DB Breweries has been crowned 2010 New Zealand Champion Brewery at the BrewNZ Awards in Wellington.

The title for the country’s best brewery capped off a triumphant night for the 80 year old company which collected five trophies and eight medals in total - the most for any entrant.

DB Breweries’ managing director Brian Blake says credit for the company’s success lies with DB’s team of experienced and passionate brewers.

“I’d like to congratulate our brewers on their achievements on winning five trophies and eight medals across a wide range of categories and beer styles. After 80 years of brewing the brands Kiwis love, it’s rewarding to see our brewers’ passion, talent and commitment to quality recognised by the international panel of judges.”

A record number of breweries entered this year’s awards with 450 entries, up from 349 in 2009. The quality of entrants continues to improve each year says Chairman of the Brewers Guild of New Zealand, David Cryer.

“The great result of DB’s win at the BrewNZ Awards is that it shows that any brewery big or small can win. Tuatara in 2008, Emerson’s in 2009 now DB in 2010. Add to that the close race between Three Boys and DB for the title, this all goes to show that great beer is the winner.

The most challenging aspect of a broadly ranged brewing competition is allowing one man operations to compete with larger breweries. BrewNZ Awards has achieved this with heightened credibility and salutes DB as worthy champions!”

The Liquorland BrewNZ Awards 2010 Trophies awarded to DB Breweries are as follows:

New Zealand Champion Brewery Trophy

DB Breweries

European Lager Styles Trophy

Monteith’s Black

New Zealand Draught Trophy

Tui East India Pale Ale

New Zealand Lager and Premium Lager Styles

Tui Blond

Reduced Alcohol, Reduced Carbohydrate and Gluten-free Styles Trophy

Export 33

The medals awarded to DB Breweries are as follows:

• Gold Tui Blond

• Gold Export 33

• Silver Monteith’s Black

• Silver DB Breweries Monteith’s Celtic Red

• Silver Monteith’s Spring Ale

• Silver Tui East India Pale Ale

• Bronze Monteith’s Original Ale

• Bronze Monteith’s Crushed Apple Cider

PHOTO: Natasha O’Brien (senior project brewer, Waitemata Brewer) and Adrian Finlayson (Mainland Brewery manager, Washdyke, Timaru).