Auckland brewers best in class

Shane Morley at work judging some of the entries for the New World Beer and Cider Awards.

Auckland breweries have set the bar high at the inaugural New World Beer and Cider Awards taking out the most 'Best in Class' medals.

The awards celebrate the diversity and high standard of beer and cider available from around New Zealand and overseas.

A team of 12 industry leaders blind-tasted 351 beers and ciders from 56 breweries.

Judge Neil Miller said he was impressed by the standard of entries from new and established companies.

"Many of the winners are smaller, independent breweries from off the beaten track, which means that people will have to get in quick if they want to try some for themselves."

Medals were awarded to the top scorers and resulted in 14 Best in Class, 32 Gold, 45 Silver and 77 Bronze winners.

Four Auckland labels took out Best in Class awards: Liberty Brewing Co Yakima Monster, Galbraith's Special Edition Pilsner Czech style, Zeffer Cider Co. Red Apple Cider and Epic Pale Ale.

Another nine gold medals were awarded to Auckland brewers, along with four silver and 12 bronze medals, giving the region the most medals out of all regions represented at the awards.

Here's the full list of Auckland winners:

Best in Class

Liberty Brewing Co Yakima Monster

Galbraith's Special Edition Pilsner Czech style

Zeffer Cider Co. Red Apple Cider

Epic Pale Ale

Gold

8 Wired Brewing Co. iStout

8 Wired Brewing Co. The Big Smoke Smoked Porter

Epic Imperium Vintage Ale

Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale

Liberty Brewing Co Yakima Scarlet Hoppy Red Ale

Liberty Brewing Co C!tra Double IPA

Liberty Brewing Co Halo Pilsner

Liberty Brewing Co Sauvignon Bomb

Galbraith's Strong Ale

Silver

8 Wired Brewing Co. Superconductor Double IPA

Galbraith's Lager Munich Style

Sawmill Pilsner

Zeffer Cider Co. Crisp Apple Cider

Bronze

8 Wired Brewing Co. Hopwired New Zealand IPA

8 Wired Brewing Co. Tall Poppy India Red Ale

8 Wired Brewing Co. Saison Sauvin

Epic Lager

Epic Armageddon IPA

Hitachino Nest Extra High (XH)

Liberty Brewing Co Darkest Days Oatmeal Stout

Schipper's Chinook IPA

Galbraith's NZ Pale Ale

Zeffer Cider Co. Juicy Pear Cider

Zeffer Cider Co. Zesty Citrus infused Cider

Zeffer Cider Co. Hopped up Pippin Cider