Western Australia's Gage Roads Brewing Company is being hailed an industry champion after clinching the major trophy at last night's 2016 Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA).
Gage Roads' Little Dove (draught) was awarded Champion Australian Beer at the awards, the world's largest annual beer competition judging both packaged and draught beer. Little Dove was also named Best New World Style Pale Ale.
Racing and Gaming Minister Colin Holt said a panel of 63 beer industry experts judged the beers over three days, with Gage Roads coming up trumps.
"Named after the famous sea channel between Fremantle and Rottnest Island, Gage Roads is a quintessential Western Australian business built on the foundation of an idea and a tonne of hard work," Mr Holt said.
"From humble beginnings as an independent Western Australian brewery, Gage Roads has grown to become one of the largest independent brewers in Australia - and now a national champion. I would like to congratulate the entire Gage Roads team on their success."
The Gage Roads victory comes hot on the heels of Albany's Limeburners Distillery being announced Australian Distiller of the Year in April.
"Apart from the best beaches, wine and weather, these awards prove WA is also a nation-leader in brewing and distilling," the Minister said.
Mr Holt said the State Government was making it easier for Western Australian brewers to do business.
"Our changes under the Liquor Legislation Amendment Act 2015 enabled beer producers to sell their product for consumption - not just tasting - on a licensed premise between 10am and 10pm," he said.
"Beer, wine and spirit producers also benefit from the removal of restrictions that prohibit them from taking sales via telephone or the internet from an office not located on their licensed premises."
Beer and wine producers can now also establish a second cellar door operation or collective cellar door with other producers within the same region off-site.
"It will ultimately provide producers greater flexibility while also driving tourism outcomes and meeting consumer demand," the Minister said.
Fact File
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