HOTTEST 100
KIWI CRAFT BEERS
OVERVIEW
THE BIGGEST AND MOST INFLUENTIAL POLL IN KIWI CRAFT BEER
Started in 2008
The GABS Hottest 100 poll reveals consumer trends and breweries shaping the NZ craft beer landscape
Craft beer loving consumers select their five favourite craft beers of the year
Results are celebrated at live countdown parties around the country!
Your challenge? Expand their taste buds & introduce new craft consumers to beers they may never have been exposed to before
... Here’s How!
DATES TO DIARISE
REGISTRATIONS OPEN
CONSUMER VOTING OPEN
CONSUMER VOTING CLOSED
RESULTS ANNOUNCED
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
elIgibility
Check each beer’s eligibility
register
Register your beers for the poll
promote
Encourage your fans to vote
party
Host a Hottest 100 Countdown Party
partner
Join us to present the Hottest 100 poll
check eligibility
ELIGIBLE
- Brewed in New Zealand
- Sold in kegs, cans or bottles in the 2025 calendar year
- Fermented using four essential ingredients: yeast, hops, water and malted grain
- Recognised by consumers as a craft beer
NOT ELIGIBLE
- International craft brands brewed in New Zealand
- ‘Non-craft’
- Should not mimic RTDs
register YOUR BEERS
All entering breweries will be provided with a unique BREWERY DASHBOARD where you will be able to add new beers, update existing beers and remove any beers no longer eligible.
Consumers can nominate any beer they deemed their favourite so make sure you register ALL your beers that were available for public consumption in 2025 to ensure they are available for voting from the beginning.
Once registrations open, update your dashboard ASAP to ensure your beers are in the poll in time for voting opening.
ENCOURAGE YOUR FANS TO VOTE
Once voting opens, we will provide a bunch of marketing assets for you to help spread the word. Feel free to download and use as you like. Ideas include:
- Print and display the GABS Hottest 100 poster in venue
- Pin a message to your Instagram grid and update your Linked In and Facebook
- Add a banner to your website
- Include articles in customer newsletters
- Add a “vote now” email signature and link
- Tag @gabsfestival #GABSHottest100 so that we can share the love
Please note though that no incentives or inducements for voting can be offered. This is to ensure a fair playing field amongst breweries, and is strictly enforced.
host a hottest 100 countdown event
The GABS Hottest 100 Countdown will take place on Saturday 31 January 2026.
If you’re a craft beer bar, venue or brewpub, be part of the fun by hosting a countdown event. Get taps flowing freely as hundreds of fans gather to celebrate the occasion. The results are delivered online over a pulsating five and half hours.
