The best of Australian and international breweries and beers were recognised in Melbourne last week, at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards.
It was a successful night for Wedgetail Brewing from Falcon in Western Australia which took home Champion Australian Beer and Best Amber/Dark Lager for its traditional-style Dark Lager.
The brewery also earned the title of Champion Australian Independent Beer, solidifying its reputation as one of the country’s most outstanding craft brewers.
Commenting on social media the Wedgetail team said: “Massive thanks to the amazing community, our brew lords, and every legend who raised a glass with us. This one’s for you.”
On the international stage it was also a winning night for Trumer Brewery from California as it took home Champion International Beer and Best Pilsner for its highly-regarded Trumer Pils.
Melbourne Royal Senior Manager, Food and Beverage Awards Kirrily Waldhorn said the Awards are a celebration of brewing excellence and a testament to the passion, precision and creativity that define our industry.
“Winning at this level shows that world-class beer isn’t limited to scale – it’s driven by commitment to craft and consistency,” she said.
“To be recognised among the best in the world speaks volumes about the quality and ambition of our brewers.”
Capital Brewing was “blown away” to be the only brewer in this year’s competition to be awarded a gold medal in the Low Carbohydrate Lager category, with its Good Drop Low Card Lager.
Capital Brewing founder Laurence Kain said: “It’s an honour to win Gold at these awards, we love to let our beers do the talking when up against some of Australia’s biggest beer companies.”
KAIJU! picked up Best Australian Style Lager trophy for its Cerveza Crisp Lager and Head Brewer Nat Reeves said: “Our Cerveza Crisp Lager is light, refreshing and brewed to be easy-drinking, but it’s layered with nuance. I’m proud we’ve made something that everyday drinkers can enjoy, and brewers will respect.”
The win also marks KAIJU!’s second consecutive trophy in a lager category after taking home Best Pilsner in 2024 for its Koldsplif West Coast Pilsner.
Co-founder Callum Reeves added: “We’re still best known for hoppy ales like KAIJU! KRUSH! Tropical Pale but lager has been Nat’s quiet passion for years. Winning this trophy proves we can deliver just as much precision as we do boldness.”
Major Trophy Winners
- Champion Large Australian Brewery:
- Hawkers Beer – VIC
- Champion Medium Australian Brewery:
- Philter Brewing – NSW
- Champion Small Australian Brewery:
- Slipstream Brewing Co – QLD
- Champion Australian Independent Brewery:
- Philter Brewing – NSW
- Champion Victorian Brewery:
- Stomping Ground Brewing Co – VIC
- Champion Cider or Perry Producer:
- Sydney Brewery – NSW
- Australian Gypsy Brewer Award:
- Dollar Bill Brewing – VIC
- Champion Large International Brewery:
- Weihenstephan – Bavaria, Germany
- Champion Medium International Brewery:
- 49th State Brewing – Alaska, USA
- Champion Small International Brewery:
- Altitude Brewing – Otago, New Zealand
- Best New Exhibitor:
- Diatribe Brewing Company – North Carolina, USA
Other Category highlights include:
- Best Fruit Beer:
- Brambalama Ding Dong – Dollar Bill Brewing, VIC
- Best Non-Alcohol Beer:
- Free Time Raspberry Sour – Bridge Road Brewers, VIC
- Best Traditional IPA:
- The Deckie IPA – Boundary Island Brewery, WA
- Best Modern IPA:
- Haze – Philter Brewing, NSW
- Best Specialty Beer:
- Happy Camping – Deadman Brewery, Hong Kong
- Best Cider:
- Legana Wild Cuvee 20 – Brady’s Lookout Cider, TAS
- Best Design:
- Oud Bruin – King River Brewing Co, VIC
Global Excellence Recognised Consistency of Excellence trophies went to breweries with sustained quality across styles and years:
- Balter Brewing Co (QLD) – Hazy
- Hop Nation (VIC) – The Chop
- Holgate Brewhouse (VIC) – Road Trip American IPA
- Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven (Netherlands) – La Trappe Dubbel