Behind every winning beer: Meet a few of the Australian International Beer Awards judges

03 Mar 2025 / Beer / Australian International Beer Awards

What does it take to crown the world's best beers?

It starts with the judges.

We're talking about a panel of brewing legends, sensory masters and industry pioneers who bring an unmatched level of expertise to the Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA).

These are a few of the extraordinary individuals who make the AIBA the pinnacle of brewing recognition, the palates that set the standard and the minds that shape the industry.

Tracy Banner

A multi-award-winning brewer and international judge since the late 90s, Tracy has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to the field.

Her exceptional sensory skills are highly valued, and she collaborates with industry bodies to provide feedback on new hop cultivars like Nectaron and Superdelic.

Tracy is also the owner and master brewer of Sprig + Fern Brewing Co - a renowned brand with 14 owner-operated taverns and nationwide distribution in New Zealand.

What Tracy brings
  • Exceptional sensory skills: Tracy's proven ability to evaluate new hop cultivars demonstrates her refined palate.

  • International judging expertise: Decades of experience judging at the highest level ensures rigorous and fair evaluations.

  • Industry leadership: As a successful brewery owner, Tracy understands the challenges and triumphs of the brewing process.
Briony Liebich

Briony is a highly respected sensory analyst, with a decade of experience leading Lion’s sensory program at West End Brewery.

Through her business, Flavour Logic, she provides consulting and taste coaching services, focusing on improving the quality and education of food and drinks.

Briony is a certified cicerone, a qualified WSET beer and wine educator, and has extensive experience judging national beer, cider, and spirits awards, including the World Beer Cup.

What Briony is looking for
  • Sensory excellence: The importance of balance, intensity and drinkability in every beer.

  • Style evolution: The breadth of styles being produced and how trends are evolving.

  • Industry connection: The opportunity to collaborate with and learn from fellow industry professionals.
Carla Naismith

Carla's journey, like many of our judges, began with a passion for beer and a desire to learn.

Starting as a steward, she honed her skills through diligent volunteering, relentless questioning and a commitment to mastering technical and sensory analysis.

What Carla is looking for
  • Rigorous style adherence: The AIBAs are all about adherence to style combined with technical competence.

  • Uncompromising technical skill: Technical excellence is crucial, even subtle flaws can impact a beer's score.

  • The pursuit of "wow" beers: Those exceptional beers that exceed expectations.
Sam Bethune

Sam's journey from steward to judge exemplifies dedication and passion.

He emphasises the importance of learning, asking questions, and developing technical and sensory skills.

What Sam is looking for
  • Adherence to style and technical excellence: Entries must accurately represent their style and demonstrate impeccable brewing technique.

  • Beers that elevate above: There might only be a few across the entire competition, but when you're served one it's like winning the beer lottery
Pia Poynton

A seasoned judge from the Perth and Indies beer scenes, Pia is eager to expand her experience at the Australian International Beer Awards.

She is enthusiastic about bringing her expertise to a new judging environment.

What Pia brings
  • Industry Connection: The opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals.

  • Fresh perspective: A fresh set of eyes and expertise to the AIBA judging process.