GABS Hottest 100 Kiwi Craft Beers: A Celebration of New Zealand’s Best Brews

The GABS Hottest 100 Kiwi Craft Beers poll is back for its ninth year, continuing to be New Zealand’s leading people's choice index for the country’s most popular craft beers. This annual event brings together beer enthusiasts from across the globe to vote for their five favorite brews of the year. The results celebrate the top craft beers that represent the unique and diverse beer culture thriving in New Zealand.

A Diverse Range of Flavors

New Zealand’s craft beer scene is renowned for its wide variety of flavors and innovative brewing techniques, catering to every type of beer lover. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, or experimental sours, the country’s craft breweries offer something for everyone. Each year, the GABS Hottest 100 poll highlights the beers that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of Kiwis, reflecting the growing passion and creativity within the craft beer industry.

Consistency and Crowd Appeal: Garage Project's Pernicious Weed

One of the standout stories of this year’s GABS Hottest 100 poll is the remarkable return of Garage Project’s Pernicious Weed to the number one spot. This brew, which first earned the gold medal six years ago, has maintained its status as a fan favorite. Despite a gap in its top ranking, Pernicious Weed continues to impress, securing a place in the top 10 year after year. Its consistent quality and broad appeal make it a testament to the enduring popularity of this iconic New Zealand craft beer.

Parrotdog’s Birdseye: A Champion on the Podium

Another brewery making waves is Parrotdog, whose Birdseye has earned its place as one of the top craft beers in New Zealand. Originally brewed in 2020, Birdseye took the crown as the 2021 Hottest 100 champion and has remained a strong contender ever since. This year, the beer holds onto its silver medal spot, cementing its reputation as one of the country's favorite brews. Parrotdog’s success showcases the rapid rise of innovative breweries in New Zealand, continually delivering beers that capture the essence of craft brewing.

Brave Brewing Co: A New Contender in the Top 3

Rounding out the top three is Brave Brewing Co’s Tigermilk IPA, which has seen a significant rise in popularity. Coming in at number three this year, Tigermilk IPA jumped up five places from the previous year’s poll, signaling the increasing appreciation for Brave Brewing’s bold and flavorful brews. The hop-forward Tigermilk IPA has clearly captured the attention of beer lovers, becoming a fixture in the top ranks of the Hottest 100.

A Celebration of Craft Beer Innovation

The GABS Hottest 100 Kiwi Craft Beers poll not only showcases the best and most popular beers in New Zealand, but also highlights the ongoing innovation and creativity driving the local craft beer scene. From established names like Garage Project to newer contenders like Brave Brewing Co, New Zealand’s craft beer community is flourishing, constantly pushing boundaries and offering exciting new flavors to explore.

As the beer industry continues to evolve, the GABS Hottest 100 poll serves as an important reminder of the power of community-driven choices and the collective love for great beer. The poll's results inspire both beer drinkers and brewers to keep experimenting, brewing, and enjoying the craft beers that make New Zealand a global hub for innovative brewing.