Craft beer thread

[Braveheart81]

I don't think the two are mutually exclusive.

I am definitely a craft beer advocate but most of the beer I drink is IPAs. I like beer that is bitter and full flavoured. I'd say I like beer that tastes very beery!

I like dark beer a lot but certainly more on the dark ale side of things (not porters) that is again very beer flavoured and fairly bitter.

I am not a fan of things that are too fruity or sweet.

 

[Lindommer]

This old curmudgeon quiet likes the craft beer experience, especially the range of pale ales, IPAs and porters/stouts. Having worked for one of the two major brewers in Australia and been privy to their mass market brewing practices I appreciate the quality going into most craft beers. But, I agree with you on one point: fruit flavoured bullocks beers will never cross my tongue either. Pfitzy bought me a lemon myrtle beer a coupla years ago at the Keg & Brew. Cheap bastard, took me all afternoon to down it. OTOH I 'spose it saved me my shout when it should've come around.

 

[Tangawizi]

Brewsvegas is on in Brisbane now. Was a good day on Saturday hitting up 3 breweries & drinking straight from the tank at 1 before heading in to watch the Reds win. Hoppy red ipa's were popular & a Belgian Golden Ale also did the trick very nicely. A lot tastier than xxxx gold too.

A pity theres no home game this week.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Tex]

Had a great time at Good Beer Week in Melbourne back in May. Celebrated my birthday at the opening of Moon Dog's new facility out in Preston with some wrestling and pints.

GABS was excellent, as it always is. Although starting the morning with a pint of 8.5% red ale was a bit of a kick in the guts. I wish I could recall all the delicious beers I tasted but unsurprisingly, they've all faded into one hazy hoppy fugue.

Recently visited The Mill Brewery, Bonehead, Inner North Brewing Co. and Fixation on a little (actually pretty big) bike pub/brewery crawl I organise every year. As with GABS, tasted some great beers, with the Black IPA on nitro from The Mill a standout.

 

[Dctarget]

Had a great time at Good Beer Week in Melbourne back in May. Celebrated my birthday at the opening of Moon Dog's new facility out in Preston with some wrestling and pints.

GABS was excellent, as it always is. Although starting the morning with a pint of 8.5% red ale was a bit of a kick in the guts. I wish I could recall all the delicious beers I tasted but unsurprisingly, they've all faded into one hazy hoppy fugue.

Recently visited The Mill Brewery, Bonehead, Inner North Brewing Co. and Fixation on a little (actually pretty big) bike pub/brewery crawl I organise every year. As with GABS, tasted some great beers, with the Black IPA on nitro from The Mill a standout.

Can't say I've been to any of those, but they're now on the list. Do love Moon Dog, so that'll be a must. Went to Little Creatures down in Geelong which was great.

Also, Stomping Grounds is good fun, bit strange being completely stonkered with so many little kids around though.

 

[Tex]

Fixation brew really hoppy beers if that's your thing. Inner North is a new venture run by a mate over in Brunswick. Great little spot in the back streets there

 

[Braveheart81]

Fixation brew really hoppy beers if that's your thing. Inner North is a new venture run by a mate over in Brunswick. Great little spot in the back streets there

I really like their IPA. They're pretty strong though. Not really a sessionable beer!

 

[Tex]

I really like their IPA. They're pretty strong though. Not really a sessionable beer!

Everything's sessionable if you're willing to pay the price!

It was a fun afternoon. Mates who have been in the dad game for a few years were let off the hook and quite probably regretted giving each and every brewery (and a few pub stops along the way) a red hot crack. It's easy to forget most craft beers hit 6% abv as a minimum

 

[PhilClinton]

Balter officially sold to Carlton United today. There had been whispers of this happening for months (well years really but nothing substantial).

What's everyone's thoughts? I really enjoy all their range and special releases and hope they stay the same. I think Green Beacon have done a good job since their Asahi acquisition at keeping their product the same but lower the prices, hopefully Balter do the same.

Not many big independent players left in the market - I would think Stone and Wood would be largest and in QLD Black Hops next. I wonder what the future holds for them.

 

[Lindommer]

If anyone knows how to fuck up a craft beer brand it's CUB; witness what they did to Matilda Bay 20 years ago. I doubt even Phil Sexton's return to MB can revive its fortunes after Carlton successfully buggered up a portfolio of great beers. I hope and pray both 4 Pines and Balter don't end up in the CUB graveyard.

