Frenchies Bistro & Brewery in Rosebery hosted the highly anticipated return of Brewer’s Got Talent last weekend, marking the event’s biggest turnout to date.
The annual homebrew competition attracted beer enthusiasts from far and wide, eager to sample and vote for the creations of more than 12 aspiring brewers, who each showcased between one and three beers for both a panel of esteemed judges and the general public.
The judges – experts from Beer & Brewer, Cryer Malt, East Coast Canning, The Brew Shop, and Yakima Chief Hops – deliberated over the beers, selecting the winners based on their quality, appearance, aroma, and flavour.
Judges’ winners:
For the first time in the competition’s history, the judges awarded two first-place winners. Both brewers will walk away with a full beer brand launch program at Frenchies, providing them with the opportunity to see their brews produced, released, and marketed to the public.
- First Place (Tied):
- Fervent Brewing’s Dathomir Red IPA (6.8% ABV)
- Lambley Fambley Home Brew’s Flanders Flower Funk (6.1% ABV)
Dathomir Red IPA is a bold, triple dry-hopped Red IPA with a huge aroma and flavour profile, brewed in collaboration with The Mad Viking Brewing Co.
Flanders Flower Funk, a Flanders Red, delivers a perfect balance of tart cherries, earthy oak, and wild funk – brewed with patience and a dash of chaos.
- Second Place: Fervent Brewing’s Can You Smell Smoke? (8.4% ABV)
An imperial stout for pyromaniacs and fans of peated whisky, this beer was born from a homebrew shop’s generous contribution of Manuka smoked malt. - Third Place: Bodacious Brewing’s High Desert Cali Red IPA (6.2% ABV)
A hop-forward Red IPA with a German Pilsner base and a complex hop bill, this beer stood out for its clean malt flavour and dry finish.
People’s Choice Award:
In addition to the judges’ decisions, the public had the chance to vote for their favourite beers. The People’s Choice Winner will receive a half-price brew at Frenchies, allowing them to take their homebrew ambitions to the next level.
- First Place: Excalibur Brewing’s Red SMASH IPA (4.9% ABV)
A hop-forward and malt-balanced IPA, this beer features a beautifully crafted bitterness that keeps drinkers coming back for more. - Second Place: Coin Hop Beer Co.’s 8-BRIT (3.8% ABV)
A traditional British cask ale made with creamy English toffee malt flavours and balanced with British Fuggle hops, this beer delivers a silky smooth mouthfeel. - Third Place: Bodacious Brewing’s High Desert Cali Red IPA
This beer also made a mark with the public, securing a spot in the top three of the People’s Choice vote.
Vince De Soyres, Frenchies Co-Founder and Brewery Director, reflected on the significance of Brewer’s Got Talent in today’s craft beer landscape:
“The calibre of talent and creativity among our home brewers gets better and better every year, so much so, for the first time ever, we’ve awarded two 2025 judges’ winners. Both the Fervent Brewing and Lambley Fambley Home Brew beers were showstoppers, and demonstrated top-notch qualities, from their appearance and mouthfeel to aroma and flavour. We’re excited to be bringing these beers to life over the coming months and releasing them for beer lovers everywhere to enjoy,” he said.
“A big thanks to all the home brewers who got involved, those who joined us for our biggest Brewer’s Got Talent yet, our legendary judges, and awesome sponsors. Here’s to #BGT26!”
With this year’s event breaking records in terms of attendance and excitement, Brewer’s Got Talent continues to provide a key platform for aspiring brewers to showcase their talents, connect with industry professionals, and take the next step toward making their dreams of brewing on a commercial scale a reality.
