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Bright Brewery Shines with Multiple Medals at Australian International Beer Awards

The best beers in the world have been tasted and judged at the prestigious 2023 Australian International Beer Awards, with Bright Brewery being awarded two silver and five bronze medals.

The Staircase Porter, a decadent blend of dark roasted and caramel malts, once again asserted its dominance in the Porter and Stout category by retaining the Silver medal, showcasing its consistent quality and rich character.

Also awarded a sliver medal was the limited release Kveik King Konge Hazy IPA in the Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale category.

In addition to the Silver medals, Bright Brewery secured Bronze medals for their iconic Stubborn Imperial Stout, a standout in the Other Strong Ale or Lager category; and The Cold and Wet Cold IPA, an American-style India Pale Lager, (Best International Lager category).

Bright Brewery’s commitment to producing classic Australian beer styles for their core range was celebrated with the Bronze medal awarded to its Bright Pale Ale in the Classic Australian Pale Ale category and the M.I.A IPA was acknowledged in the American Style India Pale Ale category. The Hellfire Amber Ale, an American-style Red ale, also secured a Bronze medal in the Best Amber/Dark Ale category.

Bright Brewery’s founder, Scott Brandon, expressed his elation over the results at the AIBA. “We are incredibly proud to receive these prestigious medals, which reflect the hard work and passion of our entire team. These accolades motivate us to continue pushing the boundaries of brewing and creating exceptional beers that delight our customers across Australia and abroad.”

Celebrating 30 years in 2023, the Australian International Beer Awards are the world’s largest annual beer competition judging both packaged and draught beer. It is conducted by Melbourne
Royal, who also conduct the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards and Melbourne Royal Wine Awards.

Over 80 industry experts assessed more than 2800 entries across four days in May, with beers received from Australia and around the world.

To find your closest Bright Brewery stockist, check out our Beer Locator.

To shop for Bright Brewery beers, explore our core and seasonal range here.

To become a Bright Brewery stockist, or to discuss our range, get in touch with our National Sales Manager Evin Craney

Stubborn imperial stout 2023 lands at a mighty 16%

Bright Brewery is proud to announce the release of its most highly sought-after annual release – Stubborn Imperial Stout 2023.

Stubborn Imperial Stout, which has been brewed continuously for the past 13 years, is one of Bright’s most iconic and beloved beers. It has become a firm favourite amongst dark beer lovers around Australia and, with a hefty 16% ABV, this year’s vintage is guaranteed to make its mark.

Named for its stubbornness during fermentation, Stubborn is, historically, a challenge for Bright’s brewers – a situation that has become known as the ‘Stubborn Curse’.

“Whenever we brew this beer, something unusual, unexpected and unpredictable happens,” Bright Brewery’s marketing manager, Laura Gray, said. “Over the years, our brewers have learnt to expect the unexpected with this brew.”

But this unpredictable set of circumstances is what sets every vintage of Stubborn Imperial Stout apart from the rest, and imparts its own distinct flavour and character.

“No two years are the same. Each year, we hold our breath, wondering what the brew will bring,” Gray said.

The 2023 vintage of Stubborn Imperial Stout is the first for Bright’s Head Brewer, Lewis Kerr, who joined the team in late 2022. And while his first Stubborn was not without its challenges, Kerr is proud to continue the Stubborn legacy, which started with Jon Seltin back in around 2010.

“This year, we used a yeast we had never worked with before, and the beer fermented at a higher temperature than usual,” Kerr said. “In previous years, there has been equipment failures, illness, brewing failures, Russian war, and missing ingredients – but every year, the beer turns out amazing, albeit different, from all the others.

“The ABV of this year’s Stubborn is well hidden for something that sits at 16. It is more reminiscent of something around the 12% range. It has a silky mouthfeel with moderate carbonation, strong hints of banana and fruit bowl that open up into cherry and caramel, and heavy notes of molasses.”

With a nose that is a combination of vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon, with deep, rich port-wine notes, Stubborn 2023 will pair well with hearty comfort foods like succulent slow-cooked meats or can be enjoyed as a dessert beer alongside a rich, decadent dessert.

“We are thrilled to be able to share this unique and exciting beer with beer lovers,” said Gray. “We know that the Stubborn Curse only adds to the allure of this beer, and we can’t wait for beer enthusiasts to experience it for themselves.”

