The judges have spoken

For high-quality everyday drinking, the catalogue of the Australian International Beer Awards (see rasv.com.au) contains some happy surprises and raises questions about the quality difference between standard beers and ''premium'' products.

The judges awarded a gold medal to the popular Carlton Draught (packaged version) - placing it ahead of a long list of so-called premium beers, such as: Cascade Premium Lager (silver) James Squire Sundown Lager (bronze), Grand Ridge Draught (no award), James Boag's Premium Lager (no award) and William Bull: William's Premium Lager (no award).

I've not lined these brews up side by side. But from many encounters with Carlton Draught, Cascade Premium and Boags Premium, I'm with the judges in ranking Carlton Draught ahead of Boags Premium. But I rank Cascade Premium slightly ahead of both.

The judges' rankings in this ''best Australian-style lager'' category underlines the fact ''premium'' can say more about price and position than quality.

Little Creatures Mr Obadiah Single Batch Rye Porter
568ml $7

Both beers reviewed here demonstrate that large breweries make top-notch beer. In this instance Kirin-owned Little Creatures offers a one-off, potent porter (6.9 per cent alcohol). It's as black as coal, with a deep, savoury seam of chocolaty roasted grain flavours - a powerful, well-balanced ale.

★★★★★

Samuel Adams Boston Lager
355ml $6

America's largest ''craft'' brewer brews in many sites across the US, though it was founded in Boston in 1984. Their amber-gold flagship, Boston Lager, offers striking malt richness and firm, satisfyingly bitter hops. It's a unique, complex lager that's maintained its quality.

★★★★