The Beer Pilgrim

[thebeerpilgrim]

The 2015 Australian International Beer Awards Trophy Winners

2015 Australian International Beer Awards – Champion Trophy Winners

•   Barrett Burston Malting Trophy for Champion Australian Beer: Barley Wine – Barrel Breed (Draught) – Mountain Goat Beer, VIC

•   ExpoNet Trophy for Champion International Beer: Speight’s 5 Malt Old Dark (Packaged) – Lion Beer Spirits Wine, NZ

•   GrainCorp Trophy for Champion Large Australian Brewery: 4 Pines Brewing Company, NSW

•   Barrett Burston Malting Trophy for Champion Large International Brewery: Brouweris De Halve Maan, Belgium

•   Kegstar Trophy for Champion Medium Australian Brewery: Thunder Road Brewing Company, VIC

•   Federation University Australia Trophy for Champion Medium International Brewery: Pelican Pub & Brewery, USA

•   FB*PROPAK Trophy for Champion Australian Small Brewery: Boatrocker Brewing Company, VIC

•   City of Ballarat Trophy for Champion International Small Brewery: ParrotDog Brewing, NZ

•   Gary Sheppard Memorial Trophy for Best New Exhibitor: Yantai Platinum Brewing Company, China

•   AIBA Media Award presented by The Crafty Pint: Luke Robertson, Ale of a Time

2015 Australian International Beer Awards – Major Trophy Winners

•   Bargo Events Trophy for Best Australian Style Lager: 333 Premium Export – Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage Corp, Vietnam

•   Federation University Australia Trophy for Best European Style Lager: Byron Bay Premium (Draught) – The Byron Bay Brewing Co, NSW

•   Hellman Beverage Logistics Trophy for Best International Lager: Red Horse Extra Strong Brew (Packaged) – San Miguel Beer Limited, Philippines

•   City of Ballarat Trophy for Best International Pale Ale: Anytime IPA (Draught) – Temple Brewing Company, VIC

•   The Post Project Trophy for Best Australian Style Pale Ale: Sandman (Draught) – The Byron Bay Brewing Co, NSW

•   Time Out Trophy for Best British Style Ale: Fuller’s 1845 Celebration Strong Ale (Packaged) – Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC, UK

•   Bargo Events Trophy for Best European Style Ale: Sporting Ale (Draught) – Thirsty Crow, NSW

•   Kegstar Trophy for Best IPA: Epic Armageddon IPA (Draught) – Epic Brewing Company, NZ

•   Cryermalt Trophy for Best Amber/Dark Ale: Speight’s 5 Malt Old Dark (Packaged) – Lion Beer Spirits Wine, NZ

•   Weyermann Specialty Malts Trophy for Best Porter: Temptress (Draught) – Holgate Brewhouse, VIC

•   Spiegelau Trophy for Best Stout: Monteith’s Velvet Stout (Packaged) – DB Draught Brewery, NZ

•   Beer DeLuxe Trophy for Best Wheat Beer: Weihenstephan Kristall Weissbier (Packaged) – Weihenstephan, Germany

•   Brewtique Trophy for Best Belgian & French Style Ale: Mad Abbot Christmas Ale 2013(Packaged) – The Little Brewing Company, NSW

•   RASV Trophy for Best Scotch & Barley Wine: Barley Wine – Barrel Breed (Draught) – Mountain Goat Beer, VIC

•   Plasdene Glass-Pak Trophy for Best Specialty Beer: Red Rock Paardebloem (Packaged) – Red Rock Brewing Co, USA

•   RASV Trophy for Best Reduced/Low Alcohol: ClippedWing (Packaged) – ParrotDog Brewing, NZ

•   ExpoNet Trophy for Best Pilsner: Trumer Pils (Draught) – Trumer Australia, VIC

•   Brewtique Trophy for Best Packaging: Bastard Children of the British Empire (Set of 6 Bottles) – 4 Pines Brewing Company, NSW

[thebeerpilgrim]

The Winter is coming…  snuggle up with a Stout.

When the days grow shorter and the beer gardens tend to get passed by in search of a snug, fire-warmed pub, there is one thing that’s on my mind… Stout.

I absolutely love these beautiful, dark, full-bodied brews that lend notes of coffee, chocolate, toffee and roast. They are the ultimate winter beverage and one that you have to try, even if you claim not to like “dark beers”.

I am a true missionary for good beer and often find myself trying to convert people to certain brews I love. I find that stouts are one of the most misunderstood beers varieties and are often shunned by people who have never actually tasted one in their life. Or maybe they tried one in the past but never tried another, assuming they are all unsuited to their tastebuds.

If I had a dollar for every person who I have converted to dark beer by giving them a taste of a good quality, fresh stout served just below cellar temperature in a bulbous snifter glass, then I would be a rich man!

So if you don’t mind, I would like to give you a few of my tips when it comes to drinking stout. If you have any of your own, then feel free to post them!

1. First of all, the right glassware is paramount. Drinking a beer straight from the bottle is like eating a fine meal with a peg on your nose. You just won’t get the whole experience.

I love drinking good Stouts out of bulbous ‘snifter’ glasses (for cognac/brandy). I find these glasses allow you to swirl the beer, releasing the bubbles and thus the aroma. The shape of the glass will allow the aroma to gather and you can then take a big whiff of that soothing coffee, chocolate, roasty aroma.

Having said that, there is nothing wrong with a good old fashioned pint or schooner glass. Just make sure you pour your fine brew in a glass!

2. Serving temperature. For god’s sake, don’t drink your stout freezing cold! You will mask 90% of all the flavour and aroma. I like to let my stout warm up to just below room temperature by swirling it around and releasing most of the carbonation before I drink it.

3. Find a Stout that’s right for you. The good thing about beer is just how many  thousands of varieties there are out there. When it comes to Stout, you have so many options to choose from.

If you like creamy, full bodied beers maybe try a Milk Stout. If you like you big, high alcohol, intensely-flavoured beer, maybe try a Russian Imperial Stout.

If you are not sure, then try a few different ones and find your flavour niche. I am a big fan of Oatmeal and Russian Imperial Stouts.

 Here are a few of my favourite stouts so far:

1.     Clout Stout (Nail Brewing) : Russian Imperial Stout

2.     Boris (Feral Brewing Company) : Russian Imperial Stout 

3.     4 Pines Stout  

4.     Epic Epicurean Coffee and Fig Oatmeal Stout 

5.     Southwark Old Stout 

6. Moo Brew Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout.

If you get a chance to try any of these, let me know what you think!

And if you have any suggestions for beers I should try, let me know on facebook: www.facebook.com/thebeerpilgrim or instagram: @thebeerpilgrim

[thebeerpilgrim]

Melbourne Craft Brewery Visit : Mountain Goat

I love visiting local breweries. There is something about that smell of boiling malt and hops, the passion of the brewers who you engage in conversation, the sight of those big fermentation tanks and the taste of fresh beer that rings true to me.

I especially love visiting breweries thatproduce beer I enjoy at home, being able to see where it comes from and how it tastes straight out of the tank.

My visit to Mountain Goat Brewery in Richmond, Melbourne was absolutely one of those experiences.

