The Shout Magazine (New Zealand)

Introducing the 2025 GABS Hottest 100 Kiwi Craft Beers

Image credit: Garage Project/Facebook

The annual list of GABS Hottest 100 Kiwi Craft Beers has been announced, with Garage Project’s Pernicious Weed returning to top spot – six years after its first gold medal.

Now in its ninth year, the annual GABS Hottest 100 Kiwi Craft Beers poll is the people’s choice index of the most popular craft beers in New Zealand.

Each year, voters are asked to choose their five favourite beers of the year from the diverse array of flavours and styles produced by Kiwi craft breweries.

This year’s winner, Pernicious Weed (pictured), has appeared in the top 10 year after year.

“The Monster Hop is back on top!,” wrote the Garage Project team on social media. “Pernicious Weed placed #1 in the @gabsfestival Hottest 100 and we couldn’t have done it without you.

“A massive thank you to everyone who voted and cracked a Pernicious Weed with us on Saturday, your support means the world. See you again next year?”

Parrotdog’s Birdseye, first brewed in 2020, was crowned 2021 Hottest 100 champion and has been on the podium ever since. This year, they retain the silver medal spot.

And up five places from last year is Brave Brewing Co’s Tigermilk IPA, coming in at number three.

The remainder of the top 10 spots are held by:

4. Behemoth Brewing Co: Brain Smiles
5. Panhead Custom Ales: Supercharger APA
6. Good George Brewing: Fog City Hazy IPA
7. DEB Beanbag Brewery: Hazzy Hunter
8. Parrotdog Brewing: Bitterbitch
9. Epic Brewing Co: Hop Zombie
10. 8 Wired Brewing: Hopwired

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