Adelaide-based Little Bang Brewing Co. has cemented its status as a leader in the Australian craft beer scene, earning four medals at the prestigious Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) held in Melbourne.
The Stepney brewery secured two gold medals for its Hopocalypse Hazy and Hopocalypse West IPAs, and silver medals for its Sun Bear Hazy Pale Ale and Safe Space Vol. 4 Imperial IPA (IIPA). The recognition affirms the brewery’s continued excellence in crafting bold, hop-forward beers.
The AIBA, the world’s largest annual beer competition, recognises excellence across the brewing industry and is open to breweries and cideries of all sizes. This year’s accolades mark a significant achievement not only for Little Bang but also for Adelaide’s thriving craft beer community, which continues to earn national acclaim.
“We were a little surprised but quietly confident the beers were up to the task,” said Oscar Matthews, Head Brewer and Director of Operations at Little Bang. “They’ve been really well received in the taproom, and we love making those styles of beer.”
The Hopocalypse range, which earned the gold medals, was the result of a limited-edition collaboration with Tasmania’s Fox Friday Brewery—an independent producer known for hop-driven IPAs. According to Matthews, the partnership was about blending brewing philosophies to create high-impact, expressive beers.
“We tried to embody what we love about the two styles—hazy IPA and West Coast IPA—and combine our techniques with theirs,” he said.
Founded in 2013 by Ryan Davidson and Filip Kemp, Little Bang built its reputation with playful branding, creative recipes, and bold beer styles. In 2023, the brewery joined the Duxton Pubs portfolio, with Matthews—formerly of Uraidla Brewery—stepping into the dual role of Head Brewer and joint CEO.
With roots in the American craft brewing scene, Matthews brings a focus on hop-forward innovation. “I started my brewing career in the US, where there’s a real focus on IPAs,” he said. “It’s about finding the right combinations of hops and really getting the best out of them.”
Among the awarded beers, the Sun Bear Hazy Pale Ale—ranked #40 in the 2024 GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beers—was noted for its bright, juicy profile, while the Safe Space Vol. 4 IIPA impressed with its smooth, fruit-forward character and 8.4% ABV.
“These awards show that the thirst for expressive, exciting beers is key,” Matthews noted. “It’s awesome to see that dedication pay off, and we can’t wait to keep pushing the creative boundaries with future beers.”
Looking ahead, Little Bang is preparing to release two new double IPAs in June. One will be an Australian IPA brewed with local hops, offering a tropical profile featuring pineapple, mango, and passionfruit. The second, a more traditional American-style double IPA, will deliver citrus, orange, and pine notes using a blend of classic and modern U.S. hop varieties.
“They’re very different beers,” Matthews said. “We’re really happy with both.”
As winter sets in, Little Bang continues to offer a diverse range of expressive beers from its Stepney taproom, catering to fans of juicy, piney, hazy, and full-bodied styles alike.
The award-winning Sun Bear Hazy Pale Ale is currently available online and at the brewery.
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