Queensland’s value-adding food and beverage sector has claimed national bragging rights, with a Brisbane brewery and a Sunshine Coast distillery taking top honours at the 2026 Royal Queensland Distilled Spirits and Beer Awards at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
In the beer competition, Happy Valley Brewing Co secured the coveted Grand Champion Beer supported by Lion award for its 50K IPA.
In the distilled spirits section, Nil Desperandum from Woombye on the Sunshine Coast was awarded Grand Champion for its Premier Rum.
RQA Beer Competition co-chief judge Steve Henderson said the winning IPA impressed from the outset.
“The 50K IPA was fresh and vibrant and the aroma just absolutely punched you in the nose,” he said.
“The flavour matched the aroma beautifully and it had good body and carbonation.”
The beer competition – reinvigorated in 2019 – attracted a record 704 entries this year — up more than 30 per cent on 2025 — signalling renewed confidence across the brewing industry.
“The entry numbers tell a really good story – the industry has had a tough couple of years and it’s just starting to turn around again, which is fantastic to see,” Mr Henderson said.
The Star Brisbane Emerging Queensland Brewer Award resulted in a tie for the first time, shared by Ben Kirby of Big Rock Brewing in Rockhampton and Jacob Viel of Blind Boy Brewing in Salisbury, highlighting the depth of emerging talent in the state.
Mr Henderson said the overall standard was phenomenal, particularly in the growing Mexican-style lager classes.
“Mexican-style lagers are becoming quite popular in the market and we saw a strong number of these entered that were exceptionally well made.”
In the distilled spirits competition, Nil Desperandum claimed five of the 10 trophies on offer, including Best Queensland Distillery and the inaugural Champion Feature Rum/Cane Spirit Trophy for its Artfully Corrupted Spiced Rum, along with The Star Brisbane Best Queensland Distilled Spirit for its Premier Rum.
Chief judge Dave Withers said the Grand Champion spirit was a clear standout.
“There was an elegance and poise about the rum. It showed real restraint, allowing the spirit to shine without being overwhelmed by too much oak,” he said.
“It was of exceptional quality, particularly in the way it appealed to a classic Caribbean style.”
Now in its third year, the spirits competition attracted almost 100 entries.
“When I first started judging distilled spirit competitions eight years ago, we certainly didn’t see the same level of diversity, boldness and experimentation that we’re seeing today.”
The Royal Queensland Awards, run by the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland, celebrate excellence across seven categories — distilled spirits, beer, wine, beef, lamb, dairy and ice cream — showcasing the strength of Australia’s premium food and fibre producers and processors.