Stubborn Imperial Stout 2023 will be launched at a special Vertical Tasting in Bright on May 15. It will be available for purchase from May 15 at Bright Brewery’s online shop, direct from the Brewery, and from selected retail outlets across Australia.

Dark beer lovers attending Bright’s Darker Days midwinter festival will also be able to enjoy a vertical tasting of three past vintages of this infamous brew.

So, get ready to embrace the darkness of winter with a glass of Stubborn Imperial Stout in your hand!

Darker Days tickets now on sale

The hottest tickets for the coldest winter festival are now on sale!

Live music and dark beer lovers are invited to join us in beautiful Bright in the dead of winter to set the night alight at Darker Days 2023.

MUSIC

A celebration of all things dark and decadent in the depths of the Alpine winter, Bright Brewery’s Darker Days, has a special focus on dark beer and world-class live music.

Australia’s hottest indie-folk duo, Pierce Brothers, will headline Darker Days as part of their Australian-wide headline tour this year.

Known for their high-energy live shows and their ability to create authentic, heartfelt music that speaks to the soul, Pierce Brothers have a musical prowess and dedication to their craft that is virtually unparalleled.

Pierce Brothers will be joined at Darker Days by a carefully curated list of Victorian artists, including:

Vaudeville Smash – Made up of three brothers and two mates, no other Australian band sounds quite like Vaudeville Smash. An explosion of funk, flute, sax, synth and groove, we expect the dance floor to be packed when these guys take to the stage!

Nicky Bomba – Whether he’s at the helm of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra or slamming skins on the kit with John Butler, Nicky Bomba’s magnetic connection with his audience is a testament to his spectacular creativity. Nicky – a longtime-local and friend of Bright Brewery – heads to Darker Days with a new bag of songs and his signature magic.

The Maes – Multi-award-winning Melbourne folk outfit, The Maes – sisters Maggie and Elsie Rigby – were born into the arms of the folk music community in Australia, and they have been winning over audiences with their striking songwriting, intricate instrumental arrangements and stunning vocal harmonies ever since.

Raging Moby – Hailing from Beechworth, Vic, Raging Moby has been a mainstay of the local music scene since 2017. You can expect disco-influenced pysch-rock with refined lyricism and big guitar solos when these guys get the party started.

DJ Saucy – A born-and-bred Bright local, DJ Saucy will spin on the main stage and keep the party going until late with her fresh blend of disco and house, as well as throwing in a few saucy remixes of some other forgotten greats.

BEER

This year, we will be joined by some of the biggest names in Australian brewing, spanning all realms of the craft beer category.

With a thrilling mix of modern, hop-forward beers, fresh new styles that are fun and fruity, plus funky wild ales and oak-aged releases, Darker Days will have it all!

Please join us in welcoming:

Co-Conspirators Brewing Co. – our friends from CoConspirators will be making the trip north from their inner Melbourne home to share their hop-driven IPAs, collaborative efforts, and other fun, funky brews.

One Drop Brewing Co. – fresh out of Sydney, the gang from One Drop are brewing some of the most unique and exciting beers of the moment. These guys will be hitting the Hume and heading our way and we can’t wait!

Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery – with a special love for fermentation-driven drinks, and farmhouse ales, Sobremesa’s Casey and Hannah value local ingredients and rustic traditions and will bring a unique flavour to the festival.

La Sirène Brewing – not many teams have had a harder start to 2023 than Melbourne’s La Sirene but their exceptional oak-aged wild ales and hop-forward farmhouse deserve to be shared widely with beer lovers and we’re thrilled to be able to help them do that.

Can you imagine the collab beer that’s going to come out of this?! On tap exclusively at Darker Days 2023!

SCHEDULE

The full schedule of festivities includes:

Friday, June 16:

Guided Brewery Tours & Tastings (ticketed)

Welcome Party with live music (free)

Saturday, June 17:

Festival Day: 10+ hours of live music, headlined by Pierce Brothers (ticketed)

Sunday, June 18:

Recovery Session with live music from 12pm (free)

Tickets are now on sale, with Early Bird pricing, kids’ tickets, family packages, and group discounts available. Those wanting to save even more on ticket prices can sign up to volunteer and they’ll receive a free ticket, food, beer, and merch,

Tickets and more info: www.darkerdays.com.au

Bright and Revel’s North-South fresh hop collab

Borne in the Victorian hop fields, a new North-South collab between Victoria’s Bright Brewery and the Sunshine Coast’s Revel Brewing Co celebrates the best of both words – and the annual hop harvest.