If you have never tried any Mountain Goat beers, I like to encourage you to go out right now and taste some of their beer range (right now.. do it!)

It really is a legendary line-up and you can find it in most states of Australia.

Some of their popular brews:

-       Steam Ale

-       Hightail Ale

-       India Pale Ale

-       Summer Ale

-       Their ‘Rare-breed’ seasonal release range.

-       And plenty of specialty releases (e.g. Fancy Pants Amber Ale, Organic Steam Ale, etc)

My visit to Mountain Goat HQ involved drinking beer from a device called a “hopinator”, being introduced to the resident goat who looks over the brewery and of course a good old fashioned hop-fight with co-owner Dave Bonighton. Needless to say, this wasn’t your typical brewery visit!

You would be excused if you had never heard of a ‘hopinator’ before, but let me tell you, it can change your life if you ever get to know one. The Mountain Goat Hopinator goes by the nickname ‘Randy’ and it is basically a chamber filled with hops (in this case, fresh Galaxy cones). Beer is pumped through the hopinator, where the beer in infused with the fresh hops (or sometimes fruit, coffee, whatever takes the brewers fancy) and then straight into your glass. The result is a big, fresh, resinous, hop addition to your beer – ahhhmayzing!

Another permanent fixture of the Mountain Goat Bar is ‘Handy’, their hand-pump. A fresh stout served at cellar temperature through a hand-pump goes hand-in-hand with a cool, dark winters evening in my book.

When it comes to ticking boxes in your craft brewery experience, Mountain Goat really does tick them all. It is a little bit out of the way, which gives you a sense of adventure and discovery when you find it. There are plenty of little quirks (like the Randy The Hopinator and Handy the Hand Pump) to keep you entertained, the beer is magnificent, you can drink in the shadows of a working brewery and there will always be at least one new, experimental or seasonal release for you to try alongside the standard beer range. I’m a huge fan of this experience and will definitely be back again! Consider me a Goat.

Location: 80 North Street, Richmond VIC 3121

Opening Times: Friday and Wednesday from 5pm

Website: http://www.goatbeer.com.au

Phone Number: [phone]

[thebeerpilgrim]

Following the huge success of the James Squire Hop Thief 6, it's with much anticipation that the Hop Thief 7 is starting to make it's way into our local pubs and bottle shops! I dropped into Malt Shovel Brewery to catch up with the original creator of the Hop Thief Varietal series to hear how it all begun! 

[thebeerpilgrim]

VALENTINES DAY CHOCOLATE and BEER MATCHING.

When it comes to beer-matching, few people dare to tread in the world of chocolate,feeling this may not be a realm for our frothy tipples, however I can safelysay that some of the finest beer-matches I have ever encountered involved chocolate.

Here are three fine matches I recently discovered (left to right).

1.    Chimay ‘Blue Cap’ Trappist beer matched with ‘Cocolo’ Premium Organic Dark Orange chocolate.

I find with dark, rich chocolate that is flavoured with fruit such as orange, a boozy, rich brew such as a Tripel or Belgian Trappist works wonders. In this case, the orange in the rich, dark chocolate sits in perfect harmony with the warming high-alcohol levels (9% ABV), and toffee-malt notes in the Chimay.

2.    White Rabbit Dark Ale with the ‘Lindt’ 85% Cocoa Extra Dark Chocolate.

The White Rabbit Dark ale is a dark, nutty brown ale that holds notes of toffee and chocolate with slight hop bitterness on the end. This is my book is a very good match to the slightly bitter, earthy character of a high-cocoa chocolate like this one from Lindt.

3.    Holgate ‘Tempress’ Chocolate Porter with the Simon Coll Milk Chocolate.

This Holgate brew is a dessert in a beer, boasting notes of vanilla, coffee and piles of chocolate. Pair this with a good quality milk-chocolate and you have a match made in heaven. It will raise a humble bar of chocolate to new heights! I like how the milk chocolate coats the mouth with it’s creamy texture only to be complimented with a sip of this brew, packed with vanilla, coffee and chocolate notes! Amazing!

[thebeerpilgrim]

Modus Operandi's Legendary 'Canimal'

“It’s a what???” I found myself asking Grant, co-owner of the almost brand-new Modus Operandi brewery on Sydney’sNorthern Beaches for the third time. “It’s a CANIMAL! An animal of a can.. what would you like in it?” 

I freakin’ love this idea! Basically,the M.O Crew of Mona Vale have somehow wrangled themselves a manualbeer-canning machine, which means you can rock up here and have your favouriteModus Operandi beer poured fresh from the tank into your own (prehistoric-sized) can and then have that can sealed on the spot ready for you to take home to your eagerly awaiting buddies! How good is that??

 Modus Operandi have been making waves since their inception just 6 months ago, already taking out some seriously prestigious beer awards with their mind-bogglingly delicious Red IPA (called ‘The Former Tennant’). This brewery, even though barely out of diapers took out a swag of awards in their first attendance at the inaugural Craft Beer Industry craft beer awards last year. Their Red IPA pinching the much coveted ‘Champion Australian Beer’… and yes, you can fill your can with this fine ale as well!

However this place is more than just a stop-off-joint to grab big can of fresh local beer. They have great food (spicy wings are a must), a friendly environment and it’s a stones-throw away from beautiful Mona Vale Beach, which instantly makes this the ideal stop for a post-surf beer!

Make sure you say G'Day to owners Grant and Jaz!

You’ll probably see me there most weekends as well..

Address: 14 Harkeith Street, Mona Vale NSW 2103

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.mobrewing.com.au

[thebeerpilgrim]

West Coast Beer Trail : Margaret River Region

It is one of the most incredible settings in Australia with it’s dramatic rugged coastline, picture perfect surf breaks, quaint little villages, lush farmlands, rolling hills of grapevines and piles of incredible craft breweries.

Margaret River is well known around Australia as a world-class wine region and tourists flock here for wine tasting and gourmet food escapes. However after my recent visit, I would say it has now become one of our counties true craft beer meccas as well. You literally can’t drive 10-15 minutes down any given road around here and not stumble across a brewery. Some are good, most are great! Beer-lovers, do yourselves a favour and plan a trip to the Margaret River region, you will not regret it!

My top 10 spots in the Margaret River region are:

Location: 3 Hemsley Rd, Yallingup WA 6282

Opening Times: Sun – Thurs: 10am - 5pm /  Fri & Sat: 10am - 6pm

Beer Options: Bush shack specialise in out of the ordinary beer flavoured with everything from Mango and Strawberry to chocolate, cherry and chilli. Beers include: Dark Roast Wheat Beer, Chilli Beer, Stout, Spelt beer, Strawberry Blonde, Twisted Lemon Larger and a Yallingup ‘Old’.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.bushshackbrewery.com.au

Location: 114 Bussell Highway, Margaret River WA 6285

Opening Times: Sun: 10am-11pm / Mon-Fri: 11am-12am / Sat: 10am-12am.

Popular Food: ‘Settlers Hot Dog’ roasted WA pork and cheese kransky on a brioche hotdog bun. Slow-braised local Arkady lamb in rich sauce, mashed potatoes, caramelised carrots and fresh green beans.

