Entries to the 2024 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards (AIBAs) are open until Friday 8 March, meaning there is only a month for brewers to enter the running.
The AIBAs celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, welcoming a record 2,826 entries from 400 breweries across 21 countries. Breweries of any size are encouraged to enter, from boutique microbreweries to large-scale commercial producers.
Spanning the categories of draught beer, packaged beer, and packaging design, the 2024 awards will present 11 major trophies, including Champion Australian Beer and Champion International Beer, along with 24 additional category trophies. Melbourne Royal has confirmed that there will be an international judging contingent, after the easing of travel restrictions allowed international judges to return in 2023. Full details of the panel will be announced closer to judging.
Reflecting updates in the 2023 Edition US Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines, the Australian International Beer Awards will welcome new categories in 2024, including West Coast-Style India Pale Ale and Dessert or Pastry Stout. New World Lager is being split into Modern Lager and Modern Pilsner, and the introduction of the Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale and New Zealand-Style Pale Ale categories has led to the removal of the Modern Pale Ale category.
Winning an AIBA can have a significant impact on a business, as Ed Nolle from Dollar Bill Brewing has learned since winning last year’s Champion Australian Beer.
“The trophies bestowed upon Dollar Bill by the judges at the AIBAs are not just symbols of unwavering passion; they are beacons of the consistency of quality, dedication, and the ideals that define our brewery,” he said.
“The Awards not only capture more consumers, but they also open up new avenues for Australian beer on the international stage.
“The decision to enter the AIBAs is not only a quest for recognition within such a diverse community, but also a statement of our desire to be part of the global brewing community. The Awards are an acknowledgement to the countless individuals and producers who share a commitment and unyielding passion for their craft.
“As a direct results of the AIBAs I can confidently say we have not only found our market but have also expanded our horizons into previously untapped areas. Our success at the Awards goes beyond our brewery – it serves as a testament to the boundless opportunities awaiting businesses dedicated to excellence,” Nolle said.
Tickets are now available for the Trophy Presentation Dinner, a sell-out event in previous years. The 2024 dinner will be held on Thursday 16 May at the Victoria Pavilion.