Does Australia really have the world’s best brew?

The 2009 AIBA judging panel includes the United Kingdom’s "Beer Doctor", Dr George Philliskirk, a director of the Beer Academy, an educational trust dedicated to helping people understand and appreciate beer.

The judges will award 15 trophies, including Champion Large Brewery, Champion Small Brewery, Champion Lager, Champion Ale, Champion Porter, Champion Stout, Champion Reduced & Low Alcohol Beer, Champion Wheat Beer, Champion Belgian & French Ale, Champion Scotch & Barley Wines, Champion Hybrid Beer, Champion Packaging Award, Premier’s Trophy, Gary Sheppard Memorial Trophy and the sought-after grand champion exhibitor Trophy – awarded to the overall highest scoring brewery.

Established in 1987 to reward excellence in the field of brewing and assist the promotion of the brewing industry, the AIBA championship trophies will be announced at a gala awards presentation dinner at Crown Palladium, Melbourne Thursday 19 March 2009.