 

[Lindommer]

Her Majesty and I have done a coupla trips to Mexico these last four months, a week in Beechworth in August followed by 10 days in Ballarat and Melbourne in October. Some great breweries around Beechworth; everyone knows Bridge Road but there's another brilliant brewery in Beechworth, Billson's. It's in a delightful old brewery building from the late 19th century which has made cordial for the last 100 years. Most of their beers are in natty 355ml cans, they all tasted great. Also called in to Bright Brewery, it would have to have the best cellar door of an Australian brewery I've visited so far. The Stubborn Russian stout was to die for, and I nearly did after they told me they sold out of bottles the day before I got there. Tracked down a 6 pack in Fitzroy which I picked up next trip. Delicious.

https://bridgeroadbrewers.com.au/
https://www.billsons.com.au/
https://brightbrewery.com.au/

 

[Tex]

Her Majesty and I have done a coupla trips to Mexico these last four months, a week in Beechworth in August followed by 10 days in Ballarat and Melbourne in October. Some great breweries around Beechworth; everyone knows Bridge Road but there's another brilliant brewery in Beechworth, Billson's. It's in a delightful old brewery building from the late 19th century which has made cordial for the last 100 years. Most of their beers are in natty 355ml cans, they all tasted great. Also called in to Bright Brewery, it would have to have the best cellar door of an Australian brewery I've visited so far. The Stubborn Russian stout was to die for, and I nearly did after they told me they sold out of bottles the day before I got there. Tracked down a 6 pack in Fitzroy which I picked up next trip. Delicious.

https://bridgeroadbrewers.com.au/
https://www.billsons.com.au/
https://brightbrewery.com.au/

Yeah Bright's location is pretty tough to beat, right there on the river with the hills around. Head there in the autumn and its really come into its own.

Four Pines have opened up a local hipster bar/brewery operation in Brunswick. Not sure I'm keen to brave the crowds but it is local and dog friendly so might check it out.

Thunder Road, Temple and Inner North Brewing Company are now all within a 10 minute stumble of each other, creating a very healthy independent brewing scene in the inner suburbs.

 

[formerflanker]

Grandson worked for Bentspoke Brewing in Canberra until recently (had to leave - sore legs, shifts too long, idiots to work with, boss too tough blah blah millennial blah) and gee I miss the free over-runs. A unique beer. For me, an acquired taste.
Second brewery opened so must be doing well.

 

[Tex]

They say vote with your hip pocket; why not add your liver and kidneys to the electoral roll? I've done a quick and dirty list of Victorian independent brewers (sourced from the membership of the Independent Brewers Association) with sites in or close by to communities hit by fires. As we're learning, the effects are being felt across country Australia with tourist numbers dying in the arse and local producers having to destroy stock.

Not sure the beer needs to be tipped out, but all the same it's good to spend money strategically and support the little players.

If it tickles your fancy, consider buying a few froths from any of the following brewers:

Billson's Beverages, Beechworth www.billsons.com.au
Black Dog Brewery, Taminick www.blackdogbrewery.com.au
Blizzard Brewing, Dinner Plan www.blizzardbrewing.com
Bridge Road Brewers, Beechworth www.bridgeroadbrewers.com.au
Bright Brewery www.brightbrewery.com.au
Bullant Brewery, Bruthen www.bullantbrewery.com
King River Brewing, King Valley www.kingriverbrewing.com.au
Malt Shed Brewery, Wangaratta www.maltshed.com.au
Mitta Mitta Brewing Company www.mittabrewing.com.au
Old Factory Brewing Company, Myrtleford
Red Bluff Brewers, Lakes Entrance www.redbluffbrewers.com
Sailor's Grave Brewing, Orbost www.sailorsgravebrewing.com
Two Pot Brewing, Allan's Flat www.twopot.com.au

 

[Tex]

For what it's worth, Mitta Mitta, Dinner Plain, Orbost, Myrtleford and the King Valley got fairly rogered recently.

 

[PhilClinton]

I see Stone and Wood have jumped on the hard seltzer wagon as of this week. Has anyone tried any other brands? It's not something I would traditionally buy but they're pretty nice, and low calories which I guess is important these days.

Some quick research tells me these products have taken a decent market share over the last three years in the USA. I think it'll really suit an Aussie summer, that's why I imagine we're seeing them all being launched now, so they have some loyal customers already when summer hits.

 

[Slim 293]

I see Stone and Wood have jumped on the hard seltzer wagon as of this week. Has anyone tried any other brands? It's not something I would traditionally buy but they're pretty nice, and low calories which I guess is important these days.

Some quick research tells me these products have taken a decent market share over the last three years in the USA. I think it'll really suit an Aussie summer, that's why I imagine we're seeing them all being launched now, so they have some loyal customers already when summer hits.

Hop Nation launched their Rays recently, which are their line of alcoholic seltzers and I've got to say they're pretty, pretty, pretty good...........

It's not usually my thing but I've been picking up the odd 4 pack, take advantage of my membership.

 

[grievous]

Grandson worked for Bentspoke Brewing in Canberra until recently (had to leave - sore legs, shifts too long, idiots to work with, boss too tough blah blah millennial blah) and gee I miss the free over-runs. A unique beer. For me, an acquired taste.
Second brewery opened so must be doing well.

That place packs out during the rugby

 

[Brumby Runner]

Bent Spokes Red Nut would have to be the very best dark beer on the market, not only in Canberra but anywhere. Not sure, though, if it is widely available elsewhere.

 

[Braveheart81]

Bent Spokes Red Nut would have to be the very best dark beer on the market, not only in Canberra but anywhere. Not sure, though, if it is widely available elsewhere.

Is it a regular one or limited edition?

I regularly buy the Crankshaft IPA and my local sells a couple of others but I'm not sure they get the Red Nut. They probably would if I asked for it though. Will have a look.