The Brewers Guild of New Zealand is the national brewing industry’s trade association and holds an annual international competition to judge the best beers that are commercially available (here in New Zealand).

Beers from NZ, USA, Australia and Europe are judged against the style specification for the beer type – in very simple terms, taste, aroma and appearance. Beers do not compete against each other but rather try to attain the perfect balance of attributes for their given style. A large number of medals are a sure sign of consistently high quality and brewing standards.

The following information has been reproduced from the 2013 BGNZ Awards Catalogue and talks to the amount of interest in entering beers to be judged against the strict criteria.

Awards Summary (as stated by Craig Bowen – Competition Manager and Brewers Guild Chairman)

“This year saw a record 541 entries in the Brewers Guild of New Zealand Beer Awards,
brought to you by Craftology. For the first time these awards were judged in Christchurch with 24 judges assembling for 3 days to assess each beer on its merits. 41 Gold Medals, 50 Silver and 97 Bronze were awarded against the following criteria:

Beer Judging Award Criteria

Gold Medal
A world class beer that accurately exemplifies the style, or may vary slightly from the style parameters, while displaying the proper balance of taste, aroma and appearance.

Silver Medal
An excellent beer that may vary from style parameters while maintaining close adherence to the style and displaying excellent taste, aroma, and appearance.

Bronze Medal
A fine example that may vary from style parameters and have minor deviations in taste, aroma, or appearance.”

Judges flew in from around the globe to participate in the 3 day judging event held in Christchurch. It takes years of training to acquire the skills to be a beer competition judge. The difference between bronze and silver or silver and gold may only be the most subtle of characteristics that is not up to the style’s specification. Being invited to be a judge at an international competition is something that anyone can be hugely proud about.

Matt Brynildson, Head Brewer of North American brewery, Firestone Walker, commented “New Zealand has a great reputation in the international brewing community for quality and innovative brews, and being invited to judge beer at these awards is a real honour”.

Sprig & Fern Brewery is awarded 11 medals

Photo: Tracy Banner with brewery team members Gary, Rob (US intern) and Victor

The Sprig & Fern Brewery was awarded 11 medals at the 2013 Brewers Guild of NZ awards – jointly the most awarded NZ brewery in the competition. Each of the freshly hopped, limited release beers was awarded a medal with Harvest Pilsner attaining a gold medal. Another medal that was particularly satisfying was the silver medal for the Crisp Apple Cider.

Tracy Banner (Sprig & Fern Head Brewer) is understandably pleased with the results.

“For me, it’s about producing consistently good products day in day out and seeing the satisfaction and pride on the faces of the entire brewing team. They know that they are maintaining consistent, high standards and being rewarded with 11 medals at the 2013 Brewers Guild of NZ Awards say it all!”



Harvest Pilsner - GOLD - Limited Release

Motueka Pilsner - SILVER - Limited Release
Best Bitter - SILVER
Fern Draught - SILVER
Crisp Apple Cider - SILVER

Dopplebock - BRONZE
Porter - BRONZE
Hefeweizen - BRONZE - Limited Release
Ginger Lager - BRONZE
Pilsner - BRONZE
Nelson Sauvin Pilsner - BRONZE - Limited Release

For more information on other awards visit the Awards page on the Sprig & Fern Brewery website.

Also you can visit the Brewers Guild New Zealand website to learn more about what they do as an organisation.