Williams' Pale Ale crowned Aust’s best beer

The Williams Limited Release India Pale Ale, made by the William Bull Brewery, took out the Grand Champion gong at the RNA’s innovative Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show (RQFWS) Beer and Cider Competition.

Almost 90 entries flowed in from some of the world’s largest breweries to local craft brewers to be judged by a dedicated team of brewers, beer writers and industry figures.

Led by chief judge and master brewer Ian Chant – former Power Brewing and Lion – the competition provides a comprehensive snapshot of the quality of Australian brewing and a trustworthy guide for consumers.

Mr Chant said the Williams Limited Release India Pale Ale from William Bull Brewery was a clear winner of the Grand Champion trophy.

“It’s a product that will take you on a wonderful flavour journey – it looks great, has a beautiful balance of hop and malt, fantastic aroma and is absolutely delicious,” he said.

“You can’t go wrong giving this beer to your partner at Christmas.

“Traditionally Australia is a lager country but there is now a trend towards pale ales – they are rich in flavour and consumers are looking for excitement in their beers.”

Meanwhile the iconic Victoria Bitter (VB) was awarded the Cryermalt Australia Champion Queensland Beer of Show – giving the southern counterpart bragging rights north of the border.

Mr Chant said due to VB being brewed in Queensland it was eligible to win the award and richly deserved to.

“It truly is a great beer and for the three years the competition has been running, entries have consistently been at a high standard and 2012 was no different,” he said.

“Beer consumers have nothing to fear – there is no rubbish out there.”

For the first time the competition included four cider classes with Sutton’s Dry Apple Cider taking out the top award, made by Queensland’s only commercial cider producer, the highly respected David Sutton.

Mr Chant said there was growing interest in ciders which provide a further flavour experience for consumers.

“There was plenty of excitement in this year’s brand new category and there is still so much growth occurring in the industry,” he said.

“Soon consumers will have an exciting array of not only beer products but also cider products to delight their senses.”

Beer and cider formed the eighth and final competition in the 2012 RQFWS which unearthed Australia’s best ice-cream, dairy product, chocolate, beef, lamb, wine and beer and Queensland’s best sausages.

The RQFWS will be back in full force in 2013 kicking off with the Cheese and Dairy Produce Show in May.

A special Trade Tasting Session will be held tomorrow (Friday) in the Auditorium Foyer, RNA Showgrounds.