This duo of fresh Cold IPAs – named Cold & Wet Cold IPA (440ml) and Cold & Dry Cold IPA (375ml) – both feature Galaxy and Vic Secret hops from HPA’s Rostrevor Hop Garden in Eurobin – just 10 minutes from Bright’s brewery door.

Designed to be enjoyed in tandem, the duo showcases the difference in hop character between wet, fresh-off-the-bine green hops and traditional dry T-90 hop pellets.

The result? A pair of juicy, tropical Cold IPAs with distinct and unique hop flavours.

Cold & Wet Cold IPA was brewed at Bright’s chilly Victorian High Country home and has that smooth, unmistakable wet hop flavour we can only enjoy once a year during hop harvest. Cold and Dry was brewed in the warmer climes of Revel’s Sunshine Coast brewery with concentrated, dry hop pellets.

Cold & Dry IPA is available online from Revel Brewing and selected stockists.

Cold & Wet IPA is available online from Bright Brewery and selected stockists.

Buy here: https://brightbrewery.com.au/product/cold-wet-cold-ipa/

Indie-folk duo Pierce Brothers to headline Darker Days 2023

Australia’s hottest indie-folk duo, Pierce Brothers, will headline Bright Brewery’s Darker Days festival as part of their Australian-wide headline tour this year.

Hitting the road to celebrate their new
single ‘In the Water’, Pierce Brothers will set Bright alight on June 17 at Bright’s annual midwinter festival.

A celebration of all things dark and decadent in the depths of the Alpine winter, Darker Days, which has been running since 2017, has a special focus on dark beer and world-class live music.

Pierce Brothers will be joined at Darker Days by a carefully curated list of Victorian artists, including some well-known names, as well as some High Country locals making their marks in the wider live music scene. The full music line-up will be released on April 14.

Hosted by Bright Brewery on a dedicated event space right next to the brewery, Darker Days welcomes guest brewers from all over Australia to pour their latest and greatest brews for beer-loving festival-goers. This year, Bright will be joined by some of the biggest names in Australian brewing, spanning all realms of the craft beer category. The full line-up of Guest Brewers will be announced on April 7.

And all the traditional aspects of Darker Days which make this midwinter festival a must-do experience will be back for 2023, including the ceremonial bonfire, crackling firepits, Stubborn Imperial Stout vertical tastings, beautiful food, local produce and, of course, beers by our High Country brewers and wine, cider, and cocktails with a unique local flavour.

Festival-goers are encouraged to make a weekend of it and Bright is putting on additional festivities for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the dark side this June.

Fancy getting behind the scenes in Bright’s commercial brewery and seeing where all the magic happens? Head along to one of their Guided Brewery Tours and Tastings to discover the art, science, and business of brewing beer as they take you through each step of the process and show you why Bright Brewery beer is truly special.

Want to get the party started early? Head into Bright Brewery on the Friday night for the free Welcome Party with live music all night.

The full schedule of festivities includes:

Friday, June 16:

– Guided Brewery Tours & Tastings (ticketed)

– Welcome Party with live music (free)

Saturday, June 17:

– Festival Day: 10+ hours of live music, headlined by Pierce Brothers (ticketed)

Sunday, June 18:

– Recovery Session with live music from 12pm (free)

Early Bird prices will be available for those keen to lock in their plans early. Darker Days is a proudly family-friendly event and children are welcome to come and enjoy the festivities. Reduced prices are available for children aged 6-17, and kids under 5 are free.

Tickets will be on sale from April 21. Stay tuned on socials, or join our mailing list for first access to tickets.

Bright raises a glass to IWD2023 with annual all-female brew

We’ve brewed up something very exciting here in Bright.

For the second year running, we are proud to introduce a beer brewed by the women of Bright Brewery in honour of International Women’s Day 2023.

This year’s beer – a Feijoa, Orange and Guava IPA – is a beery that’s very special to us.

We gathered all the women of Bright Brewery together at Fred’s Shed – our production brewery – to brew and package this beer which is, once again, named after our pioneering late founder, Fiona ‘Fred’ Reddaway. Fiona’s three daughters – all of whom work at Bright Brewery – were also involved in the brew.

Fred’s F.O.G. IPA is a fresh and fruity IPA with beautifully balanced orange, feijoa, and subtle guava flavours and aromas.

