Beer judging competitions are back, thank goodness! This past year saw the cancellation of the world’s premier beer competitions, but improving public health conditions are allowing some to proceed. That’s great for brewers looking for challenges, professional feedback, and potential marketing opportunities. One major competition that is back on is the Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), which in the past has attracted both breweries from Japan as well as judges. Let’s take a look because the deadline for entry forms is quickly approaching.

According to the official press release, AIBA is “the largest annual beer competition in the world assessing both draught and packaged beer, attracting around 2,600 entries from more than 40 breweries in 26 countries.” The competition is judged by brewers and beer industry professionals, and features a series of blind tasting rounds like most competitions. Entries receive detailed feedback from judges that can help breweries improve.

Ai Tani, owner of Craft Beer Base in Osaka, has participated as a judge in this competition twice. She explains, “The judging method is such that value is assigned to its quality; instead of first or second place, deserving beers might receive gold, silver or bronze medals. Then, among the gold medal winners, a “Gold of Golds” is selected and announced at the awards ceremony to much fanfare. 60% of the AIBA judges are from Australia, and include experienced brewers, brewing school professors, and beer quality control experts–all people with plenty of ability to judge quality.”

Tani continues, “Receiving this level of feedback–from judges with such rich professional backgrounds–is difficult to obtain in Japan and I highly recommend that brewers apply. Awards don’t simply provide proof of quality that can spur better sales. I also think this is a branding opportunity for brewers who seek to export their products, especially to Australia.”

Judges for this year’s competition, due to lingering concerns around COVID, will be industry professionals from Australia’s Victoria region. Other changes includes a category for non-alcoholic beer, and a split in the IPA category between “Best Modern IPA” and “Best Traditional IPA”. Meanwhile, “Best Specialty Beer” will be split into “Best Specialty Beer” and “Best Specialty Flavoured Beer”, categories which Japanese breweries have tended to excel in world competitions through excellent, creative use of native ingredients.

Information about categories and style guidelines is available from the website (see links below). The deadline for entry forms is March 26th, though the window for shipping actual products is April 12th through the 30th. Judging commences in mid-May.

Brewers, good luck if you enter, and don’t be afraid to reach out to industry colleagues here in Japan if you have questions about the entry forms, how to ship, and other logistics. It’s worth the effort!

General website:
https://www.rasv.com.au/australian-international-beer-awards/

Booklet (with style guidelines) and entry form:
https://www.rasv.com.au/australian-international-beer-awards/competition-info/entry-booklet-and-forms/