The Royal Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards saw success for Fleurieu brewers, with McLaren Vale’s Vale Brewing leading the pack.

Up against big names in brewing and boutique brewers from across Australia, Vale Brewing took home the trophy for Champion Large Brewery.

Vale Brewing scored 14 medals in seven categories, four gold, seven silver and four bronze, its pale ales taking top honours.

Goodieson Brewery, also in McLaren Vale, won six medals, including gold in the amber/dark ale category and bronze for its cider.

A third McLaren Vale outfit, Swell Brewing Co, took home gold for its American pale ale, as well as a silver and two bronze medals for its India pale ales.

Gold, three silvers and bronze went to Myponga brewery Smiling Samoyed’s ales, while Willunga’s Shifty Lizard Brewing was awarded two silvers and bronze.

Kangaroo Island Cider won two silvers and a bronze medal.

Established in 1844 and relaunched in its current format in 2010, Royal Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards celebrates its tenth year in a new format, recognising the importance of Australia’s $7 billion beer and cider industry.

Brewing legend and Chair of Judges Stephen Nelsen says the awards were particularly important to the industry given the impacts of Covid-19.

“This year’s awards attracted 254 entries from 45 brewers of all sizes from across Australia and New Zealand, with all entries judged blind by an expert industry panel.”

The Royal Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards was one of few beer and cider competitions around Australia to proceed in 2020 due to Covid-19.

Full details of all trophy winners and medallists are on the website.