature in the summer 2023/24 edition of Beer & Brewer that is officially available from December 1. Head here to discover all of our great subscription offers.
The 2023 Beer & Brewer Awards winners
Lifetime Achievement:
Tina Panoutsos
From her support of the entire beer category, including from a sensory education and evaluation point of view as one of the world’s best palates right through to her mentorship and care for a growing legion of women in the industry, Tina is held in the very highest regard and is the embodiment of what it means to win a lifetime achievement award. Read our awards feature on Tina here.
Brewer of the Year: Matt Wilson, Moffat Beach Brewing
After repeat high achievement on the awards circuit for the past five years, Matt has steered Moffat Beach from very humble beginnings to the success story they now are, whilst keeping this family-run brewery’s feet still very much firmly on the ground.
Read our awards feature on Matt here.
New Brewing Company of the Year: Du Cane Brewing
Much like the mountain range they’re named after, Launceston’s Du Cane Brewing is a major tourist destination in a region renowned for them whilst concurrently being something that represents the local community right down to a tee.
Read our awards feature on Du Cane here.
Beer Venue of the Year:
The Grain Store
In their tenth year of operation, this Newcastle craft beer institution is the long overdue winner of this award and the first regional venue to do so. Always wholly and fiercely independent, The Grain Store is a spiritual home for Australian indie craft that backs it unconditionally at a time it needs all the backing it can get. Read our awards feature on The Grain Store here.
Brewpub of the Year:
Felons Brewing Co
In five years, Felons have gone from famously running out of beer in their opening few weeks to being an integral part of the cultural fabric of their home city. With an enviable and large location on Brisbane River, they are many things to many people, and are invariably busy. But their hospitality remains customer-focussed and their range of beer styles are always excellent.
Read our awards feature on Felons here.
The 2023 Awards judging panel:
Andy Scade – President, WA Brewers Association & brewing consultant
Briony Liebich – Sensory analyst, Flavour Logic
Bronte O’Donoghue – Marketing & brand manager, Eagle Bay Brewing
Chris Kelly – Founder & general manager, East Coast Canning
Clare Clouting – Founder & director, Athena Quality
Grace Irwin – Marketing manager, Hop Products Australia
Jake Brandish – Editor, HomeBrewer
Jakkii Musgrave – Beer media
Jayne Lewis – Founder, Full Colour Life
Jessie Jungalwalla – Founder, Craft Instinct
Joe Cook – Founder, Beer Fans
John Krüger – Photographer
Jon Burridge – Operations & sales support, Yakima Chief Hops
Jono Outred – Beer media
Josh Donohoe – Founder & director, Creative Tours & Events
Josh Quantrill – National channel account manager, 4 Pines Brewing
Justin Fox – Bespoke Brewing Solutions
Kevin Davis – Owner, Thirsty Merchants
Kirrily Waldhorn – Managing director, Beer Matters & brand consultant, NZ Hops Ltd
Michael Capaldo – National sales manager, Hop Products Australia
Nick Becker – Co-founder & sales director, Konvoy Kegs
Nick Murphy – Category buying manager – craft beer, Liquorland & FCLM
Phil Meddings – Joint CEO, Bintani
Richard Adamson – Co-founder, Young Henrys
Tiffany Waldron – National beer brand manager, Beer Fans
Tina Panoutsos – Drinks Knowledge & Education, CUB
Tommaso Watson – Founder & director, Ferveo Yeast
