Australia: Coopers beer wins world title

A World Cup-style competition to find the best beer has named an Australian made sparkling ale as the winner, The Sidney Morning Herald posted July 07.

The competition, run by the UK publication Off Licence News, pitted beers from 32 countries that contested soccer's World Cup against each other.

The drinks were placed in one of eight groups of four, to correspond with the World Cup, with the two topscoring beverages moving to the second round and knock out tastings.

Marks were awarded for taste, appearance, balance and drinkability, with a sparkling ale produced by South Australian brewer Coopers named the eventual winner.

Coopers marketing director and chairman Glenn Cooper said despite Australia's controversial elimination from the World Cup, he took comfort in the knowledge Australia had snared "the more important World Cup".

07 July, 2006