The winners of the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards have been announced, after receiving close to 2300 entries from 22 countries around the world. The program has a reputation for setting the benchmark of recognising brewing excellence since 1993, assessing both draught and packaged beer, and cider, as well as design and media.
Melbourne Royal senior manager food and beverage awards, Kirrily Waldhorn, said the awards are a celebration of brewing excellence and a testament to the passion, precision and creativity that define our industry.
“Winning at this level shows that world-class beer isn’t limited to scale – it’s driven by commitment to craft and consistency,” said Waldhorn.
“To be recognised among the best in the world speaks volumes about the quality and ambition of our brewers.”
Source: Melbourne Royal
Judging took place over four days at Melbourne Showgrounds, with 80 expert judges from across Australia and the world contributing their expertise. Winners were announced on 15 May at the Victorian Pavilion.
With 1611 Australian and 666 international entries, the judges had their work cut out for them. Gold Medals were awarded to 269 brews, and Champion Trophies were received by breweries from across Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, as well as the USA, Germany and New Zealand.
Western Australian producer, Wedgetail Brewing, took out Champion Australian Beer, Champion Australian Independent Beer, and Best Amber/Dark Lager for its traditional-style Dark Lager.
The company stated online: “Huge love to our incredible community, the brew wizards behind the scenes, and every single one of you who believed in us (or at least believed in beer). We couldn’t have done it without you – come raise a glass with us!”
Trumer Brewery from California won Champion International Beer, for its Trumer Pils, which also won Best Pilsner.
The full list of winners also included:
Major Trophy Winners
- Champion Large Australian Brewery: Hawkers Beer – VIC
- Champion Medium Australian Brewery: Philter Brewing – NSW
- Champion Small Australian Brewery: Slipstream Brewing Co – QLD
- Champion Australian Independent Brewery: Philter Brewing – NSW
- Champion Victorian Brewery: Stomping Ground Brewing Co – VIC
- Champion Cider or Perry Producer: Sydney Brewery – NSW
- Australian Gypsy Brewer Award: Dollar Bill Brewing – VIC
- Champion Large International Brewery: Weihenstephan – Bavaria, Germany
- Champion Medium International Brewery: 49th State Brewing – Alaska, USA
- Champion Small International Brewery: Altitude Brewing – Otago, New Zealand
- Best New Exhibitor: Diatribe Brewing Company – North Carolina, USA
Category Highlights
- Best Fruit Beer: Brambalama Ding Dong – Dollar Bill Brewing, VIC
- Best Non-Alcohol Beer: Free Time Raspberry Sour – Bridge Road Brewers, VIC
- Best Traditional IPA: The Deckie IPA – Boundary Island Brewery, WA
- Best Modern IPA: Haze – Philter Brewing, NSW
- Best Specialty Beer: Happy Camping – Deadman Brewery, Hong Kong
- Best Cider: Legana Wild Cuvee 20 – Brady’s Lookout Cider, TAS
- Best Design: Pale Ale 500mL Limited Edition, CBCo Brewing, Victoria
