Australia’s leading beer and cider makers invited to enter the 2026 Sydney Royal Show

The Royal Agricultural Society is calling on Australia’s finest beer & cider producers to put their craftsmanship to the test, with entries open today for the 2026 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show.

This year’s Show also marks the appointment of a new Chair of Judges, as Young Henry’s Co-Founder Richard Adamson steps into the prestigious role.

With extensive experience in the Australian craft beer industry, Adamson is widely recognised for his advocacy of environmentally sustainable brewing practices, earning him the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Beer & Brewer awards.

Adamson says he is incredibly proud to lead this year’s proceedings and to build on the strong foundations established by previous Chairs. 

“The Sydney Royal’s reputation is built on professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of quality. My goal as Chair is to ensure this competition remains the definitive benchmark for Australian brewers and cider makers,” Adamson said.

“The competition’s style categories reflect the modern market – ensuring that everything from technical low-alcohol brews to experimental new-world specialty styles has a place to be judged fairly, with the beer drinker in mind.

“The 2026 Show arrives at a dynamic time for our industry, and I look forward to celebrating the world-class products being crafted across Australia.

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the competition’s former Chair, Ian Kingham, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in establishing the prestige the competition enjoys today.”

Judging will take place from 31 August-1 September, with a judging panel of 21 diverse industry experts including brewers, sensory specialists and industry media, with representation from small independent producers to major national brands, and varying ages and genders.

Entries are assessed on appearance, aroma, flavour, style, and technical merit, with all products scored using a points-based system aligned to industry benchmarks. All entries receive professional feedback, providing producers with valuable insights to refine their production processes and strengthen their business.

There are 40 classes available to enter across beer, cider, perry, and reduced- or no-alcohol beer and cider, with 14 champion titles and one special prize up for grabs.

This year will also see a change to the Cider & Perry classes and class descriptions, with the competition aiming to better align with Cider Australia’s 2026 style guidelines. Exhibitors are encouraged to carefully review the revised class definitions to ensure their entries are submitted in the most appropriate category.

Champion award winners will be announced on Thursday, 17 September at a special awards event, with winners eligible to enter the prestigious 20^th Annual President’s Medal. All products entered will be available for public tasting at our Grape, Grain, Graze event on 19 September.

Entries for the 2026 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show will close on 17 June.

To find out more or to enter, please visit our website.

Samantha Cannings

Communications & Public Relations Executive

T: (02) 9704 1453

M: 0411 864 836

E: scannings@rasnsw.com.au