Public voting reveals top 100 Australian craft beers

IT’S beer lovers’ answer to the Triple J Hottest 100 music countdown. With more than 1600 entries, the public have voted on their favourite brews — and a NSW ale took top spot.

Great Australian Beer Spectacular (GABS) names top beers. Picture: AAP

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AUSTRALIAN beer drinkers have had their say.

The votes are in for the nation’s hottest 100 craft beers — and it was a NSW brewery that took top spot.

Revealed last week, Stone & Wood Brewing Company — based in Byron Bay — won the Great Australian Beer Spectacular Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers’ competition for its Pacific Ale.

Stone & Wood's Pacific Ale claimed top spot. Picture: AAP

South Australian brewery Pirate Life's IIPA was second place. Picture: AAP

South Australia’s Pirate Bay Brewing came second for its IIPA beer, while Western Australian’s Feral Brewing Company rounded out the top three with its Hop Hog product.

There were several top performers from Sydney’s northern beaches.

Modus Operandi and 4 Pines made the top 10.

Modus Operandi’s red IPA called, Former Tenant, scored the highest place, taking out the ninth spot; while 4 Pines’ pale ale was voted 10th.

Dennis De Boer and Jaz Wearin at Modus Operandi. Picture: Martin Lange.

The result is a victory for microbrewers, Modus Operandi’s co owner Jaz Wearin said.

“There were over 1600 entries so it has been a great result making the top 10,” Ms Wearin said.

“There has certainly been a peak in sales since the list came out. Our beers have been flying out of the door.”

The Mona Vale boutique brewery entered four beers from its core range, including three new beers.

Ms Wearin said that Sonic Prayer, the IPA voted as the 21st most popular beer, is a summer thirst-quencher.

Kerrie Latta and her husband Johnny at Nomad Brewing. Picture: Troy Snook

4 Pines came away with five winning ales with three beers in the top 20. Its Indian summer pale ale and kolsch came 16th and 17th.

Brookvale’s Nomad Brewing was a new entry with its Freshie, a salt and pepper gose. It was voted as the 51st best craft beer.

WHEN A ROBOT MAKES BEER, HOW DOES IT TASTE?

TOP TEN CRAFT BEERS

1. Pacific Ale — Stone and Wood Brewing Co

2. IIPA — Pirate Life Brewing

3. Hop Hog — Feral Brewing Company

4. XPA — Balter

5. IPA — Pirate Life Brewing

6. Little Dove — Gage Roads Brewing Co

7. Pale Ale — Pirate Life Brewing

8. Crankshaft — BentSpoke Brewery

9. Former Tenant — Modus Operandi Brewing Co

10. Pale Ale — 4 Pines Brewing Co

To see the full list click here.