Success brewing in the Great Southern as local beers claim top gongs at Perth Royal Beer Awards

Success is brewing in the Great Southern, with the region’s big brewers winning big at the Perth Royal Beer Awards. Boston Brewing Co was the region’s stand-out performer, claiming three major trophies, nine gold medals, four silvers and five bronzes. Boston’s Devilside red IPA won the trophy for best packaged amber-dark ale, while the Afterglose raspberry gose claimed the title of best European-style packaged beer. Their barrel-aged Cherry Porter was named the State’s best hybrid and speciality packaged beer. Albany’s Wilson Brewing Co took home nine medals at the show — one gold, three silvers and five bronzes. Artisan Brewing in Denmark won the major trophy for best European draught for the third year in a row for its Quad 2018, along with one gold medal, two silvers and two bronzes. New kid on the block Bremer Bay Brewing Company won a gold medal for its Raging Rock Lobster red ale. Boston Brewing Co general manager Glen Daniel said he was particularly proud of the recognition for the business’ special release Cherry Porter. “Barrel ageing is something that we have been investing some time into,” he said. “These products take more than 18 months, and it was fantastic to see this one win a trophy. “There is a lot of tough competition out there with a lot of amazing WA breweries. “It is a great morale booster for the team and makes us all feel we are on the right track to keep growing bigger and better.” Wilson’s owner Matt Wilson said the brewery was proud to be representing Albany. “Our Stiff Mast Bitter Ale won the gold medal,” he said. “The Stiffy, as we call it, is a top-quality brew, though not one of our bestsellers, so it was very unexpected.” The wins were a welcome reward for local businesses after a tough few months. “As with all local businesses, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic we faced many obstacles,” Mr Wilson said. “This included the closing of our brewery bar, laying off staff, a significant reduction in revenue and many other stressful situations with trying to keep a small business afloat. “With the right management we were able to continue our production, retain the brew-ing and canning team, and dis-tribute to local and WA bottle shops. “Thankfully, the business made it through the pandemic.”