Gage Roads Brewing Company from Western Australia won Champion Australian Beer at the 24th Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) on Thursday night. The accolade is the top award that can be received by brewers at AIBA and was given to Gage Roads for its Little Dove draught beer.

Champion International Beer was won by Boston Beer Company, from the US, for its Samual Adams Kosmic Funk Grand Cru. Last year the title was given to Lion, Beer, Spirits & Wine, New Zealand.

The awards received a record 1,793 entries this year from 326 Australian and international brewing companies.

Other major Australian trophies awarded included Champion Large Australian Brewer to Stone & Wood Brewing Co in New South Wales, Champion Medium Australian Brewer to Two Birds Brewing in Victoria and Champion Small Australian Brewer to Pirate Life Brewing in South Australia.

The Gary Sheppard Memorial Trophy for Best New Exhibitor was awarded to Barrabool Hills Brewery Co. in Victoria, Australia.

Image: Aaron Heary from Gage Brewing