Best Draught Beer Quality 

JUDGING (50% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION + 50% ASSESSMENT OF BACK OF HOUSE AREAS AND COOLROOM)

*ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS

OVERVIEW

A time will be allocated by the judges to view the back of house elements of the below criteria. To be eligible to enter this category venues MUST comply with AS5034 (installation and use of inert gases for beverage dispensing).

GENERAL CRITERIA

  • Beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
  • Hygiene and cleanliness
  • Telephone technique

CELLAR, KEG ROOM AND BEER SYSTEM CLEANLINESS AND MANAGEMENT CRITERIA

  • Cellar/Keg room and beer system cleanliness and management
  • Cool room cleanliness
  • Keg coupler, cellar boy, beer lines and tap cleanliness/ functionality
  • Keg freshness, stock rotation, stored correctly

GLASS CLEANLINESS

  • Glass management
  • Glass cleanliness
  • Glass washer cleanliness and correct chemicals

BEER PRESENTATION CRITERIA

  • Pouring technique
  • In glass appearance
  • In glass temperature
  • Appropriate head on beer
  • True to taste (taste, aroma, texture)
  • Ability to pour a diverse range of beers
  • Knowledgeable of correct beer-pouring technique
  • Handling of glassware

Categories

PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

PEOPLE AWARDS 

The following categories are judged firstly by written submission, and then by an interview. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category.

Interview guidelines

Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January 2024 – 2 May 2025. The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between 2 June - 25 July 2025. Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.

EXPERIENCE AWARDS

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

Best Live Music Venue is judged 25% written submission, 25% interview & 50% site visit) . Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

FOOD AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

ACCOMMODATION AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS  - nominations are not required 
  • People’s Choice - NEW
  • Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
  • Hotel of the Year - General Division