Business
9 March, 2025
Local beers aim for gold
HEMINGWAY’S Brewery is aiming for gold when it competes in the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australia Beer Awards in May.
Head brewer Lee Drummond said winning an Australian international beer award would, not only celebrate his team’s hard work, but also shine a global spotlight on the incredible craft beer scene developing in Far North Queensland.
“As a proudly independent brewery based in one of Australia’s more remote craft beer regions, we take great pride in creating beers that reflect the character and spirit of Far North Queensland,” he said.
“Being judged alongside both independent and large-scale macro breweries makes these awards especially meaningful.
“Seeing smaller, independent brewers stand out on a national and international stage highlights the strength and creativity of Australia’s craft beer movement.”
Hemingway’s Brewery draws its water from the pristine Mossman Gorge and uses locally-sourced base malts and hopes to take the true essence of Far North Queensland’s carefully-crafted beer to the global stage at the world’s biggest annual beer competition.
The waterfront venue starting as a brewpub with a 10hL brewhouse and views over the marina and mountain ranges. Hemingway’s quickly gained a following for its locally- inspired beers and expanded to Cairns Wharf complete with a 40hL production brewery in 2018.
The awards provides a platform for breweries and cideries from across the globe to compete for coveted titles, including champion Australian beer and champion international beer.
This year’s competition features 14 major awards and 24 category trophies, highlighting innovation and quality in both draught and packaged beer.
Melbourne Royal food and beverage awards senior manager Kirrily Waldhorn said competing in the Australian International Beer Awards was an invaluable experience for any brewery wanting global recognition.
The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony on May 15, 2025, at Melbourne Showgrounds. Previous winners include Stone and Wood, Moo Brew and Brick Lane Brewing Co and 4 Pines Brewery.
