Judging Panel Information

  • The judging will be conducted by panels of a minimum of four qualified trade buyers. Our trade-only judging panelists work with spirits and their customers on a daily basis. They are a mix of restauranteurs, sommeliers, retail beer buyers, distributors and importers. We try to assemble each judging panel with a mix of different disciplines so multiple viewpoints will be considered in the evaluation of the beers. 
  • The judging will take place at the beautiful RACV City Club in the heart of Melbourne.

Awards

  • The Melbourne International Beer Competition medals will be awarded on a merit basis by a majority vote. The judges are instructed to grant no awards or medals when, in their opinion, the beers are not ones they would import, distribute, buy or sell in their businesses based on product and price category. Judges are asked to evaluate the beers in silence until all panel members have finished their evaluation and then open a discussion to reach a consensus. Judge votes are recorded by a MIBC staff moderator. If there is a significant difference among the judges’ votes, panelists are encouraged to reach a consensus and, if needed, seek counsel from the Head Judge Adam Levy.
  • Award levels are Double Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
    • Double Gold: Phenomenal Product (Must Be Unanimous Decision by Panelists)
    • Gold: Buyers “Love” It
    • Silver: Buyers “Like” It
    • Bronze: Buyers would purchase it
  • Double Gold award winners will be re-tasted by all panelists to establish which brands may be eligible to receive a ‘Best of Category’ endorsement in its pricing category
Double Gold Medal
Gold Medal
Silver Medal
Bronze Medal

Judging Process

  • The Melbourne International Beer Competition medals will be awarded on a merit basis by a majority vote. The judges are instructed to grant no awards or medals when, in their opinion, the beers are not ones they would import, distribute, buy or sell in their businesses based on product and price category. Judges are asked to evaluate the beers in silence until all panel members have finished their evaluation and then open a discussion to reach a consensus. Judge votes are recorded by a MIBC staff moderator. If there is a significant difference among the judges’ votes, panelists are encouraged to reach a consensus and, if needed, seek counsel from the Head Judge Adam Levy.