Beer innovators crowned in their own backyard as part of Margaret River competition

The winners of Margaret River Beer Co’s annual Backyard Brewing tournament were crowned on Friday, with a frothy celebration held afterwards.

The company which runs Brewhouse handed the top gong in the hotly-contested competition to Perth amateur brewer Josh Curulli for a Munich Helles lager.

“For me, the win was amazing,” the champion beer trophy winner said.

“As someone who would love to start a brewery one day, I really wanted to see how my beer stood up when judged by industry professionals.

“I have been brewing now for almost a year, really with the aim of just making the kind of beer I wanted to drink, and found out I love the process more than I could have ever imagined.

“It’s so great that homebrewers are provided with this kind of opportunity to not only submit their beer, but also really feel part of a community of like-minded people.”

The judging panel included some serious talent, with professionals from Brewhouse, Artisan, Eagle Bay Brewing Co and Running with Thieves joined by ale writers Jono Outred and The West Australian’s Simon Collins.

In picking Curulli for the prize, Brewhouse head brewer and tournament judge Ryan Allen said Curulli’s Helles brew was a simple-tasting style.

“It leaves the brewer nowhere to hide from potential faults in their processes or recipe,” he said.

“Josh’s beer was without faults, an excellent example of the style and an overall well-balanced beer.”

Curulli gets to have his signature beer brewed and made available on tap at Brewhouse, along with taking home the trophy, merchandise, and a free pint per visit for the next 12 months.

Allen said he looked forward to making the Helles in a bigger batch.

Margaret River Beer Co. co-owner Iliya Hastings said the amateur contest was part of his team’s vision when it first established the brewery 10 years ago, with Friday’s contest the ninth annual brewing event.