It’s been another huge year for craft beer in Australia. But you don’t need us to tell you that – we do it pretty much incessantly day in, day out. So, as in previous years, we thought we’d invite some of the people that make the beer world what it is for you to tell us how the year has been for them and their hopes for 2014.

First up, Queensland and Tasmania, with looks forward and back from the chaps at Brisbane’s Green Beacon, Queensland distributor Calibre, The Winston in North Hobart and Launceston’s Crown Cellars.

QUEENSLAND

Andrew Sydes, Green Beacon Brewery

What’s been your highlight of 2013?
We opened Green Beacon (pictured above) in January this year, so it’s really hard to look past that as a highlight.

It’s been an incredible ride and we’ve been blown away by the support we’ve had from our locals and the Australian beer community at large. There’s a lot of love in craft!

What has surprised you?
In Queensland more and more traditionally mainstream venues are dipping their toes into the craft beer pool or positioning themselves to take the plunge. BWS is stocking Birra Del Borgo. The times they are a-changin'!

What has delighted you?
The Brisbane beer community resolving to come together to organise our own beer festival Brewsvegas next year is pretty delightful.

What would you most like to see in 2014?
Craft on tap in every bar I walk into!

Your beer (or beers) of the year
Moo Brew Velvet Sledgehammer

Daniel Rickard, Calibre Craft Beer Trading Co

What’s been your highlight of 2013?
I had an absolute ball at Good Beer Week in Melbourne this year. Good beer, good people.

What has surprised you?
The amount of new interest in craft beer in QLD this past year, especially the last three months. I thought the growth may have been a little more gradual but people are really embracing the good beer in the sunny state!!

What has delighted you?
See previous question. Nothing makes me happier than helping someone find good and flavourful beers for the first time.

What would you most like to see in 2014?
More bottleshops in QLD selling good beers.

Your beer (or beers) of the year
Red Hill Double Barrel Imperial Stout wins this year for me but Nail Clout a very close second.

TASMANIA

Kris Miles, co-owner of The Winston, North Hobart

What’s been your highlight of 2013?
Probably finally opening our own craft beer-focused bar in Hobart.

The Winston

It’s also great to see the Tattersalls Beer & Food Hall open in Hobart too. Adding two more beer-focused venues to Hobart’s burgeoning beer culture.

What has surprised you?
I am constantly surprised at the growing beer culture evolving in Hobart (and Tasmania). For a city of around 250,000 people, there is a lot going on.

What has delighted you?
I am delighted to be a part of the craft beer community. It never ceases to amaze me how passionate and supportive people are.

I am proud of the great things happening beer wise in Australia.

What would you most like to see in 2014?
As with 2013 more experimentation with new and old beer styles. I am a big fan of Harvest Ales, so more use of great Australian hops.

Your beer (or beers) of the year
There are so many great beers that I have tried this year, it’s difficult to pinpoint one. I have been really enjoying quirky styles like Berliner Weisse. I am also loving the unique Harvest ales that are being produced around hop harvest. I have also enjoyed some fantastic barrel aged beers.

Dan, manager of Crown Cellars in Launceston

What’s been your highlight of 2013?
Christian Skovdal Anderson of Beer Here fame rocking the Crown Cellars stall at this year’s Beer Fest in Lonnie.

What has surprised you?
The number of converts to craft beer. Watching people start off, with trepidation, as they begin the craft journey, dabbling with Little Creatures, working up to Bridge Road then jumping feet first (or taste buds first) into an Epic Hop Zombie.

What has delighted you?
As above.

What would you most like to see in 2014?
Punters continuing to support “the little guy”, and to start challenging their own choices and opinions regarding their perception of beer.

Your beer (or beers) of the year?
Stillwater Artisinal “Existent”; spicy, dark, exotic, bitter, fragrant, floral, I could go on forever…

Look out for more years in beer from around Australia on the site over the coming days. You can also pick up a copy of the latest James Halliday’s Wine Companion Magazine for The Crafty Pint founder’s look back on 2013 and pick of 50 of the year’s best beers. Out now!