News

Australia’s best independent beer for 2024 is Vampiric Throne Red IPA from Uraidla Brewing.

This is the first time a red IPA has been awarded Champion Independent Beer.

The 2024 Independent Beer Awards (Indies Awards) saw 1,028 beers evaluated by nearly 50 of the best of the best judges over three days – with Uraidla’s Vampiric Throne Red IPA being selected as Champion Amber-Dark Ale and then moving on to take out Champion Independent Beer.

Max Bowering, only stepped into the role of Head Brewer at Uraidla Brewing in South Australia two months ago and at age 24 represents the next generation of independent brewers in Australia, which is clearly in great hands.

Overall results include:

• Total Gold Medals 151, 387 silver and 366 bronze
• 904 medals were awarded in total
• 21 different breweries were awarded Champion Trophies with 9 achieving their first ever Champion Trophy at the Indies Awards

Head Judge, Justin Fox said: “We are blown away this year at the quality of beers entered. 151 beers were awarded gold, and an incredible 87% of all beers entered received a medal.

The calibre of the assembled judging panels was again first class, with representation from all corners of our industry. Each judge brought unique skills, industry perspective, sensory strengths, and a positive willingness to both improve and impart their own knowledge.

With the Olympics in full swing, this medal tally demonstrates that consumers across Australia can enjoy the highest calibre of independent beers on tap in venues and packed in fridges across the country”.

IBA Chair, Callum Reeves added: “To host the judging hub and in person ceremony in Perth this year alongside our colleagues at the West Australian Brewers Association Conference was a fantastic experience.

Two years ago we established a vision of moving this important industry event around the nation so everyone had the chance to participate and so we could showcase local beer and the community that supports it.

On behalf of the IBA Board I would like to thank everyone involved this year’s competition.

• My fellow Board Directors who support and guide the Association so it can continue to deliver quality program such as this.
• Our 7 Advisory Committee members, who work year-round to ensure the competition is the best it can be.
• Head Judge, Justin Fox. His tireless dedication to the cause and to nurturing a successful and highly regarded industry sector is truly appreciated by us all.
• Our judges and stewards who volunteer their time and dig deep to make sure our entrants have the best experience possible.
• Our award partners and sponsors, we couldn’t do it without them.  
• And of course, the IBA team, no one will ever fully understand the care and commitment they have for your beers and for the industry as a whole.”

And finally, congratulations to all medalists, champions and entrants, you are all winners in our eyes”. Reeves said.