A $100 cash prize has been announced for novice beer brewers at next year’s Milton Show.

Chief beer taster Mitch White said now was the time for any potential brewers to roll up their sleeves and ensure their beers were ready, and drinkable, in time for the show.

“Home-brewed beer takes about three months to mature,” Mr White said.

“So come on and sacrifice a couple of bottles and enter the show.”

Classes include pale ale, dark or brown ales, bitter, light and dark lager and pilsner, IPA, stout (including porter), cider (any fruits), alcoholic and non-alcoholic ginger beer and miscellaneous drinks such as specialty beers, lemonade, squash either alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

There is a best exhibit in ginger beer and the same novice prize is offered in the amateur wine competition.

Brewing competition chief steward John Hozack said the stewards would offer assistance to new brewers, who needed pointers on how to get started.

“The committee has a number of members who are brewers and we’re happy to talk to people,” Mr Hozack said.

A new plate will be awarded to this year’s winner, as the plaque of the perpetual trophy, used since the first competition in 1997 is full.

Entries will be taken at the Milton Showground up to 10am on Thursday, February 28. Collect entry forms for sponsors, at the show office or online at www.miltonshowsociety.com.

Judging takes place on February 28 and 29 and complimentary beer and wine tasting of unopened exhibits will be offered to the public between 2pm to 4.30pm on Saturday, March 2.