Move over Triple J, there’s another hottest 100 in town, and this one involves sampling local craft beers and voting for your five favs.
The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular (no, that’s not a typo) hosts annual craft beer festivals in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney but the real star of the show is the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers countdown that runs alongside the iconic Triple J Hottest 100 countdown on Saturday, 25 January 2025.
Voting is open until midnight Sunday, 12 January 2025 and will help secure your favourite brew’s spot in the countdown and you’ll go into the draw to win tickets to the biggest craft beer celebration of the year.
To vote head to gabshottest100.com/au, register, select five beers from the selection, order them 1-5, and submit.
The Sunshine Coast is home to some of Australia’s best craft beer breweries and local iconic breweries such as Brouhaha, Moffat Beach Brewing Co., and Your Mates Brewing Co. stand tall amongst them.
We sat down with spokespeople from the three to get the word on voting in the upcoming countdown.
Lottie from Brouhaha
Where’d it start and where’s it at today?
Brouhaha Brewery was established with the vision of creating high-quality beers that celebrate the vibrant culture and flavours of the hinterland community. Starting as a small, passion project in Maleny, the brewery quickly grew into a beloved local institution, known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to innovation. Today, Brouhaha continues to thrive, combining traditional brewing techniques with creative twists, cementing its place as a favourite destination for craft beer enthusiasts and keeping up with its thirsty customers through its large-scale factory production in Baringa.
Have ya made it in the countdown before?
Yes! Brouhaha Brewery’s beers have been fan favourites in the GABS Hottest 100, with their distinctive flavours and exceptional quality earning recognition in the past. (Brouhaha’s Strawberry Rhubarb Sour landed at #84 in 2023). This year, the lineup is stronger than ever, and we’re excited to see where our entries land in the 2024 GABS Hottest 100. Strawberry Rhubarb Sour, Hinterland Pale Ale, Locals Lager 4.2, Plumberrygo Sour, and IPA are ready to vote on!
What should we vote for this year?
This year, locals have an incredible selection to choose from, including the Strawberry Rhubarb Sour, Hinterland Pale Ale, Locals Lager 4.2, Plumberrygo Sour, and our flagship IPA.
If we had to pick one, the Strawberry Rhubarb Sour is a standout. It’s a perfect example of Brouhaha’s innovative approach to brewing—pairing the sweetness of strawberries with the tang of rhubarb for a refreshing and zesty experience. This brew represents the brewery’s commitment to using fresh, local ingredients and experimenting with bold flavour combinations.
On the other hand, the Locals Lager 4.2 holds a special place as the beer was crafted specifically for the community, offering a clean, crisp taste with the quality of craft that everybody loves, at a more main stream price point. The Plumberrygo Sour is another gem, blending tart plums and berries into a sour beer that balances fruitiness and acidity beautifully. For those who love a classic, the Hinterland Pale Ale delivers a timeless yet vibrant flavour profile that embodies the essence of Brouhaha’s brewing philosophy. There’s a little something for everyone in our lineup!
Better have a taste first, what’s the GO for that?
For the best experience before casting your vote, come to one of our night markets, where you can enjoy our beers in a lively, community-focused setting. Alternatively, you can book a table at the brewery to sample the GABS entries at your leisure. For a truly bespoke experience, consider booking a tour with Josh from Creative Tours, where you’ll get an insider’s look at the brewery and a guided tasting of our standout brews.
Red from Moffat Beach Brewing Co.
Go on, give the brewery a shout out.
There’s something magical about Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Against the backdrop of the stunning Glass House Mountains and forest Hinterland, lies some of the most glorious beaches in the world. At every turn, the landscape captures your eye and inspires imagination. Looking for an escape from big city life, Matt and Sharynne Wilson dreamed of creating something for themselves… a truly unique hospitality experience celebrating delicious beer, fresh, local produce and innovative cuisine. After visiting Moffat Beach, or ‘Moffs’ as those in the know call it, they knew they’d found the place to bring their dream to life. Now 12 years on, Moffat Beach Brewing Co. is one of the most awarded independent breweries in Australia.
