A Sunshine Coast man has been named Queensland’s best new craft brewer, earning his brewery a 12-month commercial contract with one of the state’s biggest entertainment venues.
Josh Batten, 21, started brewing “for fun” two years ago before embarking on a TAFE craft brewing course to learn the trade, going on to land a role with boutique brewery 10 Toes, based at Alexandra Headland.
His recipe and idea for ‘Dark Star’, a single-hopped black IPA, has helped earn him the title of The Star Entertainment Group Best New Queensland Craft Brewer of the Year at the Royal Queensland Beer Awards.
Mr Batten will now have his 10 Toes beers sold at the Treasury Brisbane casino for the next 12 months.
“This award means a lot to me because I was nominated by my manager, who took me in and supported me, and now I can help to expose the business to a wider audience of craft beer lovers and hopefully push our products further afield,” he said.
“My concept was to create something different and exciting with the flavours I wanted to incorporate into the IPA, but it can be difficult to brew.
“It would be a black beer with a surprisingly mild flavour – it’s not sweet or heavy, but refreshing and zesty with hints of mandarin and citrus from a generous addition of Eclipse hops.”
This is the third consecutive year The Star Entertainment Group has backed the award.
“Treasury Brisbane is proud to support local producers, businesses and emerging talent, showcasing the best of Queensland,” chief operating officer Justine Russell said.
“We look forward to offering craft beer from this talented young brewer and 10 Toes to our guests in some of Treasury Brisbane’s bars and restaurants.”
Mr Batten’s win comes after fellow Sunshine Coast brewers Shaz and Matt Wilson from the Moffat Beach Brewing Co won the Rallings Grand Champion Beer of Show at the awards.
“The Royal Queensland Beer Awards is regarded for showcasing the best of not only Queensland, but Australian beer, with a record 663 entries this year,” RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said.
“The best new craft brewer category continues to go from strength to strength as talented new brewers continue to expand the industry.
“Josh’s unique brew really impressed the judges, and he has a wonderful future ahead of him.”
For more information about the 2023 Beer Awards, including a full list of beer award winners, click here.
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