What is BIRA?

The Australian Brewing Interlaboratory Reference Analytes is a proficiency testing scheme for organisations performing beer analysis.   

 The scheme is a low cost and designed to suit the requirements of breweries of all sizes, testing beer styles not usually included in the lager international proficiency testing schemes (such as dry hopped or unfilteed products).

Why proficiency Test?

Proficiency testing is a way for brewery labs to demonstrate and improve their proficiency in beer analysis.  It involves collaborative testing of uniform samples distributed amongst participating organisations, and statistical comparison of results.

Proficiency testing is a cornerstone of quality assurance, and is a great way of demonstrating your brewery's commitment to consistency.  It is a useful tool in identifying issues with your lab analysis or methods, which may otherwise not be apparent.  PT is also a key quality assurtance activity, and a requirement for labs under many quality accreditation systems.

How does it work?

Each quarter, participants receive samples for testing - for a total of 4 rounds per year.  Each participant performs the analysis in the same 14 day window, and reports results via the group's online portal.  

Results are anonymised, collated,  statistically analysed, and distributed back in easy to interpret charts.

What analytes are included?

At present, analytes included in the scheme are:

Alcohol-by-volume
Apparent Extract
Colour
Bitterness
pH
CO2
Total Acidity

Participants may submit results for as few analyses as they would like, catering to the needs of breweries of all sizes.  

How much does it cost?

Costs for four rounds of testing (12 months) is currently set at AUD $250, including postage throughout Australia.