Uraidla Brewery’s Vampiric Throne Red IPA named Champion Independent Beer at the 2024 Independent Beer Awards

An Adelaide Hills brew has been named the country’s top beer at a prestigious competition in Perth.

An Adelaide Hills brew has been named the country’s top beer at a prestigious competition in Perth.

Uraidla Brewery’s Vampiric Throne Red IPA secured the title of Champion Independent Beer at the 2024 Independent Beer Awards.

The beer was one of 1,028 brews evaluated by about 50 judges over three days at the annual event.

It’s the first time a red IPA has claimed the top prize in the competition’s 10-year history and it’s SA’s first win in the category since 2018.

Uraidla’s head brewer, Max Bowering, 24, who’s only been in the role for two months, said he was thrilled with the honour.

“This beer was a last-minute decision, so happy we decided to enter it at the last minute,” he said. “It’s super-fresh, made with love and passion.”

Uraidla Brewery was a big winner at the 2024 Independent Beer Awards. (Left to right) Heath Johansen (Uraidla Brewery General Manager), Nick Becker (Konvoy Kegs), Max Bowering (Head Brewer), Owen Lyons (Brewery Manager).

The brew was also awarded a gold medal, joining Uraidla’s Future Light Little Pale Ale (gold), and Half Moon Session Ale, Gravity Wave Pale Ale and Artic Triple Dry Hopped IPA (silver medals) as winning entries.

The awards, known in the industry as the “Indies”, is run by the Independent Brewers Association with a panel of respected national and international judges.

Head judge Justin Fox said they were “blown away” by the quality of beers entered this year, with 87 per cent of all beers receiving a medal.

“With the Olympics in full swing, this medal tally demonstrates that consumers across Australia can enjoy the highest calibre of independent beers on tap in venues and packed in fridges across the country,” he said.