Beer Options: 6 Taps pouring local and International Beers including The Settlers Tavern’s very own ‘Margaret River Ale Company’ brews.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.settlerstavern.com

Location: 4259 Caves Rd, Margaret River

Opening Times: 10am-6pm, 7 Days.

Popular Food: SA Mussels with gaunciale, eschallot, parsley, lemon and pale ale. 16 hours slow-braised Korean Beef Short Rib.

Beer Options: All the Cheeky Monkey range brewed on site; ‘Travelling Monk’ mid-strength red ale, ‘Hatseller’ Pilsener, ‘Old Reliable’ Pale Ale, ‘Hagenbeck’ Belgian IPA, ‘Southern Wailer’ Seasonal Brew. Also if your lucky, they will have their  ‘Milk Of The Hoppy’ Imperial IPA on tap too.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://cheekymonkeybrewery.com.au

Location: 26 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough

Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 4pm-12am / Sun: 2pm-10pm

Popular Food:Slow cooked pulled pork. Jerk spiced chicken wings.

Beer Options: A fine selection of great craft beers from the local area and as far as Norway! 12 rotating craft beer taps and over 100 bottles of beer to choose from.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.pourhouse.com.au

Location: 177 Gale Road, Metricup, WA. 6280

Opening Times: Mon–Sat: 10am–7pm / Sun: 12pm–7pm

Beer Options: All the core Young Henrys range (Hop Ale, Real Ale, Natural Lager, Newtowner English Summer Ale) as well as some seasonal releases (e.g. Stupid Sexy Flanders Cherry Red Sour Ale).

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.younghenrys.com

Location: Osmington Road, Margaret River, WA 6285

Opening Times: 11am-6pm.

Popular Food: Witbier battered fish and chips with tartare sauce. Sweet Soy Wasabi-chicken Pizza with ginger and coriander.

Beer Options: All Colonial Breweries beers including a Pale Ale, Wit Beer, Small Ale, IPA and a Porter.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.colonialbrewingco.com.au

Location: 229 Treeton Road North, Cowaramup WA 6284

Opening Times: 11am-6pm, 7 Days.

Popular Food:Margaret River venison chorizo, ham, BBQ chicken, roasted capsicum, Kalamata olives, mushrooms, sun-dried tomato on a Napolitano sauce base garnished with spring onion & BBQ sauce.

Beer Options: All the Cowaramup range, including a pilsner, summer ale, pale ale, hefeweizen, IPA and a Porter.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://cowaramupbrewing.com.au

Location: 3517 Caves Rd
 Wilyabrup 6280

Opening Times: Mon–Thu: 11 am – 5 pm
/ Fri–Sun: 11 am – 6 pm

Popular Food: Pork Knuckle (it is seriously colossal) with sauerkraut, potato mash and pickles. Schnitzel and other German classics.

Beer Options: All German-style beers brewed onsite according to the German Purity Law. You can find Hefeweiss, Pilsner, Dunkel and Altbier, though Duckstein also brew seasonal beers such as Maibock and Festbier for Oktoberfest.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.duckstein.com.au

Location: Eagle Bay Rd, Eagle Bay. W.A. 6281

Opening Times: 11am-5pm, 7 Days.

Popular Food: Coconut Chicken Salad, rice noodles, green papaya and herb salad. 6 hour BBQ braised beef brisket ciabatta sandwich, coleslaw, gruyere cheese and pickles.

Beer Options: The entire Eagle Bay range: Kolsch, Vienna, Pale Ale, Extra Special Bitter, Mild Ale, Summer Ale.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://eaglebaybrewing.com.au

Location: CNR Puzey & Johnson Roads, WILLYABRUP, WA

Opening Times: 11am-6pm, 7 Days.

Popular Food:14 hour Prinsep Cider braised pork sliders with bacon jam, Raging Bull BBQ sauce, sour cream slaw and fresh chilli. Speakeasy IPA cheesy dip, apple & date chutney, dip of the day, kangaroo & emu chorizo, olives, danish feta & turkish bread.

Beer Options: All the beers from the Bootleg range. ‘The Raging Bull’, ‘Speakeasy’ IPA, ‘Toms’ Amber Ale, ‘Sou’ West‘ Wheat, ‘Prohibition’ Pils.

Phone Number: 08 9755 6300

Website: http://bootlegbrewery.com.au

[thebeerpilgrim]

2014 Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beer Results

1. Feral Brewing Company - Hop Hog - Pale Ale (American)

2. Stone and Wood Brewing Co - Pacific Ale - Pale Ale (Australian)

3. 4 Pines Brewing Company - Pale Ale - Pale Ale (American)

4. Little Creatures - Pale Ale - Pale Ale (American)

5. La Sirène Brewing - Belgian Praline - Belgian Specialty Ale

6. Riverside Brewing Co. - 777 IIPA - Double IPA

7. Mountain Goat Brewery - Summer Ale - Pale Ale (Australian)

8. Fortitude Brewing Company - Noisy Minor Anzus IPA

9. Bridge Road Brewers - Beechworth Pale Ale

10. 4 Pines Brewing Company - Kolsch - Kölsch

11. Fortitude Brewing Company - Original Golden Ale - Pale Ale (Australian)

12. KAIJU! Beer - Where Strides the Behemoth - Specialty IPA

13. Two Birds Brewing - Taco Beer - Specialty Beer

14. Fortitude Brewing Company - Noisy Minor Admiral Ackbar - Specialty Beer

15. Modus Operandi Brewing Co - The Former Tenant Red IPA - IPA (American)

16. Mash Brewing - Copy Cat - IPA (American)

17. Riverside Brewing Co. - 77 IPA - IPA (American)

18. Mountain Goat Brewery - The Delmont - IPA (American)

19. KAIJU! Beer - Hopped Out Red - Amber Ale (USA)

20. Prancing Pony Brewery - India Red Ale - IPA (American)

21. Thirsty Crow - Vanilla Milk Stout

22. Feral Brewing Company - Barrique O Karma - Pale Ale (American)

23. Stone and Wood Brewing Co - Cloud Catcher - Pale Ale (Australian)

24. White Rabbit Brewery - Dark Ale

25. Matilda Bay Brewing Company - Fat Yak - Pale Ale (American)

26. Mountain Goat Brewery - Steam Ale - Pale Ale (Australian)

27. Two Birds Brewing - Sunset Ale - Amber Ale (USA)

28. Coopers - Pale Ale

29. KAIJU! Beer - Metamorphosis - IPA (American)

30. Little Creatures - IPA - IPA (American)

31. Holgate Brewhouse - Temptress - Porter

32. Mountain Goat Brewery - Fancy Pants - Amber Ale (USA)

33. Feral Brewing Company - Watermelon Warhead - Pale Ale (American)

34. Hawthorn Brewing - Pale Ale - Pale Ale (American)

35. Mismatch Brewing Company - Archie’s Red Ale - Amber Ale (USA)

36. La Sirène Brewing - Cherie Kriek - Fruit Lambic

37. Mismatch Brewing Company - Session Ale - Pale Ale (Australian)

38. Bacchus Brewing Co - Sex, Drugs & Rocky Road - Porter

39. Mornington Peninsula Brewery - Imperial Stout - Russian Imperial Stout

40. Shenanigans Brewing - Winston - Pale Ale (American)

41. Two Birds Brewing - Bantam IPA - IPA (American)

42. Mountain Goat Brewery - India Red Ale - IPA (American)

43. Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel - Three Sheets Pale

44. Malt Shovel Brewery - Hop Thief - Pale Ale (American)

45. Bridge Road Brewers - Bling IPA

46. KAIJU! Beer - Aftermath - Double IPA

47. Stone and Wood Brewing Co - Jasper Ale - Old Ale

48. Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company - ESB

49. 4 Hearts Brewing - Pale Ale - Pale Ale (American)

