Brewers get experimental as punters vote in GABs people's choice award

Voting has opened for the people's choice award category in the 'Great Australasian Beer Spec-tap-ular,' with the Australian winner to be announced during a countdown on January 28, 2023.

Reigning champions from Canberra, Bentspoke Brewing Company, has taken the top spot two years running and are hoping of winning for a third time with their refreshing 'Crankshaft' India Pale Ale (IPA).

Bentspoke Brewing owner Richard Watkins recommends the IPA as a beer to be enjoyed on a long, relaxing afternoon with friends.

Orange and grapefruit freshen the palate while caramel, malt flavours balance out any bitterness, the brewer said.

"For me it's about enjoying a really flavourful beer with friends," Mr Watkins said.

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Bentspoke Brewing has experimented with wild yeasts and bacteria to create flavoursome fermentations, including barrel-aged beer made with the yeast Brettanomyces for a distinctive farmyard flavour.

Mr Watkins is grateful to Canberrans for voting for his IPA and credits the local culinary scene for inspiring his flavoursome beers.

"Canberrans have a thirst for flavour," the brewer of 26 years said.

Cavalier Brewing, based in Derrimut, Victoria, has a range of limited release beers nominated in the hottest 100 competition.

Cavalier Brewing's Jason Burton won the GABS can art competition this year with his 'Bloody Maria Imperial Gose Michelada.'

The beer is made in collaboration with Tromba tequila adding tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce and celery to a fresh, German-style gose beer base.

Mr Burton is relieved COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed and thanked his local community for supporting the brewery through two difficult years.

"Our local community supported us through those tough times," the award hopeful said.

"We came back this year with a vengeance."

Brewing company 'Better Beer' is expected to place well in the leaderboard this year, with content creators Jack Steele and Matt Ford from the 'Inspired Unemployed' behind the brand.

The people's choice poll closes on January 20 in Australia. Craft beer drinkers are encouraged to vote through the GABS website.