FHA Beer Awards
Showcasing the diversity and creativity of today’s brewing scene, FHA Beer Awards celebrates the best and brightest in the beer industry, recognising excellence in 10 different categories.
The 10 categories were selected after an extensive survey with F&B Professionals, Distributors, and F&B Media Professionals. This aims to recognise the efforts of brewers around the world and spotlight the “best of” in the brewing world. The results will provide a useful guide for our visitors.
This page contains all competition details from FHA Beer Awards 2023.
To view this year’s competition, FHA Beer Awards 2024, please click here.
Categories 1 – 5 | Categories 6 – 10 |
---|---|
1: IPA (American / West Coast) | 6: Wheat Beers (Weissbier, Witbier) |
2: American Pale Ale | 7: Sour Beers |
3: Pale Lager | 8: Non-Alcoholic Beers |
4: Stout | 9: Double/Triple IPA |
5: Hazy IPA | 10: Experimental Beers |
These categories will be judged through a series of blind tastings by our expert panel of judges, which consists of both local and international professionals in the beer industry, from brewers, distributors, buyers to media.
Don’t forget to stick around till the very end of the competition for the bonus award – the Best of Show Beer, honouring the overall best-performing brew!
Stay tuned as the 2024 details will only be posted in early 2024.
FHA Beer Awards 2023
Check out the Winners!
AWARD CATEGORIES | WINNING BEERS FHA BEER AWARDS 2023 |
COUNTRY / REGION |
---|---|---|
IPA | Lush
Wylie Brewery |
Spain |
APA | Dragon’s Back
HK Beer Co |
Hong Kong SAR |
Pale Lager | Pondy Pils
Catamaran Brewing Company |
India |
Stout | North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
North Coast Brewing Co Distributed by TSA Wines |
USA |
Hazy IPA | Don’t Panic
Wylie Brewery |
Spain |
Wheat Beer | Konig Ludwig Weissbier
König Ludwig Schlossbrauerei Kaltenberg Dristributed by TSA Wines |
Germany |
Sour Beers | Duchesse de Bourgogne
Brouwerij Verhaeghe By TSA Wines |
Belgium |
Non-Alcoholic Beer | Drop Bear Tropical IPA
Drop Bear Brewery By Free Spirit |
United Kingdom |
Double / Triple IPA | Heart of Darkness Kurtz’s Insane IPA
Heart of Darkness Distributed by TSA Wines |
Singapore |
Experimental Beer | Cherry Blossom Saison (Hallabong Edition)
Sunbird Brewing Company |
Singapore |
Best of Show Beer | North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
North Coast Brewing Co Distributed by TSA Wines |
USA |
Beer Awards Schedule
Time | Programme |
---|---|
11:00 – 12:00 | Masterclass 1: Understanding Beer Faults and Beer Care
Speaker: Crystalla Huang Rui Qi (Brewmaster, RedDot BrewHouse) The beer you serve may be faultier than you realise. Beer faults is a common problem in the industry and can potentially lead to business loss. How can you ensure you identify when a beer is “off”? Explore common beer faults and how to avoid them with Crystalla Huang, Brewmaster of Singapore’s very own RedDot Brewhouse. This includes a live tasting session, where participants will get an in-depth look into the taste, identification, and causes of some common beer faults. The session will also explore best practices for beer care to avoid fault development, and what you can do. |
12:15 – 13:15 | Masterclass 2: The New #SG Lager
Speaker: SG Brewery Representatives Lager is the quintessential beer style that most Singaporeans grew up with. With the growing SG brewing scene, Singaporean brewers have been creating their own version of lagers, breathing creativity into this well-loved beer style. Come and discover the myriad of styles and hear from the breweries their inspirations behind their lagers. |
13:45 – 14:15 | Masterclass 3: The Importance of the Right Beer Glass
Speakers: Jean-Baptise Cherriere (APAC VP of Sales, Spiegelau) & Crystalla Huang Rui Qi (Brewmaster, RedDot BrewHouse) Experience Spiegelau’s premier beer glasses through their unique beer glass tasting session, in Asia for the very first time! Crystalla Huang, Brewmaster at RedDot Brewery, alongside Jean-Baptiste Cherriere, Asia-Pacific VP of Sales at Spiegelau, will take you through a guided tasting of 3 different beer glasses, explaining exactly how each glass uniquely affects the beer’s sensory and tasting notes. Paired with beers from Singapore’s own Red Dot Brewery, discover how the right glass can enhance a beer’s flavour, body, and aroma. |
14:45 – 15:30 | Masterclass 4: Brewery Collaboration – The New Brand Marketing Tool for the F&B World
Speakers: EK Yeo (Brewmaster, 1925 Brewing Co.) The world of brewery collaborations has opened a world of marketing opportunities and can bring your establishment’s brand image and service image to new heights. E.K Yeo, Co-Founder and Brewmaster at Singapore’s 1925 Brewing Co. will share how the made-in-Singapore brewery has refined their expertise in flavoured beers over the years. Find out how their philosophy in achieving a balance in their beers have led to collaborations with non-brewery partners, such as Cointreau, Mr Bucket to Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, leading to brand enhancement and new revenue streams. This workshop includes a tasting of beers from 1925 Brewing Co. |
