Judges keep their focus to pick best from 600 brews

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 2, 2026

Over 600 beers from Australia and New Zealand are being judged by an international panel at the New Zealand Beer Awards in Christchurch, with evaluations ongoing throughout a three-day event. The awards, celebrating their 20th year, highlight evolving beer trends and will announce winners at a gala dinner on July 25 in Dunedin.

More than 600 beers from Australia and New Zealand are competing at the annual New Zealand Beer Awards, currently underway at Riccarton Racecourse in Christchurch. The event brings together 20 judges from New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, who are rigorously evaluating a diverse range of brews over a three-day period.

The judges are tasked with assessing 660 entries, which span styles such as lagers, IPAs, stouts, pale ales, and ales. Head judge Tina Panoutsos, based in Melbourne, described the selection process as methodical and impartial. “We try to eliminate the bias of preference,” she said, noting the challenge in choosing an overall champion from category winners, each excelling in their own style.

Judging involves careful examination of each beer’s appearance, aroma, flavor, body, technical quality, and adherence to style. Beers are scored out of 20 points, with gold medals awarded to those scoring 17 or higher, silver between 15.5 and 16.9, and bronze between 14 and 15.4. Judges sample beers in small quantities, between 50ml and 100ml, to maintain focus and palate sensitivity. Regular breaks allow them to cleanse and refresh their palates throughout the session.

The competition also provides detailed feedback to brewers, helping them refine their products for future contests. Last year, Hastings-based Brave Brewing Co. was named Champion New Zealand Brewing Company, while the 2024 title went to Christchurch’s Three Boys Brewery.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the New Zealand Beer Awards has reflected evolving trends in the beer industry. Panoutsos noted that consumer preferences tend to be cyclical, with craft beers experiencing peaks in popularity, followed by renewed interest in traditional lagers. She remarked that drinkers today tend to have a broader, more eclectic range of beverage choices depending on occasion, fostering greater innovation and creativity within the market.

The competition began on Monday and continues into its second day. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner scheduled for July 25 in Dunedin.

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