50. Mornington Peninsula Brewery - IPA - IPA (American)

51. Little Creatures - Bright Ale

52. Mountain Goat Brewery - Hightail Ale - Best Bitter

53. 4 Pines Brewing Company - Extra Special Bitter - ESB (Extra Special Bitter)

54. Burleigh Brewing Company - 28 Pale Ale - Pale Ale (American)

55. Malt Shovel Brewery - 150 Lashes - Pale Ale (American)

56. La Sirène Brewing - Saison - Saison

57. Moon Dog - Black Lung IV - Smoked Beer (non Rauchbier)

58. Two Birds Brewing - Golden Ale - Pale Ale (Australian)

59. 2 Brothers Brewery - Growler

60. Holgate Brewhouse - Road Trip - IPA (American)

61. Vale Brewing - Vale IPA

62. Six String Brewing Company - Dark Red India Pale Ale

63. Boatrocker Brewing Co - Hop Bomb IPA

64. NAIL Brewing Australia - Clout Stout

65. Vale Brewing - Vale Ale

66. Kooinda Boutique Brewery - Black IPA aka Full Nelson - Specialty Beer

66. Boatrocker Brewing Co - Ramjet

68. NAIL Brewing Australia - Red Ale - Amber Ale (USA)

69. BrewCult - Hop Zone Session IPA

70. La Sirène Brewing - Wild Saison - Saison

71. Malt Shovel Brewery - The Chancer - Blonde/Golden Ale

72. Mornington Peninsula Brewery - Pale Ale - Pale Ale (American)

73. Holgate Brewhouse - Mt. Macedon Pale Ale - Pale Ale (American)

74. Brew Boys - Hoppapotamus

75. Young Henrys Brewing Company - Newtowner - Pale Ale (Australian)

76. Bridge Road Brewers - Bling Bling Imperial IPA

77. Stone and Wood Brewing Co - Garden Ale - Pale Ale (Australian)

78. 2 Brothers Brewery - Grizz

79. NAIL Brewing Australia - Hughe Dunn Brown

80. Stone and Wood Brewing Co - Stone Beer - Specialty Beer

81. Little Creatures - Rogers - Amber Ale (USA)

82. Odyssey Tavern & Brewery - Calypso Pale Ale

83. Murrays Craft Brewing Co - Angry Man Pale Ale - Pale Ale (American)

84. Feral Brewing Company - Sly Fox - Pale Ale (American)

85. White Rabbit Brewery - Pale Ale - Pale Ale (Belgian)

86. Moon Dog - Jumping the Shark 2014

87. Feral Brewing Company - B.F.H. (Barrel Fermented Hog) - Pale Ale (American)

88. Coopers - Sparkling Ale

89. Ekim Brewing Co - After Battle Pale - Pale Ale (American)

90. Holgate Brewhouse - Hopinator - IPA (American)

91. Stone and Wood Brewing Co - Lager - Munich Helles

92. Modus Operandi Brewing Co - Zoo Feeder IPA - IPA (American)

93. Australian Brewery - Pale Ale

94. Prancing Pony Brewery - Pale Ale - Pale Ale (Australian)

95. All Inn Brewing Co - Pocahontas American IPA

96. BrewCult - Can't Fight The Funk

97. Feral Brewing Company - Tusk - IPA (American)

98. Mountain Goat Brewery - India Pale Ale - IPA (American)

99. 2 Brothers Brewery - Crème Caramel - Eisbock

100. Wolf of the Willows - XPA - Extra Pale Ale - Pale Ale (American)

[thebeerpilgrim]

WEST COAST BEER TRAIL : PERTH and The Swan Valley

Perth to me is a Sunday afternoon in the sun drinking a delicious local beer chatting away happily with the friendly locals. It’s a great, welcoming city and I always love visiting! I am a big fan of Fremantle’s beer scene as you probably noticed by my last instalment : West Coast Beer Trail, Fremantle.

And while Fremantle is an incredible spot to start your Perth experience, there are still plenty of great spots for a brew or two around the rest of this beautiful city, and here they are!

Location: 774 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park

Opening Times: Tues-Fri : 11am-late / Sat : 3pm-late / Sun 12pm-late (however the adjoining café is open from 8am on Sunday)

Popular Food:Seared Scallops, celeriac puree, braised kale, crispy pancetta, pickled red cabbage. Duck Breast served w sweet potato mash, pan fried swiss chard, seared scallops, chorizo crumble.

Beer Options: The Publican brews it’s own range of beers according to the German Beer Purity Law. You can find a West Coast Lager, a Midstrength Pilsner, Mexican Pilsner, Czech Pils, Belgian Lager, Brown Ale, Irish Ale, Pale Ale, London Bitter, Ginger Beer, Belgian Spicy Wheat, an I.P.A, Tokyo Super Dry and a Golden Ale.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://thepublicanbar.com.au

Location: 189 William Street Arcade, Northbridge

Opening Times: Mon-Sat : 1pm-12am / Sun : 1pm-10pm

Popular Food: Meatball subs.

Beer Options: This bar is definitely focused on it’s cocktail list rather than it’s somewhat limited beer department. So why did I include this joint in my ‘Beer’ Guide to Perth you say?? How often do you get to sit in an alleyway and drink a longneck out of a brown paper bag in a socially acceptable environment outside of Melbourne?

Phone Number: 0415 757 666

Website: http://www.ezrapound.com.au

Location: 181 William St, Northbridge

Opening Times: Mon-Sat : 12pm-12am / 12pm-10pm

Popular Food: Depends which catering company they have working in the courtyard. You could find yourself munching down on anything from cheese toasties and hamburgers to soft shell crab tacos with wasabi mayo!

Beer Options: A good selection of beer from across the board. White Rabbit, Feral Hop Hog, Little Creatures, Carlton Draught, Tiger. It’s a mixed bag!

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.williamstreetbird.com

Location: 397 Murray St, Perth

Opening Times: Mon-Thu : 11am-12am / Fri-Sat : 11am-1am / Sunday: 11am-10pm

Popular Food: Aged butterfield scotch fillet, hand cut chips, slaw, bernaise. Lamb salad, rocket, fresh figs, walnut, honey, blue cheese dressing.   

Beer Options: The entire James Squire range.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.thegeneroussquire.com.au

Location: 44 Lake St, Northbridge WA 6003

Opening Times: Wed-Sat : 8am-12am /Sun-Tues : 8am-10pm

Popular Food: Bratwurst mini-dogs with house-curried ketchup. 350g scotch steak.  