15:45 – 16:30 | Masterclass 5: The Sour Beer Phenomena
Speakers: Keola Ho (Founder, Bunker Bunker) The popularity of sour beers has been called “the hottest cold drink” by TIME magazine and covered by Forbes.com. Sour beers have also opened new markets, appealing to also wine and cocktail drinkers with their unique characteristics. What’s the driving force behind this phenomenon? Keola Ho from Wet Goods Singapore will take you through the basics of sour beers through a trio tasting and how F&B outlets have found success with offering beers from small batch breweries on their lists. |
Time | Programme |
---|---|
09:30 – 16:00 | Full Day Judging
Judges’ Briefing: 10:00 – 13:00 Judging: 10:30 – 16:00 |
17:00 – 18:00 | Awards Ceremony |
Time | Programme |
---|---|
11:30 – 12:15 | Masterclass 1: Malt Magic – Craft Beer & Single Malt Whiskey
Speaker: Ernest Ng (Founder, RedDot BrewHouse) Join us for a unique and exciting workshop exploring the art and science of creating whisky from beer, presented by renowned brewer Ernest Ng, founder of RedDot Brewhouse. The only project of its kind in Singapore, learn about the unique process of distilling beer to create flavorful and complex whiskies, and discover the different techniques and ingredients used to produce distinct styles. From selecting the right barrels to aging the whisky to perfection, Ernest will share his expertise and insights on how to create high-quality and distinctive whiskies from beer. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a whisky connoisseur, this workshop offers a unique and immersive experience that is not to be missed! |
14:00 – 14:45 | Masterclass 2: Innovation and Sustainability in Brewing
Speaker: Mitch Gribov (Head Brewer, Brewerkz) Join us for a thought-provoking workshop exploring the intersection of innovation and sustainability in the beer industry, presented by acclaimed brewmaster Mitch Gribov, Head Brewer at Brewerkz Brewing Co. Learn about the latest brewing techniques and technologies that are driving innovation in the industry, while also discovering how brewers can make a positive impact on the environment through sustainable practices. From using unique ingredients such as probiotics and NEWater, to techniques such as spent grain reuse, Mitch will share his insights and experiences on how breweries can create innovative and delicious beers while also being responsible stewards of the planet. |
15:00 – 15:45 | Masterclass 3: Alcohol Free – More than Just Soft Drinks
Speaker: Emma Pike (Co-Founder, Free Spirit) Expected to grow to a market size of over US $23.27B (Forbes) by 2025, alcohol free beers have also become a topic of great interest for local F&B professionals. Join Emma Pike, Founder of Free Spirit, in exploring the growing trend of alcohol-free beers with our unique comparative tasting format. Also discover the brewing techniques and technology behind these high-quality alcohol-free beers, and learn how to incorporate them into your business offerings. |
Time | Programme |
---|---|
11:30 – 12:30 | Masterclass 1: Singapore Breweries Showcase – Pushing the Boundaries
Speaker: SG Brewery Representatives Discover the innovative and exciting world of #SG beers in this unique workshop! Featuring some of our most creative and cutting-edge breweries, such as Niang and CRUST, let them take you through a comprehensive masterclass of the latest trends and brewing techniques, and taste a variety of bold and unconventional beer styles. From fruity and floral to spicy and savory, these experimental beers push the boundaries of traditional brewing and offer a fresh perspective on what beer can be. |
Meet The Judges
Crystalla Huang
BREWMASTER, REDDOT BREWHOUSEAbout Crystalla Huang
Crystalla is a graduate of two world-renowned universities, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), and the Versuchsund Lehranstalt für Brauerei (VLB), Crystalla is currently the youngest certified female brewmaster in Asia. She is also a founding member of the Singapore Brewers Association, and has been featured in multiple articles and news channels, including Prestige’s 40 Under 40. Besides brewing, Crystalla also conducts a myriad of beer-related events at RedDot Brewhouse, including beer workshops, educational talks, and beer pairing dinners, and is a veteran judge of several beer competitions.
Raymond Lee
OWNER, IBREWAbout Raymond Lee
A champion of Singapore’s home brewing scene, Raymond founded iBrew in 2004, Singapore’s first homebrew supply store. Aiming to create a reliable source of high-quality ingredients and equipment, he has also nurtured a closely-knit community of home brewers in Singapore. Besides supplying home brewers, Raymond is also a Certified Beer Judge, and hosts (and judges at) the annual iBrew Challenge, Singapore’s premiere home brewing competition. A truly cutting-edge competition, the iBrew Challenge pushes the limits of extreme home brewing, highlighting innovative recipes and techniques.
