More than 400 beers and ciders were judged in February for New World's Beer and Cider Awards.

Boutique breweries have taken out top awards at the annual Beer and Cider awards.

Over 400 different beers and ciders from 83 brewers were submitted to a blind judging panel of experts for the 2016 New World Beer & Cider Awards.

Each drop was assessed for qualities such as technical excellence, balance and, most-importantly, drinkability. Overall 40 gold medals were awarded, with 13 taking home the overall Best in Class award.

Lindsay Keats Each drop was assessed for technical excellence, balance and, most-importantly, drinkability.

Judge, beer writer and author Michael Donaldson, said there is no doubt New Zealand breweries were producing world-class brews.

READ MORE:

* Lion named top brewery at New Zealand Beer Awards

* Beerhive Blog: Champion brewers through the ages

* Kiwi beer price to rise by 3 per cent

* Wellington reigns as craft beer capital in sweep of SOBA awards

* Nelson region recognised at national beer awards

Lindsay Keats The beer award entrants offered 'something for everybody".

"The range of award winners is testament to the strength of the industry," he said.

Donaldson said the awards offered something for everyone – from traditionalists who might prefer Steinlager Pure to hop-heads who would love Garage Project's Los Lobos, to dessert-lovers who might opt to experiment with Kereru's decadent Imperial Nibs.

"The awards help take people out of their traditional comfort zone and give consumers the confidence to try new styles and brands.

"We often find a drink we like and stick with it, but there is so much to explore in this burgeoning industry and the list of award-winners is a great place to start – it's a treasure trove of exciting and innovative beer and cider.

"Most importantly, no matter what their preference or personal taste, New World customers can purchase a Gold Medal winner and know they are going to sample something special."

The winners were:

* Pale Ale – Epic Pale Ale

* IPA – Epic Armageddon IPA

* European-style Ale - Sparks Brewing Prospector Farmhouse Ale

* British-style Ale – Emerson's Bookbinder

* American-style Ale – Garage Project Los Lobos

* Lager – Steinlager Pure

* Pilsner – Tuatara Bohemian Pilsner

* Wheat & Other Grain Beer – Moa Southern Alps White IPA

* Stout, Porter & Black Beer – Eagle Brewing Coalface Stout

* Experimental, Aged, Fruit & Flavoured Beer – Kereru Imperial Nibs

* Lower Alcohol & Session Beer – Peroni Leggera

* Apple & Pear Cider – The Hills Cider Company Pear Cider

* Fruit & Flavoured Cider – Good George Brewing Doris