Beer Options: Lager, Pale Ale, Wheat, Mild. All brewed fresh onsite.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.northbridgebrewingco.com.au

Location: 104 Marine Parade, Cottesloe

Opening Times: Mon-Sun : 12pm-late

Popular Food:Grilled fish with warm Balinese spiced kai lan & coconut salad. House cured salmon pastrami, apple salad, mustard crème fraiche.

Beer Options: Good selection of beer options ranging from Matilda Bay and Little Creatures Options to Feral Brewery and other local drops.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.cottesloebeachhotel.com.au

Location: 560 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley WA 6050

Opening Times: Mon-Sat : 12pm-12am / Sun : 12pm-10pm

Popular Food:Margaret River Wagyu Rump Steak. House Made Sausage Rolls.

Beer Options: A great selection of craft beer ranging from Little Creatures and James Squire options down to some of the most obscure top shelf beers. Also boasts a great local selection of WA micro brewery beers.

Phone Number: 0467 534 267

Website: http://fivebar.com.au

THE SWAN VALLEY

Just half an hour east of Perth you will find yourself in a region called ‘The Swan Valley’. It is here where you can find some of Australia’s best breweries, some of them having won Australia’s most prestigious beer awards (more than once). And that, in my book is worth every reason to pay the region a visit for a day or two!

You have to check these places out:

Location: 55 Benara Road, Caversham WA

Opening Times: Wed-Thurs : 10.30am-5.30pm / Fri-Sat : 10.30am-6pm / Sunday : 10.30am-6pm.

Popular Food:Triple decker scotch fillet steak sandwich with egg, salad and the lot. Stockman’s Grilled Corned Beef Baguette.

Beer Options: All Iron Bark’s beer range; a wide selection of brews that really step outside the box – everything from Golden wheat and Aussie Pils beers down to cherry ales and ‘dessert lime’ native fruit beer!

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://ironbarkbrewery.com.au

Location: 10 Harris Road, Caversham

Opening Times: Mon-Thurs : 10am-5pm / Fri : 10am-late / Sat : 7:30am-late / Sun : 7:30am-5pm.

Popular Food:Chargrilled cuttlefish, quinoa, samphire, kohl rabi, citrus tapioca. Slow roasted lamb shoulder, lamb rack, crushed kipflers, capers, mint gel.

Beer Options: Homestead Range – Black IPA, Belgian Pale Ale, Pale Ale, Hefeweizen.

Phone Number: 08 6279 0500

Website: https://www.mandoonestate.com.au/homestead/

Location: 10250 W Swan Rd, Henley Brook

Opening Times: Mon-Tues : 11am-5pm / Wed-Thurs : 11am-8pm / Fri-Sat : 11am-9pm / Sun : 11am-8pm

Popular Food: 250g Sirloin oven roasted with porcini and port butter served with colcannon mash and roasted baby carrots. Sesame crusted Atlantic Salmon with herb infused gourmet potatoes, grilled asparagus, preserved lemon and zucchini salad.

Beer Options: The entire ‘Mash’ range.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.mashbrewing.com

Location: 152 Haddrill Road, Baskerville (Swan Valley) 

Opening Times: Sun-Thurs : 11am-5pm
 / Fri-Sat : 11am-late

Popular Food: Char-grilled watermelon stacked with steamed asparagus, dukkah-crusted feta, fried basil leaves, white balsamic glaze and pistachio praline. Slow-cooked Asian-style pork belly served on a crisp crunchy salad with a honey-soy glaze.

Beer Options: The entire ‘Feral’ range.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: https://www.feralbrewing.com.au

If there are any places I've missed out be sure to let me know,

Happy Beering!

[thebeerpilgrim]

The Newtown Growler Depot.

T’was a stinking hot January morning and I was driving down Newtown’s King Street in my rusty old Kombi which, bless her soul, was pieced together before the days of automobile-installed-air-conditioning. Which is sweet but really f**king annoying on a day as hot as this. The temperature was hovering in the mid 30s and my engine was making a squealing noise that has in the past served as a warning that she may blow at any second. I was licking my parched lips and letting my mind drift off to a cool shaded backyard with an ice-cold brew in hand when something on the side of the road caught my eye. NEWTOWN GROWLER DEPOT.

What the.. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me! I read it a little slower and let brain to the calculations.

Newtown = where I was currently

Growler = a 2L bottle in which fresh beer is transported from a pub or brewery to one’s home.

Depot = A yard or storehouse (and in the current context, potentially a location in which I can obtain whatever this depot is storing)

Newtown+Growler+Depot… that means… (I was already inside)

I enquired with the kind gentleman at the front desk as to how I could get my hands on a full growler of the freshest beer Newtown had to offer post haste and I was introduced to a large machine called ‘Rosie’.

  Rosie at first glance looks like one of those game machines often encountered at cinema lobbies, however ‘Rosie’ is far from this… she hides a very beautiful secret.

‘Rosie’ is your all-in-one, first-of-it’s-kind growler cleaner and dispenser. What’s even better is that you have around 12 different local craft beers to choose from! She also uses a pressure-filling system that means your beer will remain fresh in the growler for up to 2 months!

‘Rosie’ The Growler Dispenser sprung from the loins of a beautiful relationship between Sam Taylor (organiser of the Sydney Craft Beer and Cider festival) and local Newtown brewery ‘Young Henrys’ and is now operating inside the Newtown Wine Shop on King Street.

  I’ve never been good with choices and when the options for my growler fill were a fine array of local beers from Young Henrys, Batch, Doctors Orders and Lord Nelson, my task was made even harder. I finally decided to go with the Young Henry’s ‘Hop Ale’, a local classic.

A few buttons were pressed, lights flashed and within a couple of minutes I had a full growler of fresh, cold Young Henrys beer and I was skipping merrily out the door and on my way to my mate’s backyard BBQ. Satisfaction 10/10.

  Refills start at $22 and the bottles are a one-off fee of $10 (but feel free to bring in any growler you want)

Location: Newtown Wine Shop, 145 King St, Newtown. Open 10am-10pm daily

[thebeerpilgrim]

HOTTEST 100 AUSSIE CRAFT BEERS OF 2014 - Get you votes in now!

The cut-off date for you to have your say in which brews will be ranked in ‘The Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers of 2014' is coming up and will soon be over faster than my dignity at last Tuesday’s Salsa night.

Voting closes at midnight on 8th January, 2015 – that’s in 2 days so make your mind up and get your votes in!

A bit of Background: The 'Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers' is an annual event that has been running since 2008, put on by The Local Taphouse. Each year, Australia's beer-loving public can vote on the top 100 Australian Craft Beers for that year and like the JJJ Hottest 100, the list will be announced on Australia Day.

A number of venues across the country will be involved in this years event, announcing the top 100 live as well as having a number of the top 100 beers on tap.

Dare I say, I’m pretty excited about this year!

The question that is on all of our lips.. will 2014 be dominated once again by Stone and Wood’s Pacific Ale, Feral’s Hop Hog and Little Creatures Pale Ale?? Who will break the ranks?? You will have to keep your eyes peeled here to find out!

I can’t disclose my submissions, but I will tell you this. There is a slight chance that I may/may-not have voted for Nail’s ‘Clout Stout’… (I like to be mysterious like that).

