Beer and brew!

[Big Kev]

Ok, so I have a sneaking suspicion that coopers brew enhancer 2 is approximately the equivalent of the Brewcraft #15, so in order to test this theory, I have 4 barrels of coopers ginger beer on the go at the moment, to test this out.

Barrel 1 has 1kg dextrose, and a brewcraft #15
Barrel 2 has 1kg dextrose, and coopers brew enhancer 2
Barrel 3 has 1kg dextrose, and coopers brew enhancer 1
Barrel 4 has coopers brew enhancer 1 and coopers brew enhancer 2.

So by the time they've finished, I'm going to have about 10 slabs worth of ginger beer, and if the #15 batch and the be2 batch don't taste any different, I'm going to be using brew enhancer 2 from now on in place of #15 as it's approx 10 bucks cheaper to purchase.

Anybody else been experimenting with any new stuff of late?

[SOX]

Drinking this
http://www.tasmanianbeerfest.com.au/images/cascade_premium.png

Does that count as experimenting?

[Second]

I currently work at a Wine and Spirits wholesaler and am being encouraged to "expand my tastes". I still can't stand the smell of bourbon, but I'm going to slowly start sampling their various ranges. I might start with what I know and try an Absolut Five.

[Spudzilla]

Get me a few samples, please.

[Second]

I can get wine samples, spirits are rare (WT&Cola being the exception). I can do staff sales in the future, but I haven't been there long enough yet.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

But what if your a real man who likes to drink whiskey?

[fearofthesky]

Hey Kev, I must start brewing again soon, I have not in about 3 years. I have 2 tins of Brigalow ginger beer and a cooper's dark ale, which Ive had since then...Probably no good now. But I need to get a coopers brew kit sediment reducer, as my old one got caught under a door and broke.

I got some pretty good results on a ginger beer and a stout last time. The ginger beer was gone within a week of it maturing-thirsty friends! But the stout i was so proud of. Me and a mate, the only stout drinkers in our group, devoured it.

Mate, you've got four barrels? Quite a booze racket you got going on there. You must have heat belts for all of them, yeah? Unless you live in Darwin or thereabouts...

[Space_Monkey]

Has anybody else been enjoying the James Squire Limited Edition range?

I've had the Summer Larger and Winter Ale and both are fantastic.

[Big Kev]

Hey Kev, I must start brewing again soon, I have not in about 3 years. I have 2 tins of Brigalow ginger beer and a cooper's dark ale, which Ive had since then...Probably no good now. But I need to get a coopers brew kit sediment reducer, as my old one got caught under a door and broke.

I got some pretty good results on a ginger beer and a stout last time. The ginger beer was gone within a week of it maturing-thirsty friends! But the stout i was so proud of. Me and a mate, the only stout drinkers in our group, devoured it.

Mate, you've got four barrels? Quite a booze racket you got going on there. You must have heat belts for all of them, yeah? Unless you live in Darwin or thereabouts...

As it currently stands, I have six barrels and three half sized barrels all up.

As for the heating, a mate of mine breeds reptiles, so I simply bought a 6 foot heat mat off him with a thermostat for the price of about 200 bucks. I can sit six barrels on it, and it keeps an even temperature 24/7. Beats the shit out of the belts, and in the long run, costs less when you think about it. Plus you can leave i unattended, can't do that with the belts. Unfortunately I managed to bust the clips off it so it will be a bit of a wait before I can get some newies. So yeah, the brew is happening very slowly at the moment.

I did a stout recently, just the stock standard coopers supermarket shelf style, with a stout brewblend from cellar and store. It turned out pretty damn good if I say so myself. Next time is going to be one of the thomas cooper special reserve, I bought up one of each of them and will be trying them after this batch some time. I tried the brigalow batch, but forgot that I'd actually bought the brigalow malted sugar, so ended up putting dextrose in it's place and ended up with a really oversweet beer, but I've got one mate who seems to prefer them to normal beer, so that's a start. Also did a coopers dark ale a short while ago, didn't particularly enjoy it though.

What's this sediment reduction kit you speak of? I haven't even heard of it. Have you tried just using finings?

[incompatible with life]

I made a limited batch of infused vodka last year. I liked the chilli one the best. But Macadamia and blueberry didn't quite turn out so well.

[Big Kev]

Damn shame, M&B sound like an interesting mix. Although I'm assuming you'd have to distill the macadamia oils out of the nuts and then add them to your mix to get any decent effect out of them.

Did you actually distill the vodka? Or just buy a bottle and soak the M&B in it?

