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Queensland breweries impress with a huge showing in the GABS Hottest 100 craft-beer poll

Queensland breweries impress with a huge showing in the GABS Hottest 100 craft-beer poll

It's that time of year again – the GABS Hottest 100 has been announced and Queensland breweries are, once again, well represented. A host of brewers from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have scored positions at the pointy end of the countdown, meaning the Sunshine State's cadre of suds makers are among the nation's best.


Many ardent froth fiends consider the GABS Hottest 100 list to be one of the best barometers of quality and popularity when it comes to Australia’s craft-beer output, which means any inclusion in the countdown’s top ten is a big deal. This year, the poll showcased a broad selection of beers made by Australian breweries, from established names to exciting up-and-comers. Although Canberra’s BentSpoke Brewing Co. snagged the year’s number-one beer with its Crankshaft American IPA, Queensland breweries were the most represented of all states, with a whopping 30 beers earning a spot in the 100-strong list. Two coastal Queensland breweries featured in the countdown’s top three, with Balter Brewing’s XPA (a two time winner in 2017 and 2018) and Your Mates Brewing Co’s Larry Australian Pale Ale earning places on the podium. Other Queensland breweries in the top ten include Stone & Wood’s Pacific Ale, Black Hops Brewery’s G.O.A.T. hazy IPA and Ballistic Beer Co.’s Hawaiian Haze pale ale.

Queensland beers were common all the way down the list, from Heads of Noosa’s Japanese lager and Green Beacon’s Wayfarer tropical pale ale to Revel Brewing Co.’s strawberries and cream sour ale and Range Brewing Co.’s Lights and Music triple IPA. In addition to showcasing the year’s most popular beers, the GABS Hottest 100 is also an indicator of emerging trends and tastes in the craft-beer scene. One of the biggest takeaways to emerge from this year’s countdown is the rise of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers, a thriving section of the brewing industry represented by debut entrants Heaps Normal, whose Quiet XPA landed at 20 on the list, and Sobah Beverages’ Pepperberry IPA, which took spot number 69.

Head on over to the GABS Hottest 100 website to take a full gander at the list.

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