Submit your votes here !

#feature 

[thebeerpilgrim]

WEST COAST BEER TRAIL

The idea of coming to the West Coast to do a beer trail has been in the back of my mind for years, ever since I sipped on my first glass of Feral’s famous ‘Hop Hog’ Pale Ale in a little inner-city bar in Sydney.. It was the moment that made me think; ‘wow! If this is west coast beer and it still tastes this good after travelling the same distance as London to Moscow, then I’ve got to get to the source!’

But my decision to come here wasn’t just a big excuse to suckle at the teat of Feral  Brewery, there are plenty of other reasons to make a pilgrimage to the West Side. Famous names in the beer world like Nail Ale, Little Creatures, Sail and Anchor, Bootleg, Colonial, Mash and Eagle Bay all call the West Coast home, not to mention great surf, cool locals, beautiful scenery, great local produce and Kevin Bloody Wilson.

The more I thought about it, the more I realised I just had to go - a week later I was on a plane to the other side of this huge island I call home.

 I covered a huge amount on the Wessiide so I will be dividing this Beer trail into 4 separate instalments:

Fremantle

Perth

Swan Valley

South of Perth-to-Margaret River.

  001.

FREMANTLE.

  I think a great place to start your West Coast adventure is Fremantle. Fremantle is a true beer-hub of the Perth region and a short stroll around this hip and happening little spot can take you to piles of incredible craft beer bars and breweries. Here are my top spots in Freo:

Location: Cnr Marine Tce & Essex St, Fremantle

Opening Times: Mon-Wed : 2pm – late / Thurs-Sun : 11am-late

Popular Food: Bratwurst Hotdog, tomato relish, balsamic onions. Prawn skewers and bbq sauce.

Beer Options: The entire Matilda Bay range.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://theballandchain.com.au

  Location: 47 South Tce, Fremantle

Opening Times: Mon-Sat : 11am-midnight / Sun : 11am-10pm

Popular Food: Lamb ribs with mint, pepita pesto and Italian Coleslaw. Battered Shark Bay Whiting with hand-cut chips.

Beer Options: Over 20 beers to choose from ranging from lesser known craft beers up to your mainstay Australian and imported brews. Also boasts a strong list of local craft options from WA.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.norfolkhotel.com.au

  Location: 64 South Tce
, Fremantle

Opening Times: Mon-Tues : 11am-11pm / Wed-Thurs : 11am-12am / Fri-Sat : 10am-1am / Sun : 10am-10pm

Popular Food: Beer and Beef steak sanga. Crispy skin salmon.

Beer Options: A proud pioneer and supporter of the local craft beer industry, pouring the entire Sail and Anchor range as well as a great selection of other local brews such as Feral, Nail, Mash and Last Drop.

Phone Number: 08 9431 1666

Website: http://www.sailandanchor.com.au

   Location: 51 Cantonment St, Fremantle.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat : 11am-late / Sun : 11am-10pm

Popular Food: Seafood paella. Chili mussels and sourdough.

Beer Options: Plenty of local and imported beer options. This venue prides itself on it’s wide selection of local beers so whatever local brew you might be looking for, you can probably find it here!

Phone Number: [phone]

Website:http://clancysfishpub.com.au/fremantle.html

Location: 33 South Terrace, Fremantle

Opening Times: Mon-Fri : 11:30am-late / Sat and Sun : 8:30am-late

Popular Food: Szechuan Squid tentacles. Sticky pork belly and seared scallops.

Beer Options: 'The Monk' brew their own range onsite - Mild, Kolsch, Wheat, IPA, Pale Ale, Rauch, Porter and American-style Brown Ale as well as seasonals and one-off batches are all available.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.themonk.com.au

Location: 40 Mews rd, Fremantle

Opening Times: Mon-Fri : 10am-late / Sat : 9am-late / Sun : 9am-11pm

Popular Food: Spiced Pumpkin, goats cheese and spinach pizza. Grilled prawn skewers with almond and romesco.

Beer Options: Entire Little Creatures Range poured fresh from the tanks including seasonal brews that are only available here.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: https://littlecreatures.com.au/venues/1-fremantle-brewery

  Location: Fremantle Esplanade Reserve

When: 15/16th November (based on 2014 dates)

Price: Single Day $25 / Weekend $35

Beer Options: Over 250 different types of local craft beer and cider from across Western Australia.

Website: http://fremantle.beerfestivals.com.au

    Coming soon… Installment 002: The rest of Perth.

[thebeerpilgrim]

SPREADING THE CHRISTMAS BEER! The Beer Pilgrim’s guide to matching beer with your favourite Christmas dishes.

Christmas is hot on our tails and you don’t need a guru to tell you that Christmas in Australia is a time for beer! It’s hot, it’s merry and it’s a time to get together and spend the entire day/night with your family and friends, talking, eating, drinking and having a good time!

 With all the time spent buying presents and strategically placing mistletoe around your house, we tend to run out of time to think about the important things, like which beers to match with our Christmas meals…. So, I have picked out a variety of dishes that will no doubt be spread across your table this Christmas – and I’ll give you suggestions which beers to drink with each dish! 

http://bit.ly/1Bv34bz

This is a classic Christmas dish from the old world. A big juicy, white-fleshed bird that is usually accompanied with a sweet cranberry sauce and gravy.

My beer choice: Brown Ale or Saison.

Why? Well you need to look at the taste notes of the dish firstly. We have a very fleshy, hearty poultry base, flavoured with a meaty, salty gravy and a sweet, fruity, berry sauce (cranberry). A Brown Ale adds elements of roast, toffee and nuttiness  that sits within the dish’s flavor profile complimenting it nicely. A Saison would add a fruity, spicy, yeasty, sometimes tart, dry, acidic (now breathe) element to the dish and raise the relatively bland flavours of the turkey to new heights!

Suggested Beers: Newcastle Brown Ale, Holgate Brewhouse Nut Brown Ale, Chevalier Saison (Bridge Road Brewers), Little Creatures & Emerson’s Single Batch Saison (limited release).

  Prawns: Prawns are an integral part of most Aussie Christmas meals and we usually have them one of two ways – fresh prawns grilled on the barbecue or pre-cooked. Both are quite different dishes and so, call for different beers.

 Grilled (on Barby) 

http://bit.ly/1vyIaAe

My favourite way to cook these delicious little crustaceans!

My Beer Choice: Amber Ale

Why? When you grill/Barbecue prawns, you will inevitably burn parts of the prawn around the legs, shell and head (the best parts!). This will give the prawns a slightly charred, smoky flavour that will be a fine compliment to the roasty toffee notes in the amber ale.

Suggested Beers: James squire ‘Nine Tails’ Amber Ale, Endeavor Reserve Amber Ale.

  Cooked prawns with cocktail sauce.

My Beer Choice: Pilsner

Why? Pre-cooked prawns usually create quite a light, fresh meal and if dipped in a cocktail sauce, will call for a beer that can cut through the creamy cocktail sauce but not affect the delicate prawn flavour underneath.

I think a nice light bodied Pilsner with a slightly spicy, herbal hop profile (to cut through the sauce) performs this role perfectly. 

