A Sunshine Coast brewery has been recognised among the best in Australia during a countdown worth frothing over.
The annual GABS Hottest 100 poll highlights Australia’s most popular craft beers and this year more than 55,000 participants voted for nearly 400 breweries.
Seventy different breweries made it into the top 100, underscoring the strong presence of independent breweries in Australia.
Your Mates Brewing placed seventh in the recent top 100 list for its Larry Pale Ale.
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Your Mates BrewPub at Warana hosted a live countdown party on January 25, led by MIX FM’s Todd Widdicombe, where the crowd could be heard chanting “Come on Larry, come on”.
Your Mates Brewing directors Christen McGarry and Matt Hepburn said they were pleased to see the Larry Pale Ale shine in the spotlight.
“We’re absolutely stoked to see Your Mates place in the top 10 in this year’s GABS Hottest 100,” Mr McGarry said.
“The support from our community is nothing short of incredible, and it’s … awesome to see the Sunshine Coast craft beer scene thriving.
“Huge cheers to everyone who got behind us, our hardworking team, and all the other local breweries putting out top-notch beers.
“The Sunny Coast is well and truly cementing itself as ‘the craft beer capital of Australia’.”
The general manager of customer loyalty at sponsor Coles Liquor, Mia Horner, said it was fantastic to see breweries and passionate consumers advocating for their favourite brews.
“Every year Aussies show their avid love for craft beer by casting thousands of votes for the country’s best brews,” she said.
“We’re so proud to help champion the talents of craft breweries across the country.”
Your Mates’ success comes ahead of a consumer price index-linked alcohol tax increase, set to take effect next week under the federal government.
Australia’s alcohol excise rate, already one of the highest globally at $103.89 per litre, is set to rise further, which could create financial challenges for small brewers.
“Like most businesses, we’ve been managing rising costs,” Mr Hepburn said.
“While we’ve worked to keep our prices steady, ongoing tax increases make it increasingly difficult for small brewers to operate.”
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Despite these challenges, Mr Hepburn said Your Mates would continue to operate while adjusting to taxation and inflation pressures.
“Our passion for independent beer remains stronger than ever,” he said.
“We’ll keep brewing the tastiest beer we can while championing a vibrant and sustainable beer industry.”
