For all the upheaval of the past two years, some things remain constant: Aussie brewers keep releasing tonnes of beers, and each January the results of a massive public vote are unveiled, with the country's most popular beers counted down from 100 to one.
January 2022 is no different. There's still upheaval aplenty, but the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers poll reaches its conclusion with the live countdown on January 22.
The results are unveiled over the course of the day online via the GABS website, but there are also – Omicron-willing – heaps of countdown parties taking place at breweries and venues across the country where you can join fellow beer lovers for the show.
Given the number of emails, social posts, deliveries and even text messages the Crafty team has received from brewers telling us exactly how to vote, it's clear just how important a marketing tool it's become for many, so it will be interesting to see if BentSpoke can hold onto top spot, and indeed if any newcomers – or beers that aren't pale ales or IPAs of some form – can break into the top ten.
The countdown kicks off at 12.35pm AEDT with 100 to 91, and culminating with the winner announced at 5pm.
You can find the full list of countdown parties here, and a selection of them below...
H100 Countdown Parties
South Australia
- Prancing Pony's Hottest 100 Retro Countdown Party at Pony on Rundle
You're invited to whip out the flares and crop tops, dig out your peace bangles and let your hair down as the Ponies go back to simpler times and rock out to the best tunes of the 70s with a live DJ, while digging into a selection of retro party dishes. There's prizes for guessing the top three beers and the best outfits.
Doors open at 11am. More here.
Queensland
- H100 at Helios
The Brisbane brewers will be counting down each beer, playing some bingo, giving away prizes and more! Can you pick the top ten? If you do, you could win big! Get them in the right order and you’ll be even happier! There will be tasty BBQ options from Smoked Low and Slow too.
Doors open at midday. More here.
- Countdown Party at BHII Biggera Waters
Black Hops enjoyed a fine H100 last year, with their G.O.A.T. crashing into the top five, and they'll have high hopes for the 2021 countdown too. You can join them at BHII from midday, with $15 tickets getting you a core range schooner on arrival, use of the photo booth they've set up for the day, and a ticket in the door prize competition.
Doors open at midday. You can book your spot here.
New South Wales
- Countdown Day at Akasha
Head to the Akasha taproom where they'll be keeping an eye out to see where their flagship Hopsmith lands. They'll also be pumping the Triple J Hottest 100, playing GABS bingo with prizes to be won, serving frozen cocktails in the Beer Garden, and welcoming Thicc Cookies and Dirty Bird food trucks. Plus there's a bar shout for every Akasha beer that is placed in the H100.
Doors open at 11am. Book here.
Victoria
- Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown at Tallboy & Moose
The Preston crew will have the Triple J Hottest 100 streaming live and loud, with a Hottest 100 Sweepstake featuring rad prize packs, as well as a Smoked Lamb Bánh Mì Buns food special and a happy hour from midday to 3pm when Sunray XPA and Deadset Lager pints will be just $8.
Doors open at midday.
- Countdown Party At Brick Lane's Taproom
Join the Brick Lane team at their taproom at Queen Victoria Market as they countdown the top 100 beers with drink specials, fresh beers and the Triple J Hottest 100 cranking. You'll find them in String Bean Alley, Queen Victoria Market.
Doors open midday to 5pm.
Tasmania
- Hottest 100 Beer Garden Party at Hobart Brewing Co.
Feed your senses with help from the Hobart Brewing Co. crew as they host an open air H100 celebration in their garden, complete with all the usual HBC goodness plus the limited edition Session Hazy IPA and Peaches and Cream Summer sour. Entry is free, but capacity is being limited in order to ensure everyone has a sufficient amount of open air between them. Get in from midday.
