26 November 2021

Canberra's BentSpoke wins three medals at 'Oscars of Brewing Industry'

| Damien Larkins
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Judging at the International Brewing and Cider Awards

Brewers and cider-makers from 24 countries entered the historic competition. Photo: International Brewing and Cider Awards.

Canberra’s BentSpoke Brewing Co has won a gold and two silvers at the 2021 International Brewing and Cider Awards in the United Kingdom.

Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Brewing Industry’, the 133-year-old awards are known as the world’s most historic international beer and cider competition.

The ACT brewer’s Crankshaft IPA took out the Smallpack Ale – Class 4 category.

Their Barley Griffin Pale Ale came second in the Smallpack Ale – Class 1 category, while the 7.0% Rednut IPA won silver in Strong Beer – Class 4.

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BentSpoke head brewer and co-founder Richard Watkins says he’s proud to see Canberra beers recognised on the world stage.

“With the craft beer and cider industry growing and changing every year, it’s no easy feat to maintain podium finishes, so we’re really humbled and proud of that. These awards are really good recognition for our team and our commitment to beer quality.”

BentSpoke has previously won International Brewery Awards in 2017 and 2019.

A can of Bentspoke Crankshaft IPA beer

BentSpoke’s Crankshaft IPA is officially a top drop. Photo: Bentspoke Brewing Co.

A total of 138 accolades were awarded this year to brewers and cider-makers from 24 countries, including China, Japan, Luxembourg, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the US and the UK.

International Brewing & Cider Awards director Ruth Evans congratulated the brewers for their hard work over a difficult 18 months for the industry.

“Despite being forced to postpone the awards due to the pandemic, our brewing and cider community across the globe rallied together,” she said.

“[They] continued to produce outstanding and innovative produce and it’s this determination and success that’s worth celebrating.”

READ ALSO Canberra local craft brewers’ top drops for International Beer Day

Beer judging chair Rob McCaig says the beers, ales and lagers were exceptional.

“For three days, we have seen and tasted some of the very best beers from around the world, crowning winners from all corners of the globe,” he says.

“It has made the job of our judging panel extremely difficult because of the quality of the beers.”

This year a zero-alcohol beer category was added to the awards for the first time to reflect emerging trends in the industry.

The awards will be handed out at a luncheon on 6 April 2022.

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