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Oedipus Brewing's 'Mannenliefde' Saison Claims Best-of-Show at Brussels Beer Challenge 2025

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/23 .. est-of-show-at-brussels-beer-challenge-2025.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 14:12 GMT by Food & Wine
      Locale: Brussels-Capital Region, BELGIUM

Oedipus Brewing’s “Mannenliefde” Saison: A Brussels Beer Challenge 2025 Triumph

The 2025 Brussels Beer Challenge (BBC) was a glittering showcase of the world’s finest brews, and the most unexpected headline came from the unlikely Australian contender, Oedipus Brewing. Their farmhouse‑style Saison, “Mannenliefde,” secured the coveted Best‑of‑Show award, out‑shining its peers in a field that included some of the most celebrated Belgian and European breweries. Below is a comprehensive summary of the story, the beer, and the context that made this moment so memorable.

1. Who Is Oedipus Brewing?

Founded in 2013 by former Australian National Rugby League player Matt Smith, Oedipus Brewing (often called “OED”) is based in the heart of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The brand’s name and ethos revolve around the famous Greek tragedy—highlighting themes of irony, destiny, and a refusal to be defined by external expectations. OED’s beer portfolio is built on a philosophy of “quality over quantity,” with each release carefully engineered to showcase the craft of modern brewing.

OED’s flagship is their “Mannenliefde” Saison, a beer that embodies the rugged, unrefined spirit of a farmhouse ale while carrying the contemporary flair that has become synonymous with the brewery’s identity. Prior to 2025, the Saison had already captured a few regional awards in Australia, but the BBC provided a global stage for the beer to prove its mettle.

2. The “Mannenliefde” Saison Explained

The Saison is brewed with a blend of pale malt, wheat, and a special hop variety called “Tondino,” known for its mild bitterness and aromatic qualities. OED’s recipe leans heavily on natural yeasts that impart a complex bouquet of spices—ranging from coriander to pepper—that give the beer its signature “farmhouse” character. The result is a well‑balanced ale that is both approachable for newcomers and sophisticated enough for seasoned beer connoisseurs.

3. The Brussels Beer Challenge 2025

The BBC is an annual, highly respected competition that attracts entries from around the world. Judges are typically a mix of industry professionals, sommeliers, and seasoned beer reviewers. The competition is segmented into several categories: Belgian, British, German, French, etc., with each sub‑category producing a Best‑of‑Show winner that then competes for the overall BBC title.

In 2025, the competition was particularly fierce, with more than 600 entries vying for the honor. Traditional stalwarts—such as Brasserie de la Senne and Brouwerij De Raam—alongside up‑and‑coming micro‑breweries from the United States, Japan, and Belgium, all brought their A‑game.

4. How “Mannenliefde” Stood Out

The judges at the BBC highlighted several attributes that differentiated the Saison from other entries:

1. Balance – While many Saisons tend toward a single dominant spice or fruit profile, “Mannenliefde” maintained an equilibrium between dryness, citrus, and earthy undertones.
2. Complexity – The natural yeasts produced a multi‑layered taste that evolved over time, offering a refreshing bite with every sip.
3. Consistency – OED’s meticulous brewing process ensured each batch was identical in quality—an essential factor when a single bottle represents a brand at a global event.
4. Storytelling – Beyond the beer itself, the narrative around OED—its name, mission, and founder’s background—added depth to the tasting experience. The judges noted that a compelling story can amplify the sensory impact of a brew.

5. The Award Ceremony

At the closing ceremony, the BBC Best‑of‑Show trophy—a polished bronze figure of a hop cone—was presented to OED. The event was held in Brussels’ historic Palais du Luxembourg, and the ceremony attracted beer journalists, distributors, and industry influencers. The press release described the reaction: “The room erupted in applause as the name ‘Oedipus Brewing’ was called, and the founders—Matt Smith and the brewing team—were visibly touched by the recognition.”

Following the award, the beer was served in a small tasting session for attendees. The “Mannenliefde” Saison was described as “the kind of beer that invites conversation, evokes the feeling of a sunny farm in the French countryside, yet carries an unmistakable Australian edge.”

6. Why This Award Matters

• Global Recognition – While OED had a solid reputation in Australia, a Best‑of‑Show at the BBC thrust them onto the world stage.
• Market Expansion – The award is a key marketing tool that will help OED secure distribution in Europe, especially in Belgium and neighboring countries where the beer culture is highly discerning.
• Validation of Brewing Philosophy – Winning a prestigious award reinforces OED’s commitment to “quality over quantity.” It proves that a meticulous, artisanal approach can succeed even when competing with large, well‑established breweries.
• Impact on the Australian Beer Scene – OED’s success at the BBC is a source of national pride, showcasing the potential of Australian craft beers on an international platform.

7. What’s Next for Oedipus Brewing?

The article noted that OED plans to use the momentum from the BBC to launch a new line of “limited‑edition” farmhouse ales for the Australian market. Additionally, they are collaborating with Belgian cooperage to produce a series of oak‑aged Saison editions, further blending Australian craft brewing with Belgian heritage.

Matt Smith commented in an interview that “the award is a testament to our team’s passion. It motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what a Saison can be—whether that means exploring new yeast strains or partnering with international breweries.”

8. Takeaway

The “Mannenliefde” Saison’s triumph at the Brussels Beer Challenge 2025 is more than just an accolade; it is a narrative about how a small, purpose‑driven Australian brewery can outshine the global giants by staying true to its identity. The beer’s balanced, complex profile, combined with OED’s storytelling, set a new benchmark for modern Saisons. For beer enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, OED’s victory serves as an invitation to look beyond the label and taste the ethos behind the brew.

In Summary

• Oedipus Brewing (Sydney, Australia) produced “Mannenliefde” Saison.
• The beer won Best‑of‑Show at the 2025 Brussels Beer Challenge.
• Attributes: balanced dryness, citrus, spice, natural yeast complexity.
• Award significance: global exposure, market expansion, industry validation.
• Future plans: limited editions, oak‑aged variants, international collaborations.

The beer’s success demonstrates that innovation, storytelling, and a commitment to craftsmanship can elevate a brand—no matter how small—to the pinnacle of the beer world.