[incompatible with life]

I did it very crudely - essentially just left the ingredient soaking in the vodka for about a week or two then ran it through filter paper. Then just let it sit around for a few more weeks (in theory to let it mature or something? That's what you get with following random intent instructions).

[Big Kev]

Haha, they don't all turn out bad like that. When TrinityJayOne was my housemate, he did the skittlebrau, and separated a packet of skittles into five different bottles, aside from the lemon one, most of them turned out to be fantastic!

Although in future if you're going to be experimenting with something expensive like vodka, do it in small doses in separate bottles like Trin, or make your own, you can make it for like 10 bucks a bottle if you've got the right equipment. :D

[incompatible with life]

Yeah, I got a 600ml bottle (of mid-range stuff) and essentially divided into 5 or so small oil bottles.

I don't think I'd repeat the experiment again in the future though, predominantly because I didn't quite take into account the fact I generally don't drink, and the infused vodka is still sitting in my cupboard...

[Big Kev]

Haha, yeah, that wouldn't help. That's why I mostly like experimenting with beer, aside from being a beer drinker above all. ;)

But yeah I'm planning on getting myself an air still eventually and having a crack at spirits. Some of the home brewed spirits I've tasted were amazing, a lot like that triple distilled whisky that I've unconveniently forgotten the name of now. Starts with C I think.

So yeah, won't really be exerimenting with those, moreso just making up a batch of cheap shit so that the non beer drinkers have something to get stuck into when they come around.

Got a whole heap of stuff to experiment with beer though. The one I think is going to be most interesting is the rosewater. Lovely stuff. I also got some dried pomegranate powder, but that could go either way...

[fearofthesky]

A

What's this sediment reduction kit you speak of? I haven't even heard of it. Have you tried just using finings?

Its just this little filter thing-o that attches to the back of the bottling tap. Stops all the muck going into the bottle. Im not really sure how essential it is, i don't mind a little bit of sediment in my beer, but not the gloppy crap in the bottom of the barrel. My mate (who got me into brwing) reckons its essential. I know I can get one from a homebrew shop, I just gotta go and do it. I'm certainly gonna brew this year when it heats up a bit. I dont really drink a whole lot of beer when its cold, unless its stout...

Wait what am I saying, I'm going to the homebrew shop tomorrow! Mmm, stout.

[VanAce]

Currently drinking Oranjeboom. A cheap beer from Holland. Not too bad either.

[Second]

Started expanding my taste by trying some Sparkling Wine. Much preferred.

[MacGuyver]

Awesome, the brew thread is back!

I'm not 100% sure of the make up of the Brewcraft #15, but I can tell you what's in Brew Enhancer 2. In 1kg of BE2 you have 500g dextrose, 250g of maltodextrin and 250g of light dry malt. Brew enhancer 1 is 600g of dextrose and 400g of maltodextrin.

I've just recently made a German hefeweizen using liquid yeast (the Weihenstephan stuff!) instead of the dried stuff you get at most brew shops and although it was a little more involving to set up I reckon the results are definitely worth it. There are a lot more different styles of liquid yeast and fermentation takes off much quicker than using dried yeast!

I've also just put down my first attempt at making a lager. All I've used is a bit of liquid pale malt, dried wheat malt and some nelson sauvin hops (like in a Knappstein) as well as a proper lager yeast. Probably won't be able to taste it until about October so it had better be awesome!

[Xanafalgue]

My friends neighbour is some ancient Russian woman who makes her own vodka. I have a bottle of her chili vodka; instant laxative.

[TrinityJayOne]

Awesome, the brew thread is back!

I'm not 100% sure of the make up of the Brewcraft #15, but I can tell you what's in Brew Enhancer 2. In 1kg of BE2 you have 500g dextrose, 250g of maltodextrin and 250g of light dry malt. Brew enhancer 1 is 600g of dextrose and 400g of maltodextrin.

I've just recently made a German hefeweizen using liquid yeast (the Weihenstephan stuff!) instead of the dried stuff you get at most brew shops and although it was a little more involving to set up I reckon the results are definitely worth it. There are a lot more different styles of liquid yeast and fermentation takes off much quicker than using dried yeast!

I've also just put down my first attempt at making a lager. All I've used is a bit of liquid pale malt, dried wheat malt and some nelson sauvin hops (like in a Knappstein) as well as a proper lager yeast. Probably won't be able to taste it until about October so it had better be awesome!

Dude, I'm totally going to visit perth one day, just so you can show me how the **** this is all done. Seriously man, I can't wrap my head around non K/K stuff.

/Kev

[MacGuyver]

Dude, I'm totally going to visit perth one day, just so you can show me how the **** this is all done. Seriously man, I can't wrap my head around non K/K stuff.