 Suggested Beers: Pilsner Urquell, Croucher Pilsner, Little Creatures Pilsner.

  Glazed Ham

http://bit.ly/1yuZmhd

My Beer Choice: Belgian Tripel, Belgian Witbier or a Hefeweizen (German Wheat Beer)

 Why? The Belgian Tripel style is malty, sweet, full bodied and often gives off notes of spice, dark fruit and caramel. With glazed ham, the Tripel adds an element like a delicious rich, fruity sauce.

Hefeweizens have a crisp, refreshing wheat character that usually hold notes of banana, clove and/or citrus -  great complimenting flavours with ham.

Belgian Witbiers often display characters of citric orange peel and coriander. Also good matches with glazed ham.

(I find malty beers like these also tend to balance out the saltiness of the ham).

Suggested Beers: Leffe Tripel, Mad Abbot Tripel, Franziskaner Hefe-weisse, Burleigh Brewing Co. HEF, Hoegaarden Belgian Witbier.

  Christmas Pudding / fruit Cake

http://bit.ly/1saQ5ZR

My Beer Choice: Belgian Strong Ale/Dubbel.

Why? Christmas cake is quite a heavy, rich dish that is often made using a decent swig of Brandy or Cognac. This gives the cake a strong, boozy character that calls for a beer that can stand up to it. Belgian Strong Ales and Dubbels are higher in Alcohol, full bodied and ooze notes of caramel and dark fruit (especially in the Belgian Strong Ale) – a perfect match to the good ol’ Chrissy Cake!

  Suggested Beers: Chimay Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Mad Abbot Dubbel, Leffe Brune Dark Abbey Dubbel.

[thebeerpilgrim]

TAP KING

The evolution of beer has moved fast over the past century and one aspect that has quite obviously changed is how and where we drink it.

 While once upon a time the only place you could get a cold glass of tap-poured draught beer was the pub. That is no longer the case.

 Enter, Tap King. Now you can pour a cold beer straight from your fridge at home.

When you do get your hands on a Tap King, it will come in a box like this and inside will be a series of bits and pieces. You see this and all you can think is “make me beer”. I’ll show you how to convert this onto a cold glass of draught beer as fast as possible.

First thing you need to remember is, the actual beer. You can buy these refillbottles specifically made for the Tap King in piles of bottle shops around the country. Today I will be loading this Tap King up with 3.2 Litres of delicious James Squire Golden Chancer Amber Ale.

 Now remember, you need your Tap King bottle to be cold otherwise it will froth up and no one likes a glass of warm beer froth (you will not be making any friends that way).

Keep it in your fridge for 9 hours to make sure your beer is icy cold. This should be just enough time to work up a thirst playing rummicube or discussing the latest Justin Beiber goss with your buddies.

You could also spend about 3 minutes pimping up your Tap King. This would mean installing your retractable drip-tray, handles and labels.

Next step, once your beer is cold enough, you need to place your Tap King bottle on a solid surface, remove the seal.

Then lower the Tap King dispenser head itself on top of the Tap King bottle making sure you have it the correct way around (follow the arrows).

When your Tap King bottle is aligned correctly with the Tap King dispenser, slowly push down the lever and lock it into the Tap King dispenser.

It’s now time to perfect your beer-pour. I suggest you start your pour into the glass at a 45 degree angle and form your beer head at the bottom of the glass. Then straighten your glass up to bring the head and beer up to the top of the glass. Try to aim for a 1-2cm fluffy white head. And there it is!

Now it’s the final (and my favourite step), sit back and enjoy your cold glass of draught beer.

And really, that’s it. Your Tap King bottle will stay fresh for 21 days after opening, so you have plenty of time to keep enjoying those draught beers at home before you need to refill. Don’t forget when you go to change over your Tap King bottles, use the tool (also included in the kit) to remove the CO2 canister of the empty bottles and then throw the bottles in the recycling.

 enjoy!

  This article was sponsored by Lion Beer, Spirits and Wine Australia.

www.tapking.com

#brewandreview #tapking #thebeerpilgrim  

[thebeerpilgrim]

Brewers of the East Coast

Through my adventures as the Beer Pilgrim, I have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of people involved in the beer industry, especially brewers and I am always blown away by their passion and commitment to their craft. To say brewers take their job seriously is a massive understatement; most brewers I have met literally live for beer.

  I’d like to introduce you to some of these legends. These are the brewers I met on my recent East Coast road trip – they are the guys and girls who make the beer you love so much (so if you see them, say cheers!)

[thebeerpilgrim]

Beer Lovers Guide to BRISBANE

There are few places that have taken to the diverse contemporary world of beer as passionately and as quickly as Brisbane. Brisbane’s beer scene is barely recognisable to what it was 5 years ago (it’s a different world entirely to Brissy 10 years ago!).

  Craft beer pubs, micro breweries and beer festivals are popping up in Brisvegas faster than they can be documented and in my opinion, is well on it’s way to becoming an Australian craft beer mecca (if it’s not already).

  The below are my tips for beer lovers who find themselves wandering aimlessly through Brisbane’s streets wondering where they can track down a good beer experience!

  I’d also like to note, I couldn’t get to Bacchus Brewery in Capalaba due to my van breaking down.. Apparently I missed out on a doozy! next time..

  Tucked away in Fortitude Valley is ‘Yard Bird’ Ale House, a true oasis for beer-lovers amongst the tangle of infected beer lines that is the 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week party strip called ‘The Valley’.  

  Address:  6/24 Martin St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Opening Times: 11am-12am, Tues-Sun

Beer Options: Decent selection of Australian and American craft beers on tap and bottled.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: https://www.facebook.com/YardbirdAleHouse

Posing as an enticing distraction on your way home after an evening on the restaurant and pub strip of Caxton street is ‘Cartel’, a laid-back corner bar complete with video-game machines, street-side couches and a fine selection of beers. A cool place to come with a few mates for a night-cap beer or to settle in with a brew or two in the fading afternoon sunshine.

  Address: 2 Caxton St, Brisbane QLD 4000

Opening Times: Sun, Tues, Wed, Thurs: 12pm-12:30am / Fri, Sat: 12pm-2:00am / Mon: closed.

Beer Options: Constantly changing taps serving craft beer and a decent selection of bottled brews.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cartel-Bar/171335229554466

Caxton Street has recently emerged a popular hub for Brissy’s ever-evolving bar and restaurant scene. Brewski sits proudly as one of the city’s finest craft-beer bars selling a diverse range of brews ranging from the most sessionable down to the most bizarre and intense craft beer options.

  Address: 22 Caxton St, Brisbane 4000

Opening Times: Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-12am.

Beer Options: 8 Rotating taps and piles of bottled beer options (everything from the Little Creatures and White Rabbit range down to the most obscure Australian and international craft breweries and everything in between).

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: https://www.facebook.com/brewskibar

Though it’s great to check out the diverse range of local microbreweries while you are in Brisbane, you really would be missing out if you didn’t check out the other end of the scale as well. The brewery that produces Australia’s most popular beer - ‘XXXX Gold’. You will be blown away by the sheer size and scale of this brewery and the history it holds in the region. A local icon that is definitely worth a visit!

