The 2024 New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30 winners have been announced.
The Supreme Winner title – ranked the overall winner – went to Desperate Glory – Oud Bruin from 8 Wired in Warkworth.
The Belgian Amber Ale took nearly three years to make from brew day to podium and sets the flavour bar high.
“This is a traditional ale – think dates, brown sugar and sweet spice, that was aged in bourbon barrels and then blended with Chinese Keemun tea, adding vanilla, cherry, light floral and cocoa characters in as well,” says Chair of Judges, Michael Donaldson.
Champion Cider went to Nelson’s Peckham’s Cider for its Hazy Apple Cider.
Made with 100% heritage apples, unfiltered, and wild fermented, it has a “divine” aroma and taste that the judges compared it to spiced apple cake.
“This year’s Top 30 list delivers variety and flavour explosions like never before in this competition’s 10-year history,” says Donaldson.
The final list features fridge classics and craft beer favourites from all around the country, as well as a host of quirky brews, including some infused with the flavours of wild yeast, berries, chocolate, chilli, and even pickles.
“From golden lagers, to trendy hazies, to the most unique ales, sours and ciders – this all-NZ line up really showcases what our local brewers and cidermakers can do,” says Donaldson.
Dunedin’s Emerson’s Brewery earned four Top 30 spots for its London Porter, Reverb NZ IPA, Super Quench Lower Carb Pacific Pilsner, and Mexicoco Chocolate Chili Porter – a seasonal brew that will get a reprise in New World stores nationwide as a result of the win.
Last year’s Supreme Winner, Taupo’s Lakeman, is also back in 2024, this time with a trifecta of wins for its Big Hairy APA, Taupo Thunder NZ Pale Ale and Primate Pilsner.
“The 2024 Top 30 features many of Aotearoa’s most established brands, including much-loved lagers, pilsners, ales and dark beers from breweries like Lion, McLeod’s, Panhead, Parrotdog, and Sprig + Fern,” says Donaldson.
“And right alongside them are fast-moving up-and-comers like Christchurch’s Beer Baroness, Hastings’ Brave Brewing Co, Auckland’s Morningcider, Bay of Plenty’s Mount Brewing Co, and Taranaki’s Three Sisters, who are all becoming regulars at the top table.”
All winners, including the 20 Highly Commended brews, can be found here.
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