Right, what about Moffs and last year’s countdown?
Our core range of beers are always in the Hottest 100. Social Jam Pale Mid. Deadbeat Crisp Ale, Moff’s Session Ale. Passenger Pale Ale and Trilogy IPA. With Passenger reaching 25th spot in 2023.
What about this year cob?
We have maintained the push for Passenger Pale Ale. Being a small brewery with limited national distribution it is hard to win a national popularity contest so that is the beer we push. It just so happens to be our owner and head brewers fav knock off beer at the end of the day…
How can we grab a taste?
Our Beachside venue is open every day from 7am for food and coffee, serving beers from 10am. Our Production Venue is open Wed-Sun from noon. We host a regular Friday Night Twilight Market at the Production Venue on the second Friday of every month. Or, come and sample our selection at the Moffat Beach Christmas Fair on Thursday, 19 December at Eleanor Shipley Park from 4:30pm. And, keep your eyes out for another local venue very shortly.
Mark from Your Mates Brewing Co.
Tell us about the Your Mates journey mate?
Born on the Sunshine Coast in 2013, Your Mates Brewing is a true-blue Aussie success story. It all began with two mates, Matt Hepburn and Christen McGarry, and a blue futon in their garage bar. Tired of not finding a beer brand they could connect with, they took a leap of faith and decided to brew their own – despite having no money, no brewing experience, and nothing but a community of mates to back them up.
With plenty of laughs, lessons, and more than a few missteps, the duo turned their passion project into one of Australia’s most-loved independent beer companies. From humble beginnings to a team of over 50 legends, Your Mates is about mateship, adventure, and celebrating everything great about Australian culture. Along the way, they’ve ticked off major milestones, including appearing on Shark Tank, being voted the 3rd most popular beer in the country, and creating brews perfect for camping, fishing, or just a good old backyard BBQ.
Today, Your Mates Brewing is a thriving independent beer company that embodies the heart and soul of Aussie mateship. Their flagship BrewPub in Warana is a hub for locals and visitors alike, offering a laid-back vibe, fresh food, and their full range of brews straight from the source. With initiatives like supporting local charities and promoting mental health awareness through annual fundraising events like “Meats with Mates,” the company’s values extend beyond just brewing beer. Last month, Your Mates BowlsPub was relaunched as Crackerjack, Cooroy’s newest spot for Asian and casual dining, spearheaded by Executive Chef Jake Pregnell, another local Sunshine Coast legend. The revamped venue brings a fresh, flavourful twist to the hinterland dining and local lawn bowls community, combining the best Asian-inspired dishes with the relaxed charm Your Mates is known for. Together, the BrewPub and Crackerjack showcase the brand’s commitment to creating spaces where great food, quality brews, and a sense of community come together.
Did ya make the GABS countdown last year?
Yes, we did, and we’re proud to say that good ol’ Larry snagged 4th place – a bloody ripper of an achievement we’re absolutely stoked about! But this year, we’ve got our sights set on the top spot. Come on, Larry, come on!
Who are we rallying behind for 2024?
Larry Pale Ale for the win – he’s the crowd-pleaser we all know and love! But this year, we’re stoked to have the whole crew in the running. Tilly, our Ginger Beer, is a longtime fan favourite. Then there’s Donnie (Dark Ale) and Sally (IPA), true legends and Hottest 100 veterans. And our newcomer – our fresh and crisp Low Carb Lager is making its GABS Hottest 100 debut after a stellar launch in May this year and is also in contention this year.
To be honest, though, we’re cheering on all our fellow breweries on the Sunshine Coast. A top-10 finish helps reinforce our claim as the Craft Beer Capital of Australia. Imagine what number 1 would do for beer tourism on the coast!? So, Come on Larry, and come on all our fellow Sunshine Coast breweries! Let’s go!
Better tell us where to wet the whistle?
Open 7 days a week, from 11 AM, guests can visit Your Mates BrewPub in Warana or from 11:30 AM, Crackerjack in Cooroy, where the entire range of our beers is available to try.