  Address: Corner Black St & Paten St, Milton QLD 4064

Tour Duration: 90mins

Price: $32 (adult)

Beer Options: XXXX (Gold and Bitter)

Phone Number: 07 3361 7597

Website: http://www.xxxx.com.au

A tiny little bar tucked away in the innercity craft beer-hub of Newstead, you would be excused for walking right past the Tipplers Tap and not even noticing it, but you would be kicking yourself if you did! A great little craft beer bar that has a staggering range of beers from around Australia and the planet (apparently the buffalo wings and burgers are pretty solid as well!)

  Address: 22 Masters St, Newstead QLD 4006

Opening Times: Tue-Sun: 11am-10pm

Beer Options: Ten taps and a hand pump that rarely (if ever) have the same beer on twice plus a huge range of bottled beers from around Australia and the world.

Phone Number: No phone (can email: [email protected] with enquiries)

Website: http://www.tipplerstap.com.au

A tiny little bar tucked away in the innercity craft beer-hub of Newstead, you would be excused for walking right past the Tipplers Tap and not even noticing it, but you would be kicking yourself if you did! A great little craft beer bar that has a staggering range of beers from around Australia and the planet (apparently the buffalo wings and burgers are pretty solid as well!)

  Address: 22 Masters St, Newstead QLD 4006

Opening Times: Tue-Sun: 11am-10pm

Beer Options: Ten taps and a hand pump that rarely (if ever) have the same beer on twice plus a huge range of bottled beers from around Australia and the world.

Phone Number: No phone (can email: [email protected] with enquiries)

Website: http://www.tipplerstap.com.au

Image: http://bit.ly/1pnWHvP

  Archive has to have one of the finest arrays of beer to be found in Brisbane. With 18 rotating taps and over 400 bottled options, your decision which beer to settle in with has never been so difficult!

  Address: 100 Boundary Street 
West End, Brisbane, 4101

Opening Times: 7am – late, 7 Days

Beer Options: 18 constantly rotating craft beers on tap and over 400 domestic and imported bottles beers to choose from!

Phone Number: 07 3844 3419

Website: http://www.archivebeerboutique.com.au

A great inner-city microbrewery that churns out an incredible range of delicious beers! Nothing beats sitting back with a hearty meal and sipping on a fresh beer right there amongst the tanks where it was produced!

Located in the trendy beer-hub suburb of Newstead (from where Newstead Brewing Co. gets it’s name), it’s only a short stroll up the road to Tipplers Tap and Green Beacon.

  Address: 85 Doggett st, Newstead 4006.

Opening Times: 10am-midnight, 7 Days.

Beer Options: 12 draught taps pouring 8 of Newstead’s own beer range (‘3 Quarter Time’ Session Ale, ‘The Mayne Thing’ Golden Ale, ‘Out and a Bout’ Pale Ale, ‘Two in the Valley’ IPA, ‘Liquidambar’ Amber Ale, ‘21feet 7 Inches Porter) . The other taps are usually pumping out beers from other craft breweries from the area and around Australia.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://newsteadbrewing.com.au

    Green Beacon has a diverse range of fine, locally made brews to their name ranging from a sessionable Pale Ale down to hoppy IPAs, dark and delicious Porters, Kolsch, Amber ales, India Pale Lagers and daring special batch beers. Not only this, but you can drink them underneath the very tanks they are brewed in munching away on a platter of fresh local seafood - ticks all the boxes for me!

  Address: 26 Helen St, Teneriffe 4006

Opening Times: Monday & Tuesday: 5pm-late
 / Wednesday & Thursday: midday-late
/ Friday,
Saturday & Sunday: 11am-late

Beer Options: All Green Beacon’s core range (3 Bolt Pale, Anchor Amber, Cross Knot Kolsch, Grappler IPL, Penny Porter, Wayfarer USA, Windjammer IPA) as well as seasonals and special batch beers.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://www.greenbeacon.com.au

A true Brisbane craft beer-scene icon that boasts a huge range of beers from around the country and the world. This is the place to go if you want to dive headfirst into the most extreme corners of the craft beer scene. Not a place to watch pub-rock cover bands or sip on a shandy. This is a serious beer-fanatic’s kinda joint. Beards and Ned Kelly haircuts are not uncommon here.

  Address: 8/1 Park Rd, Milton 4064

Opening Times: Mon - Sun: 12:00pm - 12:00am

Beer Options: A huge range of Australian and international craft beers that are constantly changing and rotating. Everything from simple Lagers and Pale Ales to the most intense Lambics, sours, Stouts, Porters, Barleywines, IPAs, IIPAS, Wheatbeers, Ambers, Reds, Bitters, Specialty brews… anything you could imagine really.

Phone Number: [phone]

Website: http://scratchbar.com

[thebeerpilgrim]

Fremantle 'BeerFest'

A title like ‘BeerFest’ tends to conjour up images of college jocks skulling cheap beer from red plastic cups in their underwear to the latest Ke$ha ‘track’, but I can happily say that the ‘Fremantle BeerFest’ could not be anything further from that.

  As soon as I walked in, I was impressed. The balmy 27 degrees, perfect blue skies and welcoming Fremantle vibe won me over before I even saw what beers were on offer.

One thing I noticed was the mix of people who had come to the festival. There was an even mix of men to women, piles of families and plenty to see and do aside from just drinking beer. It seemed to me to be probably one of the most welcoming beer festivals I have ever been to. No matter what level of beer interest/knowledge you might have, you would enjoy this festival.

It also occurred to me that Perth seems to have absorbed the world of craft beer into all facets of it’s community and this festival, while focused on beer, seemed to be more of a community gathering than anything else.

  But what about the beer???

Local, local, local. This was undoubtedly a festival for the local breweries of Perth and it’s surrounds and lucky for them, some of Australia’s best breweries call this region home. There were stalls from Feral Breweries, Mash, Nail Ale, Little Creatures, Gage Roads, Sail and Anchor, Tomahawk, Bootleg, Eagle Bay, Northbridge Brewing Co., The Last Drop, Homestead, Cheeky Monkey, Monk, Iron Bark, etc etc.

All local and all serving fresh beer.

  While there were plenty of sessionable, easy drinking brews on offer, it seemed like the aim of the day was big and powerful. Plenty of big, heavy IPAs, Black IPAs, Imperial Brown Ales, Doppelbocks, Scotch Ales and Imperial Stouts. 

  The stand out beers for me were:

 Nail Ale’s ‘Clout Stout’ 

 Tomahawk IPA

Nail Ale’s ‘Hughe Dunn Brown’ Imperial Brown Ale

  Black Swan Black IPA

Anything from Feral

 Mash’s ‘Copycat’ APA

The Last Drop’s Farmhouse Saison.

 Something Cool:

  The festival also hired a team of cocktail-slinging gurus to whip up a few unique beer-based cocktails at the festival. And I know a lot of beer-purists will be rolling their eyes at this idea, but I have to say they did put on a great show as well as kept the less beery types entertained… with beer!

    All in all, it was a great day and I’ll definitely be back next year!

Western Australia is a serious hot spot for Aussie Craft beer and this festival is a great place to get a taste for how incredible WA Craft Beer really is!