Eng Kuang Yeo (E.K.)
CO-FOUNDER AND BREWMASTER, 1925 BREWING CO.About Eng Kuang Yeo (E.K.)
Co-Founder of family-owned 1925 Brewing Co, EK (Eng Kuang) believes strongly in preserving his Singaporean Teochew heritage and culture, through the unique lens of brewing. Naming the brewery after a tribute to his grandfather, EK aims to carry his grandfather’s ideals, experience, and passion for quality produce to beer drinkers around the world. To this end, EK is also a veteran of a multitude of brewery collaborations, including local brands like Song Fa, where he seamlessly marries local flavours with modern and traditional brewing techniques.
Inki Lee
PRESIDENT, KOREA CRAFT BEER ASSOCIATION | CEO, BEERVANA BREWING COMPANY | PUBLISHER, THE BEERPOSTAbout Inki Lee
At the helm of the Korea Craft Beer Association, Inki Lee has helped to nurture Korea’s vibrant craft brewing scene. A man with an obsession with anything beer related, he brings a wealth of knowledge on trends and movements in both the Korean, and the South Asian craft beer scene. He also manages his own brewery, Beervana Brewing Company, and beer magazine, The Beerpost, giving him a unique perspective and insight into Korean, Asian, and International beer affairs.
Colin Tay
FOUNDER, TSA WINESAbout Colin Tay
Mr Colin Tay is a veteran and a pioneer in the craft beer industry, with 15 years of experience under his belt. He founded the TSA group and was amongst the first distributors to introduce craft beers to Singapore. A well-respected master in his trade, he believes in the importance of well brewed beers and strives to continually bring in top quality beers and spreading the good word of enjoying the good brew!
Mitch Gribov
HEAD BREWER, BREWERKZAbout Mitch Gribov
A graduate of the world renowned Versuchsund Lehranstalt für Brauerei (VLB), Mitch Gribov has over 6 years of experience as a professional brewer in Russia, Germany, China, and Finland. In particular, he previously led the brewing team at the internationally acclaimed Master Gao Brewing Co., one of China’s seminal craft breweries. Today, he helms the brewing team at Brewerkz, where brings his experience, passion, and excellence into each and every beer. During his time as Head Brewer, Brewerkz has been awarded a host of local, international, and regional awards, including the title of Champion Mid-sized Brewery of Asia at the prestigious Asia Beer Championship 2022.
Dr Joe Ng
SINGAPORE’S FIRST CERTIFIED CICERONE | BEER NERDAbout Dr Joe Ng
Dr Joe, as he is affectionately known to Singapore’s craft beer community, is Singapore’s first Certified Cicerone. Despite being a surgeon by trade, Dr. Joe is an ardent craft beer fanatic at heart, and is perpetually involved in beer judging or hosting guided tastings. Follow his exploits on Instagram @beergeekspeaks, where he deep-dives into the flavors and aromas of newly discovered brew.
Hirose Norihito
OWNER, SGTAPSAbout Hirose Norihito
One of Singapore’s most passionate local beer specialists, Norihito Hirose owns craft beer bar SG TAPS. A self-professed fan of ‘craft beer from Singapore and other countries’, Norihito uses SG TAPS as a platform to spotlight and showcase the best of beers from around the world, with an emphasis on locally-brewed Singaporean beers. Come by for a pint with him at SG TAPS!
Randy Liew
EXECUTIVE MASTER BREWER, 1602 BREWING COAbout Randy Liew
Randy is not a stranger to the craft beer scene. As a Brewery Consultant, he has been involved in numerous craft brewery startup projects in the region, in countries like Singapore, Indonesia, China, Vietnam and Malaysia. With his wealth of experiences, it has inspired him to continue promoting the business of brewing and Asia craft brews around the world. Today, he is the Executive Master Brewer of the only local production brewery in Malaysia.
Matthew Lamb
GROUP BEVERAGE MANAGER, THE LO & BEHOLD GROUPAbout Matthew Lamb
Matthew has a long-spanning career as a Beverage Manager, and Sommelier with over 10 years of hospitality experience managing individual, multi-unit, and international venues. Since he started his journey in the industry, he has taken his experiences to a whole new level and brings fierce passion into his current role as the Group Beverage Member of The Lo & Behold Group, and General Manager for Clink Clink, the group’s bespoke beverage concierge service.
Alvin Teo
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, YAKIMA CHIEF HOPSAbout Alvin Teo
Starting out locally as an Assistant Brewer in Archipelago Brewery, he got to learn the entire production brewing process right from the ground up. In his pursuit to further understand the other side of the industry, Alvin then proceeded to Brewerkz where he took on several roles including Business Development, Sales, and Brewing. Now, pushing beyond the local scene, Alvin’s present role sees him manage the Southeast-Asia region for Washington-based 100% grower-owned hops supplier Yakima Chief Hops, connecting their family hop farms with the region’s finest breweries.