Matilda Bay wins top beer award

A Victorian brewing company was awarded Champion Australian Beer at last night's Australian International Beers Awards.

Matilda Bay Brewing Company head brewer Scott Vincent said a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work went into producing the winning Alpha Pale Ale.

"It's a lovely use of great Australian ingredients,'' Mr Vincent said.

"You get those beautiful hop aromas on the front end, beautiful malt on the palette and nice appreciable bitterness on the back end that really balances well.''

Now in its 21st year, the AIBA attracted a record number of entries from around the world.

More than 1480 beers were entered from 230 brewers in 35 countries.

Belgian brewer Oud Beersel claimed the trophy for Champion International Beer with its Oud Beersel Oude Geuze.

Other Victorian winners included Carlton & United Breweries for Champion Large Australian Brewery, and 2 Brothers Brewery for Champion Small Australian Brewery.

Top notch: Master brewer Scott Vincent pours beer at Matilda Bay's brewery in Port Melbourne.

Source: Weekly Times Now, 24 May 2013