IT’S that time of the year for reflecting on the highs and the lows of the year. It’s presumed that some people are also thinking about favourite songs from the last year and looking to the ABC website to enter choices for the Triple J hottest 100.

But this is not the only Hottest 100 countdown for the year, the people’s choice for the Hottest 100 Beers is also upon us.

Much like the Triple J list, the countdown takes place on Australia Day. Hosted by The Local Taphouse and sponsored by Australia’s number one source for craft beer information, The Crafty Pint, voters choose any five of their favourite craft beers for the year.

Unsurprisingly, the last few years have been dominated by the same three beers, with Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, Little Creatures Pale Ale and Feral Brewing Hop Hog swapping over the top spots.

The rest of the top 10 generally remains with the larger, mainstream craft breweries, with 4 Pines, Mountain Goat, McLaren Vale and Bridge Road all getting big votes.

But it’s not just about the beers at the top of the list, it’s also about the small craft brewers who have developed a keen following and been able to create a captive audience willing and able to vote for their products. Small inner-city Melbourne operation Moondog managed to has three beers in the top 100 as do BrewCult, whilst Wagga operation Thirsty Crow Brewery and its Vanilla Milk Stout cracked the top 10 on the list.

Its also interesting to see the different styles of beer that make the top 100. Dominated by pale ales and India Pale Ales, styles Australian craft breweries have become famous for, there is also the occasional stout or dark beer and even some excellent lagers in the top 100 (a style us beer snobs turn our noses up at). Cavalier’s delicious brown ale is the only one of its kind, and props up last year’s list at number 100.

Of interest will be how the local breweries go this time around. Dalgety Brewery has several beers available for voting, as does Tim Thomas’ South Coast operation Hop Dog Beer Works. But probably of most interest to Canberrans is the new and highly celebrated Bentspoke Brewery, which has several beers available to be voted on.

Official sponsors for the event in Canberra are the Durham Castle Arms and Transit Bar. Both bars will have secret access to the top 10 beers prior to the list being revealed, so up to 10 of the top 10 beers will be available at both venues and unveiled as each beer is announced!

Vote for your favourite beers at craftypint.com