Voting is now open for the 2025 Beer & Brewer Awards, celebrating excellence across Australia’s dynamic beer industry. Organised by Beer & Brewer in partnership with Sydney Beer Week, this year’s awards will culminate in a live ceremony on Tuesday, 21 October at Mountain Culture Brewery’s new Redfern venue.
The awards honour achievements in categories such as Brewer of the Year, Brewpub of the Year, Beer Venue of the Year, Supplier of the Year, and the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award. Winners are determined through a combination of public votes and expert judging, ensuring a comprehensive recognition of talent and innovation in the industry.
Reflecting on his 2024 Brewer of the Year accolade, Nick Calder-Scholes of One Drop Brewing Co. said: “To be acknowledged by such a talented community who all understand the challenges and dedication brewing requires is truly humbling. Especially in the current market. A pinch-me (or hold my beer/s) moment for sure.”
Meanwhile, Richard Adamson, Co-founder of Young Henrys, said he was “humbled” to receive the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.
“It was a very humbling experience as it is quite the honour board to be joining. Many of those people previously recognised are my heroes and mentors. I’m very grateful for the kind words and the support of colleagues at Young Henrys, TAFE NSW, the IBA and IWBA that have afforded me some amazing opportunities.”
Previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Tina Panoutsos, David Cryer, Jayne Lewis, Pete Meddings, and Brendan Varis.
In 2024, the Brewpub of the Year award was shared by new and established venues, with Adelaide’s Wheatsheaf Hotel and Melbourne’s Brewmanity sharing the honour.
Speaking of the win, publican and brewer at the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Jade Flavell, said she was “chuffed” by the result, and the quality and tenacity of brewers across the country.
“We’re in amazing company! I have enormous respect for the indie breweries that have held the line on quality despite the shitshow of the last four years, so to be counted in their number is pretty damn cool. More than a decade ago we picked up Best Venue for pouring other people’s beers, so it’s nice to come full circle and be recognised for brewing and pouring our own.”
For Brewmanity, whose South Melbourne venue had been open less than a year, the win validated a lot of work and consideration that went into the venue long before it opened, according to co-founder David Neitz.
“We took a long time to find the right location and the right place, and to think that people are really enjoying the space, the hospitality and the lovely beers is exactly what we hoped for. So, to win this prize just feels just magnificent.”
The 2025 awards promise to be a highlight of the brewing calendar, offering an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and creativity of Australia’s brewers and venues. With the industry facing various challenges, this event serves as a testament to its resilience and passion.
To cast your vote and support your favourite people, breweries and venues, click here, and return your voting form to Deb Jackson (djackson@intermedia.com.au) by 5 September. Voting is open now, so make your voice heard and celebrate the best in Australian brewing.