Beer and Cider makers are being put to the test for the fifth year in a row, as entries are now open for the New World Beer and Cider awards.

This year the panel of judges has increased, giving smaller breweries a chance to be tasted amongst bigger brands.

The 30 best tasting beer and cider's will gain promotion and space in all New World stores, and the next 70 will receive a highly commended award, as well as recognition in their top 100 list.

Michael Donaldson, who is a beer writer and author and the Chair of Judges for the awards, is glad to be returning to the competition.

'New Zealand is full of great beer and cider-making talent, but that means there is a lot for consumers to choose from and it's often hard to know where to start.

'Putting the best 30 beers and ciders in the spotlight, with the endorsement of experienced judges, makes it easy for people to explore new products and find a new favourite,” says Michael.

Michael explains that succeeding in this competition can open up new opportunities for new entry beer and cider brands.

'These awards are an unmatched opportunity for local beer and cider businesses to build their brand and following, with the chance to showcase their product in 135 stores across the country and get in front of thousands of potential new customers.”

In 2018, small Wellington brewery Fortune Favours won big in their first year.

'The New World Beer & Cider Awards provided a great springboard for us as a new brewery,” says Fortune Favours CEO Shannon Thorpe.

'Fortune Favours was only a few months old at the time and we entered with some of our very first batches of packaged beer. The win was a massive achievement and helped make so many more people aware of our brewery and our beers.”

The competition is open to any breweries and cider makers, however the brand needs to have sufficient stock for New World customers so they can judge the beverages themselves.

Contestants are judged on using a collaborative approach, technical excellence, balance and drinkability.

The panel of 24 judges who will decide who makes the best brew, and the results will be released later this year.