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black rock competitions
black rock competitions
black rock competitions
black rock competitions
black rock competitions

Black Rock HomeBrew and Emerging Brewers Competitions

Check out the 2025 competition details for the Black Rock brewers competitions below.

Two people talking at the Black Rock brewers competition
Black Rock Competition judges

Black Rock HomeBrew Competition

Open to experienced home brewers, this is your opportunity to put your brew forward.

Each entry must be home-brewed, and while entrants can work for commercial brewing companies, the beer itself must not be commercially brewed.
Entry requirements:

Entries and payments must be submitted via the official online form by 8 p.m. on Sunday, 5 October 2025.

Entry is $10 per beer, with a maximum of six entries per person.Two bottles (minimum 330ml each) of each beer are required for judging, and all entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, 10 October 2025.

Judging will follow the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.The overall winner will collaborate with Emerson’s team to brew the official Festival Beer for the 2026 event. This beer may also be available through Emerson’s Tap Room and participating Dunedin craft beer bars.
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Black Rock assets at the competition

Black Rock Emerging Brewers Competition

The Black Rock Emerging Brewers Comp is designed for those who have been brewing for less than two years. If that's you, this is a great chance to share your brew! Unsure of where to start?

To help you get up and going, Black Rock have come to the party with a FREE personal brewery kit when you purchase either a BlackRock Bag in a Box all in one kit OR at least 2 Black Rock Cans from Dunedin Malthouse, and show them proof of your expression of interest! Note: These free kits are limited to the first 50 expressions of interest.
Entry requirements:

Beer must be home-brewed, not commercially produced, and each entry must consist of two 330ml+ bottles.

Entry is $10 per beer, with a maximum of two entries per person.

All entries and payments must be submitted online by 8 p.m. on Sunday, 5 October 2025, and deliveries must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, 10 October 2025.

The Black Rock team will conduct the judging, using the BJCP Guidelines as a reference point.

The winning Emerging Brewer will have the opportunity to brew a beer in collaboration with Black Rock for their 2026 festival stall, with the potential for this beer to be sold through Black Rock Tap Rooms.
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Previous Winners

2023 Overall Winner - Martin Taylor - Razzle Dazzle

2023 Emerging Brewers Category - Harriet Love - Coco-StickyStout

2022 Olly Rudd - Jenny’s Wit

2021 Jimmy Henderson - Super Spontaneous

2020 Ben Dagg - Apricot Gose

2019 Travis Gibbons - Hopped Cider

2018 Laura Atkin - Lizzies English IPA

2017 Harvey Kane - Session RIS

2016  Saul Ross - Sauls Milk Stout

2015 Max Major - Wild Gose Chase

2014 Brett Houliston - Bourbon Oaked Porter

2013 Dale Booth - Raspberry Wheat Beer

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