Thanks to the 300 guests that helped us celebrate the first Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) President's Pop up Bar. On the evening following the 2019 AIBA Presentation Dinner celebrating the announcement of the best beers and brewers across the globe, Melbourne Showgrounds hosted friends and family of The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) to a night of award-winning beer.

The evening offered guests 42 award-winning draught beers and the newest packaged specialty beers for tasting. Whilst guests were there to taste the newly crowned AIBA medal-winners, many were blown away by the culinary delights that accompanied the brews. Prepared by the newly formed RASV Food and Beverage team, impressive canapés ranging from delicately seared tuna to mini kimchi chicken burgers were served all night. Throughout the evening, guests helped themselves to a cheese degustation and pizza supplied by 400 Gradi.

The evening allowed the trial of a number of new initiatives, including the use of Melbourne Showgrounds' Royal Block kitchens to cater for a medium size event and Building 1 as an undercover car parking location. This trial will shape the use of Victoria’s newest purpose-built function and exhibition space, Victoria Pavilion, when it opens in August 2019.

Be sure to look out for the AIBA medals when trying and buying local and International beers.