16 May 2018

Canberra-brewed Bentspoke Crankshaft IPA ranks third in national craft beer poll

| Elias Hallaj
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Wild celebrations at BentSpoke at the conclusion of the last Hottest 100. Photo: David Tate.

The team at Canberra’s most famous brewery BentSpoke are super stoked by the poll results for the Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers, with three BentSpoke beers featuring in this year’s top 100: Their very popular IPA Crankshaft takes Bronze in third place, Sprocket came in at 24 and Barley Griffin came in at 27.

The result means that Crankshaft is the number one ranked IPA in Australia (according to the poll).

More good news came in via their famous lager Mort’s Gold, which although ranking 158th in this national competition, actually featured as the ninth-most-popular craft lager in Australia!

BentSpoke Brewing Co is offering their heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for them in this year’s poll.

Last year Barley Griffin polled 19 and Crankshaft 8.

“These results really mean a lot to us,” said BentSpoke co-owner and head brewer Richard Watkins.

“When making great beer is your passion it means the world to know that so many people around Australia have tried, and enjoyed your work.

“The poll has a big influence on the beer people are buying, and no doubt for a brewery in its early stages this is extremely helpful,” Richard said.

Co-owner Tracy Margrain says “we are a very local brand, with increasing growth, yet limited distribution. We would like to thank all the locals who voted for their favourite BentSpoke beers”.

Two other Canberra craft brewers (Capital Brewing and PACT Beer) featured in the top 100 ­– three if you count Scott Hargrave, who is the head brewer at Gold Coast Brewery Balter. Scott perfected his brewing as a member of Canberra Brewers and achieved 5 impressive placings in the top 100 this year, including the winning XPA. If you want to include Thirsty Crow Brewing in Wagga Wagga, there are many regional beers worth adding to your shopping list for your next visit to Plonk!

So what are you waiting for? Get to your local brewery and support local beer with unique Canberra flavours. We’re very lucky to have so many nationally-recognised brewers and beers in Canberra, but to continue to grow and thrive they need support from you and your friends.

If you still don’t have a favourite Canberra local brewery, it’s not too late to visit them all and start trying a few more of their beers!

And if like me, you’re a Bentspoke fan, there are only a few hours left to win yourself either a year of beer or a case of beer, just check out the Competition Page.

Elias Hallaj (aka CBRfoodie) is a part-time food blogger and full-time political staffer who has joined RiotACT as a regular contributor. All his opinions about beer are his own. Don’t worry he is trying to cut back, but insists it’s just too damned delicious. If you have any tips or feedback you can find him on Twitter @CBRfoodie.

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