The People have spoken at the Microbrewery Showcase for 2013 and it seems that the newcomers have certainly taken the cake.
Cider was a done deal with the still very small but increasingly popular Lucky Duck Cider taking out Best Cider and Best Cider producer for the second year in a row. The company – which is run by duo Shane and Colby out of their two bedroom apartment – was keen to showcase the versatility of their product, creating a range of Ducktail cocktails for the showcase event.
Black Heart Brewery, which is run by a cardiac surgeon and a perfusionist, took out the Best Brewery Award with their small batch boutique brews. And the Pale Ale category was tied between two very new brewing companies – both of which have popped up in the last 12 months – Sideshow Brewers (a recently converted from homebrew husband and wife pair) and Quiet Deeds (the brainchild of the import company that brought Rekorderlig to Australia).
Other well loved brands also picked up gongs, with Moon Dog, Mildura, White Rabbit, Bright and more gathering votes from the many attendees.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNERS MARCH 2013
BEST BREWERY AWARD
Black Heart Brewery
BEST WHEAT BEER
Mildura Brewery Honey Wheat
BEST LAGER
Moon Dog Brewing Love Tap
BEST PALE ALE
Sideshow Brewers Ticketbooth Pale Ale
Red Island Brewing CoQuiet Deeds Pale Ale
BEST DARK ALE
White Rabbit Brewery Dark Ale
BEST STOUT
Bellarine Brewing Co Muscle Stout
BEST BELGIAN
Bright Brewery Fainters Dubbel
BEST SPECIALTY
Harcourt Valley Brewing Co Gonja Kid
BEST CIDER PRODUCER
Lucky Duck Cider
BEST CIDER
Lucky Duck Cider Lucky Duck