/Kev

It really isn't that hard, but you do have to know what you're doing in regards to hop additions and the like. There are some awesome brewing programs on the net that are a massive help, the one that I use is called Beersmith and you can trial it for 21 days free of charge.

If you have a look around a few brewing forums you'll quickly pick up what they're putting down and a lot of them even have recipe databases that you can have a look at. And they cater to all levels of skill.

I still brew the odd Coopers can if I want to smash something out quickly but extract brewing gives me more control over what I'm trying to achieve. I keep saying that I'll never go all grain... but I reckon I'm nearly there as I have dabbled in small grain additions and have had great results.

[Super Mario]

Has anybody else been enjoying the James Squire Limited Edition range?

I've had the Summer Larger and Winter Ale and both are fantastic.

Oh man the Hop Thief is magical if you can get it, currently drinking Monteiths Dopplebock Winter Ale, very nice!

[Big Kev]

It really isn't that hard, but you do have to know what you're doing in regards to hop additions and the like. There are some awesome brewing programs on the net that are a massive help, the one that I use is called Beersmith and you can trial it for 21 days free of charge.

If you have a look around a few brewing forums you'll quickly pick up what they're putting down and a lot of them even have recipe databases that you can have a look at. And they cater to all levels of skill.

I still brew the odd Coopers can if I want to smash something out quickly but extract brewing gives me more control over what I'm trying to achieve. I keep saying that I'll never go all grain... but I reckon I'm nearly there as I have dabbled in small grain additions and have had great results.

The problem about forums is 30 people have 30 differing opinions on something as small as what to use for priming sugar.

That's why I've never really understood what to do in regards to that. I'm supposed to be making a semi grain beer, but I've lost the trick for how to do it, something about sitting it in 70 degree water in an esky with two tubs of boiling water either side.

[Gilder]

Oh man the Hop Thief is magical if you can get it, currently drinking Monteiths Dopplebock Winter Ale, very nice!

The more I drink Hop thief the more I love it. I'm going to be really upset when its run finishes.

[Super Mario]

Haven't been able to find it anywhere lately :(

[Spudzilla]

I'll drink whatever alcohol is in front of me.

[Gilder]

Haven't been able to find it anywhere lately :(

I'm thinking the six pack I picked up last week may be my last. :(

[MacGuyver]

The problem about forums is 30 people have 30 differing opinions on something as small as what to use for priming sugar.

That's why I've never really understood what to do in regards to that. I'm supposed to be making a semi grain beer, but I've lost the trick for how to do it, something about sitting it in 70 degree water in an esky with two tubs of boiling water either side.


Yeah that's what I've found as well! So many people have different ideas on things and it is hard to sort out what is the best way to do things but I think most of the little things come down to personal preference or experiences. At the end of the day as long as you have beer that tastes good who cares what you use for priming sugar! :p

I don't know if you've seen this website before but it is a really good resource on all things brewing and it's referenced by a lot of people on brewing forums:

http://www.howtobrew.com/section2/chapter13.html

Here I've highlighted the chapter on adding grains to your beer so hopefully it might give you an idea of what you need to do. If you're steeping grains you basically just want to stick the crushed grain in about 65oC water for around 30 mins.

[Space_Monkey]

Oh man the Hop Thief is magical if you can get it, currently drinking Monteiths Dopplebock Winter Ale, very nice!

If you live in Melbourne there's a place of Acland St in St Kilda that still sells it.

The cashier took it from my delighted grin that I was a fan and told me the run had finished but his store had stocked up a few weeks ago so there were still a few slabs left.

Such a nice beer.

[MacGuyver]

I finally got around to trying the Hop Thief, I was very impressed! Shame it is a limited run, would love to know what hops they've used in it.

[Big Kev]

Still haven't tried it, and keep hearing about it. Better get myself into gear.

Due to the cold weather, my barrels are spending a fourth week on brew. Had a taste though, and oh boy it's going to be worth it.

[Big Kev]

If you live in Melbourne there's a place of Acland St in St Kilda that still sells it.

The cashier took it from my delighted grin that I was a fan and told me the run had finished but his store had stocked up a few weeks ago so there were still a few slabs left.

Such a nice beer.

I'd be curious to find out where, I just checked the Prince and they had none.

[Big Kev]

Tried the Schofferhoffer white yesterday. I wasn't impressed with the orange and I sure as hell wasn't impressed with it either. I don't understand how anybody can ruin a wheat beer like that.

Also tried the coopers "first harvest hop beer" and it is sure as hell a hop beer. Tastes like they've boiled the hops for about 40 minutes too long. Going to leave it on the shelf for 6 months and see how it tastes then.

Still can't find any of this hop thief.

