Judging & Steward Expressions of Interest

We are now calling for expressions of Interest to judge and steward at the 2023 Australian Independent Beer Awards (Indies).

Coming off a record number of more than 1,400 entries in 2022 we are preparing for a big one this year and therefore are coming out as early as possible so we ensure you have enough time to plan – especially if you are considering attending BrewCon as well. 

Dates: Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 August
Location: Felons Barrel Hall (Brisbane)

Associate Judges & Full Judges

Our judges are selected from the brewing industry and eligibility includes brewers, cicerones, sensory experts, suppliers, consultants and writers. 

Judges are selected based on their sensory abilities, industry and peer recognition, knowledge of beer styles and the brewing process as well as previous judging experience. Don’t worry, there will definitely be spots for those trying to get into judging! 

We understand it is important that we provide a pathway to judging as well as opportunities to learn from those more experienced so we will be ensuring that we allocate positions in our selection process each year. 

In response to last year’s feedback, we are also developing an education and training program under the Indies Awards program, which will help our judges in 
    a) understanding how to judge emerging and specialised styles eg. non alc, gluten free and 
    b) how to identify faults and understanding what makes a gold medal beer. 

Indies judges perform several important roles as they are not only required to assess entries against stringent criteria to determine medals and trophies but they have an important role in providing concise written feedback to assist the maker to improve on identified faults and understand their score. They are also required to work with their fellow judges to come to a consensus on all of these elements in what is a very fast moving process.  

Stewards

Don’t have any judging experience and not sure where to start? Stewarding is the first step in your judging journey. As a Steward, you have the opportunity to be an integral part in the process, to watch how it all happens and to learn the basics of beer judging from some of the most experienced talent in the country. 

Selection

Judges will be selected by the Head Judge and Indies Advisory Committee with input from the IBA Board. 

EOI’s close

Friday 26 May

Apply Now

Volunteer Steward    Volunteer Associate Judge    Volunteer Full Judge

PATHWAY TO JUDGING

The pathway to judging begins as a Steward, where the role is key to assisting judges with pouring and presenting beer entries. It’s WAY more complicated than it sounds! 

As a Steward, you have the opportunity to be an integral part in the process, to watch how it all happens and to learn the basics of beer judging from some of the most experienced talent in the country. 

From there, you can try your hand as an Associate Judge where you would evaluate entries alongside Full Judges and participate in discussions. 

The big jump is from Associate Judge to Full Judge where you have the authority to evaluate and rank beers independently. The more experienced Full Judges are then selected by the Head Judge to act as Table Captains. They oversee each group of judges, mentor their Associate Judges and ensure consistency and accuracy of the process and evaluations. 

So, as you can see the process of getting to a Table Captain requires many hours of judging at a national level but starting as a steward provides valuable experience and basic knowledge of beer judging, while offering responsibility and autonomy. Many brewers or brewery owners are seeing this as a great opportunity to understand the how it all works!

Along the way, all beer judges must continue their education and training to maintain their skills and stay up to date with industry trends and changes.