World’s Best Beers Crowned: Wedgetail Brewing’s Dark Lager Takes Top Spot

16 May 2025

Wedgetail Brewing has proven its place at the top of Australia’s beer scene, winning Champion Australian Beer and Best Amber/Dark Lager for its traditional-style Dark Lager at the 2025 Australian International Beer Awards.

The brewery also earned the title of Champion Australian Independent Beer, solidifying its reputation as one of the country’s most outstanding craft brewers.

Meanwhile, Trumer Brewery from California took home Champion International Beer with its renowned Trumer Pils, which also wonBest Pilsner.​

Winners of the Australian International Beer Awards were announced on Thursday 15 May at the Victorian Pavilion.

See the full list of winners below:

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

Consistency of Excellence trophies went to breweries with sustained quality across styles and years:

Balter Brewing Co (QLD) – Hazy, Draught
Hop Nation (VIC) – The Chop, Draught
Holgate Brewhouse (VIC) – Road Trip American IPA, Packaged
Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven (Netherlands) – La Trappe Dubbel, Packaged
Boundary Island Brewery (WA) – Estuary Ale XPA, Draught
Hawke's Brewing (NSW) – Underdog Session Lager, Draught
Mountain Goat (VIC) – Pale Ale, Draught
Urban Alley Brewery (VIC) - Slapshot, Draught

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,” she said

“To be recognised among the best in the world speaks volumes about the quality and ambition of our brewers.”