Ballistic Beer Co has taken home a swag of medals at the Australian International Beer Awards in Victoria.
The rapidly rising craft brewery, which operates from The Brewhouse in Bundaberg as well as Brisbane and The Whitsundays, was awarded five silver medals and three bronze at the highly coveted annual event.
Ballistic Commander-in-Chief David Kitchen said this year there were 2502 entries from 21 countries.
“Of the 402 breweries who entered the awards this year, a record 261 were from Australia,” David said.
“We are fortunate to have such a strong and supportive brewing industry in Australia.
“Ballistic is only five years old, so we are incredibly proud that our beer has been recognised alongside some of the world’s best brews.”
Conducted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, AIBA is the largest annual beer competition in the world, assessing both draught and packaged beer.
David said the medals Ballistic won this year would bring their AIBA total to six gold, 17 silver and 11 bronze.
“AIBA medals are an industry seal of excellence. Recognition from some of our most respected peers spurs us on to keep innovating for our loyal, long-standing customers, as well as those who are only just discovering Ballistic,” he said.
“Earlier this year, we expanded our footprint beyond our Brisbane venues in Salisbury, West End and Springfield and merged with two regional craft breweries to create Ballistic Whitsundays and Ballistic Bargara, near Bundaberg. We are looking forward to submitting our Whitsundays and Bargara beers in next year’s AIBA competition.
“Regional communities are the beating heart of Queensland and we know that if we want to become Queensland’s favourite craft beer, we need to expand beyond Brisbane. We’re excited about what the future holds.”
Ballistic Bargara, at The Brewhouse, currently have all eight winning beers available for locals to enjoy.
These include:
- Silver – Ballistic Cold One, Draught – Reduced Alcohol Ale
- Silver – Ballistic Lager, Draught – Best Pilsener (German Style)
- Silver – Ballistic Oaked XPA, Draught – Best Wood or Barrel Aged Beer
- Silver – Twang Pina Colada Sour – Other Specialty Beer
- Silver – Ballistic Imperial Brown Ale, Draught – Wood or Barrel Aged Beer
- Bronze – Hawaiian Haze, Draught – New England IPA
- Bronze – Grandfather Oak Dale, Draught – Wood and Barrel Aged Strong Beer
- Bronze – Water Me Lawn, Draught – American Style Fruit Beer
Head brewer at the Bundaberg business Andrew Clark said the winning beers were part of a fantastic range available at The Brewhouse on Tantitha Street, including old favourites such as Thirsty Turtle and Rusty Roo.
He said the upcoming Taste Bundaberg Festival would be the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience the flavours that Ballistic Bargara had to offer.
“Join us for an afternoon Brew Tour during the Taste Bundaberg Festival,” Andrew said.
“Participants will get to sample our impressive range of Ballistic and Bargara brews and learn more about what goes into making quality craft beer.”
The Brew Tour will be held on Friday 11 and 18 June and Saturday 12 and 19 June from 12pm to 1pm.
Tickets are just $7. Book here.
Related stories: Ballistic Beer Co buys Bargara Brewing