By any reckoning that's a great effort. But when you're talking a small, two-year-old local operation based at Beresfield, and the nation's biggest and most prestigious Independent Brewers Association awards, it's something else.

Little wonder brewer Dan Lindon and his team at Maltnhops Brewhaus are delighted.

"We didn't get a gold, but we scored highly with all our beers, and that consistency right across the brand is something I'm most pleased about," he said. "There are 340 IBA registered breweries, so there was a lot of competition and this shows we make quality beer."

Mr Lindon has been brewing at Maltnhops for just over a year, and in commercial breweries for four years before that - he started his working life as a registered nurse, then had a long stint in workplace health and safety.

"About five years ago I decided it was time to get into something I love - and I love a beer, so why not," he said.

Maltnhops, who also sell beer from their Beresfield tap room, are proud of their local connection, use local produce and local staff, and have unashamedly targeted the local beer market in Newcastle and the Hunter region.

"We're on tap in a few Newcastle pubs and we're in a few local independent bottle shops. We'll push up the coast next. But people can always taste and buy from our tap room here in Beresfield."

And does he have a flagship brew?

"Our New England IPA beer - NEIPA - is our biggest seller. it's an American style IPA and has the bitterness you want but it's not dominant. It's more fruity and tropical.

"I think balance is the thing with all our beers."

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