The beer was inspired by our Events Officer Lilly Bannister and the recipe created by our Assistant Brewer Madi Bruce. The striking can design was created once again by Melbourne artist Lynn Bremner.

Part-proceeds from Fred’s F.O.G. IPA will go to Pink Boots Society Australia to help support and empower women in brewing.

Proceeds from last year’s brew allowed us to establish the Fiona ‘Fred’ Reddaway Digital Marketing Scholarship which was awarded to one Pink Boots member to undertake study in Digital Marketing at RMIT in 2023.

“Honouring Fiona is a big part of life at Bright Brewery,” Bright’s Assistant Brewer Madi said. “She was the beating heart of the Brewery and keeping her legacy alive is important to all of us.”

Fred’s F.O.G. IPA was officially launched at Bright Brewery today at a special Fred’s Long Lunch for International Women’s Day 2023.

The beer is now available at the Brewery and all great craft beer stockists.

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Bright Brewery voted #8 Best Craft Brewery In Australia!

Bright Brewery has just been announced as the #8 Best Craft Brewery in Australia in the annual 2022 Beer Cartel Craft Beer Survey.

We were also named the #3 Craft Brewery venue in Victoria.

This is our best result of all time and HUGE improvement on last year, when we were ranked #56 Best Brewery in Aus and #8 Best Venue in Vic. A massive climb up the ranks!

Our previous results were:

2019: 50th in Aus / #5 in Vic
2018: 50th in Aus / #5 in Vic
2017: #35 in Aus / #6 in Vic

We are thrilled to share this result in the presence of some of the craft beer industry’s most highly regarded and recognised breweries.

Second only to GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beer Poll, this is one of Australia’s largest public craft beer consumer polls, so it’s awesome to see all our team’s hard work being rewarded in the market.

To read the survey results, click here.

Winner of our Giant 104-Can Lager Lover’s Case Competition

Drum roll, drum roll……We have a winner!

It was with much anticipation that we drew the lucky winner of our Alpine Lager 104-Can Case Competition on 29 January 2023.

Congratulations to Daniel Reitter of Point Cook, Vic! He has won The Giant Lager Lover’s Case of 100 (+4) cans, which, due to its weight of 38kg, will be personally delivered by a Bright Brewery team member!

These giant cases, which hold 104 cans – or 36.92L of beer or 65 pints – will be available in limited stocks online soon.

“We all know craft lager is on the rise and we want to help get our ludicrously good Alpine Lager into the hands of someone who really loves it,” Bright’s marketing manager Laura Gray said.

Alpine Lager is Bright’s best-selling beer and is currently ranked Victoria’s #1 favourite lager by an independent brewer in the GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beer Poll.

Creating a giant Lager Lover’s case which could accommodate 100+ cans and weighs in at nearly 40kg was no mean feat. Several options were tried and failed before the team at Melbourne’s Affinity Print constructed a strong, tough e-flute case capable of carrying the load.

But why 104 cans instead of an even 100? “Why not? More beer is better, right? Actually, it’s just maths. They fitted better that way and it looks even more amazing than we imagined,” Laura said.

LITTLE GEORGIA TO HEADLINE PICNIC IN THE PADDOCK

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Find a spot on the grass, lay out your rug, spread out your picnic, crack a cold craft beer, sit back, relax and enjoy an afternoon and evening of incredible live music. Sounds great, right?

After the sell-out success of Bright’s inaugural Picnic in the Paddock Festival in 2022, the event will return to beautiful Bright once again in 2023.

Featuring one of Australia’s best-loved folk-rock outfits, Little Georgia, Picnic in the Paddock is a relaxed,
family-friendly festival with a focus on local drinks and produce, held in the grassy grounds of Bright Brewery

Little Georgia, who are currently touring Australia with their new single ‘Dressed in Gold’ will be taking to the stage on the banks of the Ovens River on March 18.

They’ll be joined on the bill by an eclectic mix of local and Victorian artists, including Sunday Lemonade, Anna Smyrk, Benny Williams, and Matt Sier.

Joining the Bright Brewery bar in the Paddock will be our friends & local producers Reed & Co Distillery, Backwoods Distilling, & Billy Button Wines. Food, including vegetarian options, will be available from the Bright Brewery market stall.

Early Bird prices are available for those keen to lock in their plans early. Kids are welcome. BYO picnic, rugs, chairs, etc.

Tickets are now on sale: www.brightbrewery.com.au/picnic

The latest news & jobs from Bright

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