Victorian beverages have been showcased on a global stage at this year's Australian International Beer Awards, with Victorian producers taking out well-deserved awards.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas visited 3 Ravens Brewery, one of Melbourne's oldest independent craft breweries in Thornbury, and congratulated them on their 'Hugin' Smoked Dark Beer which won Best European-Style Lager (excluding Pilsner) at the awards.
At this year's Australian International Beer Awards 714 Victorian beers were entered by a total of 89 brewers - which formed part of 2,630 entries from across 20 countries.
3 Ravens Brewery was also awarded $200,000 through Stream Two of the Andrews Labor Government's Small-Scale and Craft Program, which is supporting the business to expand and modernise its brewing facility as well as purchasing equipment to boost production, create new employment opportunities and increase tourism.
As well as showcasing Victorian beverages internationally, the Government continues to encourage Victorians to back local producers at home with the Drink Victorian program.
This week, Drink Victorian hosted an Industry Tastings event at Melbourne's W Hotel, alongside some of the state's top commercial drink buyers, sommeliers, restauranters and hospitality professionals.
The two-day event features over 500 wines, beers, spirits, ciders and low and non-alcoholic drinks and showcases producers of all sizes from across the state. The event enables industry professionals to discover more about locally produced drinks and better promote them across restaurant menus and drinks lists.
Co-Conspirators craft beers are just one of the many varieties of drinks available for tastings, from silky-smooth stouts and hazy IPAs. The Melbourne-based business with co-founder Jacqueline Sacco at the helm produces innovative, premium beers and is a great example of women leading the way in Victoria's beverage industry.
The Drink Victorian program has been funded by the Government's Food to Market program which is a key initiative being rolled out as part of the 10-year agriculture strategy.
For more information visit drinkvictorian.comExternal Link
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas
"We are extremely proud to see our Victorian drink producers shining on a global stage - we continue to support them through our Drink Victorian program, encouraging more people to try locally made drinks, while supporting jobs."
As stated by Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous
"Victorian brewers and producers like 3 Ravens Brewery have so much to offer, and I'm proud to see a Thornbury local recognised by this prestigious award."
As stated by General Manager at 3 Ravens Brewery Nathan Liascos
"We are thrilled to have been recognised at this year's Australian International Beer Awards and are grateful to receive our grant - we can't wait to grow 3 Ravens and continue creating innovative and exciting drinks."
