The Royal Adelaide Beer & Cider Awards (RABCA) was established in 1844. This year, brewers across Australia and New Zealand competed for 13 trophies, including Most Outstanding Beer, Champion Large Brewery, Champion Small Brewery, Best New Exhibit as well as Champion IPA, Lager, Ale, Porter/Stout, Specialty Beer and Reduced Alcohol Beer.
Kick Back Brewing was awarded the highly coveted Champion IPA trophy, proudly sponsored by HPA. The family-owned South Australian brewery operates on the belief that craft beer isn’t just a beverage. They want their beers to provide a connection to place, purpose and community. We got in touch with Owner and Head Brewer Brenton Schoemaker to congratulate the team and ask a few questions about their beers and the origin of their ingredients.
Q: Congrats on your recent success at the 2024 Royal Adelaide Beer & Cider Awards. As proud sponsors of the trophy for Champion IPA, we were stoked that Anchor Steady got the gong, particularly as it features one of our Aussie hops. What made you decide to showcase Enigma® in this beer?
A: We wanted to create a unique IPA was a new world spin by utilising Enigma® in epic proportions. The combination of SPECTRUM and T90s amplifies the serious flavour and aromas this hop has to offer in a beer style that you wouldn’t usually find it.
Q: You were also awarded a gold medal in the Mid Strength Ale category for Midcoaster, which features New Zealand hops. What point of difference do southern hemisphere hops offer over their northern hemisphere counterparts?
A: They’re just better! I love to experiment with the more unique varieties. Midcoaster is a delicious combo of Nelson Sauvin and Citra, so some of the best of both hemispheres.
Q: The purpose of your beers and tap house is to reflect you, your region and your community. If we asked you to describe Kick Back in one sentence, what would it be?
A: Kick Back is a brewpub for the locals, it’s a welcoming, warm and comfortable place to hang out, eat and drink with your family and friends. I’ve always loved to host family and friends in my home, so Kick Back is an extension of this in our community, for local and tourists alike.
Q: Kick Back have a strong focus on sourcing local ingredients from the Fleurieu Peninsula. What is one ingredient the region is particularly famous for?
A: We have an incredible range of great local produce. We utilise this throughout our kitchen on the daily. I guess our region is most famous for its incredible vineyards, but we would love to see that swing to beer!
Q: Your taproom offers a mixture of cuisines, allowing diners to find something that gives them comfort and pairs will with their beer of choice. What’s your favourite comfort food and beer pairing?
A: The meal I always end up coming back to is a smashed cheeseburger with bacon and a side of chips. With a mouthwatering brisket patty and locally smoked bacon you can’t go wrong. This paired with our Lager or Pale in summer, or our American Red in the cooler months goes down an absolute treat.
