The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has announced the winners of its 2026 Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Show, with Reckless Brewing Co’s Reckless Stout awarded Best Beer.

Reckless Brewing Co. from Bathurst, NSW, has now been awarded eight Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show champion trophies since it first started entering the competition in 2024. The brewer was also recognised as a President’s Medal finalist in 2025. However, this is the first time the brewery has taken out the top award.

Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show Chair of Judges Richard Adamson said: “Reckless Brewing Co’s Reckless Stout is a textbook American stout – big citrus and pine hop character driving through a smooth, dark malt backbone, with the firm bitterness the style demands.

“Flavourful, impeccably clean and beautifully balanced. A truly deserving Best Beer or Cider of Show.”

Reckless Brewing Co’s Reckless Stout also won Champion NSW Beer or Cider and Champion Porter or Stout for the second consecutive year. Its Baltic Porter 2026 was also celebrated, winning Champion Experimental or Specialty beer.

Of the 228 entries judged, 14 champion trophies were awarded to 10 breweries. Gold medals were awarded to 21% of entries, up from 16% in 2025, while 84% of entries received a gold, silver or bronze medal.

“The quality and drinkability of this year’s exhibits were incredibly high, and that is reflected in the medal tally we have seen this year,” said Adamson.

“Consumers are getting strong ‘hop forward’ IPA’s, impressive pale ales and, this year, we saw the notable return of lager.

“When craft beer boomed a few years ago, it was all about big flavours and lager was a bit forgotten. Well, that tide seems to be turning, and brewers are investing in lager again – which means more options for consumers of all palates.

“Another noticeable trend this year was the strength and diversity of NSW brewers – we have champion winners from Armidale, Port Macquarie, Bathurst, and Wagga Wagga.”

One such winner was independent Port Macquarie brewery and first-time entrant, Moorebeer Brewing Co, which won Champion Reduced or Non-Alcohol Beer or Cider thanks to its Hoppy Mid “Grommet”.

Last year’s winner, Heap Normal’s Jazz Stout, was also recognised this year, winning The Chair of Judges Annual Prize.

Adamson said: “It was a very close race. Cold-pressed coffee and chocolate on the nose, clean on the palate, enjoyable to the finish – proof that non-alc brewing isn’t limited to pale, light styles.”

Sydney Royal’s Champion Perry & Cider

A Champion Perry was also recognised for the first time since 2022, with Flying Brick Cider Co awarded the title for its Flying Brick Cider Co Pear Cider. Meanwhile, Champion Cider was presented to The Apple Thief for its 2025 Kingston Black Cider.

Esker Beer Co was awarded Champion India Pale Ale with its Esker West Coast IPA and Sydney Brewery won Champion Lager thanks to its Pilsner.

Sunday Road Brewing’s reigning champion Après Ski Bavarian Hefe Wheat Beer retained its title of Champion Wheat or Other Grain. The brewery also won Champion Ginger Beer this year with its Ginger Beera.

To view the full list of the medal winners, click here, or experience the award-winning products firsthand at the 2026 Grape, Grain & Graze Festival on September 19 at Sydney Showground. Learn more here.