New World’s Top 25 Beers & Ciders announced
Some of Aotearoa’s boldest, smallest and most inventive brewers have claimed spots in the 2025 New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 25, alongside some of the biggest names in beer and cider.
This year’s event attracted more than 650 entries and Chair of Judges, Michael Donaldson, described the excitement from the panel of 25 judges as “next-level”.
“This year’s lineup was the most diverse, creative and adventurous I’ve ever seen – and the awards keep proving that you don’t have to be a big brewery to make a big impression.”
This year’s Supreme Champion is Isthmus Brewing’s 3D IPA, described as “a stunning, all-round crowd-pleaser with juicy, hoppy character and exceptional balance”. Founded by husband-and-wife team Hamish Ward and Caroline Muller-Ward, Isthmus was a passion project while Hamish was head brewer at Deep Creek. When that brewery folded, they doubled down on Isthmus and judges say the 3D IPA win is testament to their resilience and talent.
2025 New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 25:
Altitude Brewing Remarks Hazy IPA
Bach Brewing All Day Hazy Non-Alc IPA
Black Sands Pilsner
Garage Project Pernicious Weed IPA
Garage Project Spicy Pickle Beer
Good George Haze of Glory NZIPA
Good George Old School Alcoholic Lemonade
Hallertau #2 Pale Ale
Heaven’s Brewery Judas Sheep Dark Lager
Isthmus Brewing’s 3D IPA – Supreme Champion
Lakeman Primate Pilsner
Mad Whale Helles Lager
Martinborough Brewery Hoppy Haze IPA
McLeod’s Blue Sky American Pale Ale
McLeod’s Far North Chili Pils
Panhead Bounty Hunter Chocolate & Coconut Porter
Parrotdog Limited Release 24 – Coconut Hazy IPA
Parrotdog Thunderbird Bright IPA
Peckham’s Apple Zero
Peckham’s Classic Apple Cider
Sprig + Fern The G.O.A.T Doppelbock
Three Sisters Lush
Tiger Lager
Urbanaut Copacabana Brut IPA
Urbanaut Beat Street Hazy IPA
