We’re pretty bloody proud of our brewery scene in Sydney, and so is Albo, who says: “Breweries create community, they create joy and they’re fantastic places to engage.” Now, we’ve got even more cred to back up how ace they are, with news that an Inner West brewery just won big at the Australian International Beer Awards – the world’s largest annual beer competition.
Last night, Marrickville’s Philter Brewing took home Champion Australian Independent Brewery at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards, held at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Found on Sydenham Road, the cracking brewery also claimed Champion Medium Australian Brewery, Best Australian Style Pale Ale and Best Modern India Pale Ale. How good!
Of the win, the team said in a statement on Instagram: “These legendary wins speak to the consistency of our product, which is all down to the massive talent and tireless dedication of our brewing team. They are the BEST of the best.
“Pop down to @philtermarrickville for an award-winning schooner this weekend!”
(Time Out tip: their sour beer also slaps.)
RELATED READ: These are the best breweries in Sydney right now.
The Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards is regarded as the world's largest annual beer competition, with this year’s event attracting more than 2,300 entries from more than 390 breweries across the globe. The competition is renowned for its rigorous judging process – including seeing 75 expert judges taste up to 60 beers per day (tough gig).
Last night, brewers, cider makers and beer professionals gathered to celebrate excellence in brewing – and, we’re sure, sank a few along the way. Congratulations also to Sydney Brewery, who took home the award for Champion Cider or Perry Producer (not a typo).
The winners of the Champion Trophies are:
- Champion Large Australian Brewery: Hawkers Beer – VIC
- Champion Medium Australian Brewery: Philter Brewing – NSW
- Champion Small Australian Brewery: Slipstream Brewing Co – QLD
- Champion Australian Independent Brewery: Philter Brewing – NSW
- Champion Victorian Brewery: Stomping Ground Brewing Co – VIC
- Champion Cider or Perry Producer: Sydney Brewery – NSW
- Australian Gypsy Brewer Award: Dollar Bill Brewing – VIC
- Champion Large International Brewery: Weihenstephan – Bavaria, Germany
- Champion Medium International Brewery: 49th State Brewing – Alaska, USA
- Champion Small International Brewery: Altitude Brewing – Otago, New Zealand
- Best New Exhibitor: Diatribe Brewing Company – North Carolina, USA
Congrats to all the winners! You can find out more here.
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