Australian producers honoured at the 2025 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Awards.

The finest beers and ciders from across the country were put in the spotlight tonight as the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW announced the winners of the 2025 Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Show, with first-time entrant Sunday Road Brewing taking home the top prize. 

A small independent brewery from Kirrawee, Sunday Road Brewing impressed the judges with its standout Après Ski Bavarian Hefe Wheat Beer, which was awarded Champion Wheat or Other Grain, and Best NSW Beer or Cider, before claiming the coveted Best Beer or Cider of Show. 

This year’s show welcomed an almost 10% increase in entries, with 224 beers and ciders vying for top honours.  Judges awarded 80 gold, 69 silver, and 36 bronze medals, which Chair of Judges, Ian Kingham, said is a reflection of the outstanding craftsmanship and innovation on display. 

“It was another strong year for Australian beers and ciders”, said Kingham. 

“The consistency and balance across the classes showcased not only the exceptionally high standard, but the incredible diversity we have in this country. Several of the top awards were decided by split judging panels, which is a testament to just how competitive this year’s Show was. 

“The Best Beer of Show was a clear standout. It’s a beautifully balanced cloudy pale Hefeweizen, delivering classic notes of banana and clove that highlight its finesse and drinkability, making it a thoroughly deserving winner”.

Among the standout performers this year were Reckless Brewing Co, who followed their 2024 success and status as a President’s Medal finalist with another two Champion Awards in the 2025 Show – picking up the Champion India Pale Ale trophy for their Red IPA, as well as the Champion Porter or Stout for their Reckless Brewing Co Stout. 

The cider category was hotly contested with judges impressed by the overall calibre of entries. Last year’s Champion Cider winner Flying Brick Cider Co emerged as Champion once again with its standout Flying Brick Cider Co MC, while its Original Cider was also recognised for its excellent quality, receiving the prestigious Chair of Judges Annual Prize. 

“There were several gold-medal winning ciders this year that represented the top tier of quality, with a neck and neck battle for the Champion title”, Kingham said. 

“While the eventual champion product exhibited a rich traditional apple character with layered complexity and a dry, structured finish, the runner-up delivered remarkable flavour depth and a beautifully balanced combination of sweetness and acidity. Both were worthy of recognition which made this an easy choice for the Chair of Judges award”.

Also picking up two Champion trophies this year was first-time Champion Coastal Brewing Company, claiming Champion Lager for their Coomba Czech Dark Lager and Champion Pale Ale for their Hearts Point NEPA. 

The Pale Ale categories emerged as one of the strongest collective classes this year with 88% of entries receiving a medal. The low and no-alcohol categories also delivered one of their strongest years on record with 91% of entries awarded medals across the combined classes. Leading the charge was Heaps Normal, who claimed the Champion Reduced or No-Alcohol Beer or Cider Award for their Jazz Stout. 

“Dark beers delivered some standout entries in this year’s competition, and it was exciting to see a Stout take out the top spot in the non-alcoholic category. 

“The reduced and no alcohol categories have shown remarkable progress in both quality and innovation in recent years, largely driven by consumer demand. To have 91% of entries reaching medal standard is a clear sign that this category is a vital part of the industry’s future, and fantastic news for consumers seeking flavourful, low-alcohol options”.

2025 marks Ian Kingham’s last year as Chair of Judges for the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show after 4 years in the role. Ian has been an outstanding ambassador and loyal supporter of the Sydney Royal competitions for many years and was honoured with a Champion of the RAS Award at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show. The RAS thanks Ian for his unwavering dedication, commitment and enthusiasm over the years and his contributions to the Show’s growth and success.