[Super Mario]

Also tried the Cascade First Harvest and it is sure as hell a hop beer. Tastes like they've boiled the hops for about 40 minutes too long. Going to leave it on the shelf for 6 months and see how it tastes then.

Still can't find any of this hop thief.
Fixed.
I haven't had this years one but if previous years ones are anything to go by it's bloody beautiful. Cascade used to do seasonal brews I only ever tried an Autumn Amber and Winter Warmer which I which I have fond memories of as they were my first real boutique beers.

Good luck finding the Hop Thief now, looks like you'll have to wait until next year unless you wanna get a case off these guys (http://microbeerclub.com.au/) (better be quick only 10 cases left), $65 a slab though plus P&H I only payed $50 at Dan's when they had it.

Near where I work they can't seem to sell the TEN20 Commemorative Ale, which is good because I can keep stocking up and I doubt you'd be able to find it anywhere else, but bad because if they don't sell they might not get the Mad Brewers next year. I guess I should do the right thing and purchase the rest, at $8 a bottle though it's not cheap.

[Space_Monkey]

Kev I was refering to Acland Cellars

187 Acland St according to googlemaps.

Not positive they'd still have it now.

But you can try.

[Super Mario]

Purchased the remaining Ten20 Commemorative Ales today, now comes the tough decision of drinking one a month until they're all gone or just go nuts one night and drink the lot.

[Big Kev]

One a month. You'll appreciate them more.

Drop 'em all in one night and you'll lose the taste by about the fourth.

[Big Kev]

Kev I was refering to Acland Cellars

187 Acland St according to googlemaps.

Not positive they'd still have it now.

But you can try.

Just phoned in and apparently they have plenty. Thanks for the tip. :D

[Big Kev]

Currently having the hop thief.

First one wasn't that flash, just tasted like water and hops.

Progressive ones after that tasting exactly like "3 ravens american 55" and "Bitter & Twisted", therefore = win. :D

[Citizen Erased]

I bought myself one of those Heienken kegs the other day. Its an overload of fun on the cheap.

[SOX]

Too bad Heineken tastes like crap

[Big Kev]

Yeah, not a fan of the stuff myself.

http://photos-d-0.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs153.snc1/5695_143376734675_731049675_3433867_5935376_n.jpg

6 Barrels on the brew as of today. 15 god damn slabs. Bottling those babies is going to be an absolute BITCH! :P

In furthering my test to see if the brew enhancer 2 tastes any different to the brewblend 15, I've put two coopers greens on with said sugar enhances, plus 100g of maltodextrin in an effort to ensure they retain their head. Also chucked on a plain old coopers lager and coopers draught.

So I found a couple that seem to be quite new to the supermarket shelves. Coopers "real ale" and coopers "english bitter". Did the real ale with a brew enhancer 2, but the english bitter only requested 500g of light dry malt. I checked the alcohol percentage of light dry malt, and it said it came to about 2.5 percent. No thanks bub! Chucked in an extra kilo of dextrose in before realising my mistake, should have only put 500g in. Oh well, either way it's going to be one hell of a strong bloody beer! :D

[Ryan Hayward]

Too bad Heineken tastes like crap

I think the only half decent mainstream beer is becks. Not great but better than the rest by a margin.
When possible and when I can afford it, I love boutique beers like James Squire's Golden Ale or Little Creature's Pale Ale.

[Big Kev]

You should try some 3 ravens, it will blow you away!

[Gilder]

I wish my local bottle shops would stock 3 ravens.

[Super Mario]

Yeah Dan's don't have it either, have been buying Monteith's Winter Ale lately, great stuff @ $50 a slab and 6%

[Michaelangelo]

http://freemantransport.com/news/wp-content/uploads/duvel.jpg

Been drinking these bad boys lately. My favourite.

[Space_Monkey]

Found out that a Tavern in Lake Tyers stocks James Squire Sundown Larger on tap.

Was driving though so I had to tear myself away from the bar.

Next weekend though. :)

[kirok]

Everyone knows the best cold beer is Vic, I sure do know after throwing my guts up on many other brew's whilst being able to hold down more than a carton of vic.

[MacGuyver]

Yeah, not a fan of the stuff myself.

http://photos-d-0.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs153.snc1/5695_143376734675_731049675_3433867_5935376_n.jpg

6 Barrels on the brew as of today. 15 god damn slabs. Bottling those babies is going to be an absolute BITCH! :P

In furthering my test to see if the brew enhancer 2 tastes any different to the brewblend 15, I've put two coopers greens on with said sugar enhances, plus 100g of maltodextrin in an effort to ensure they retain their head. Also chucked on a plain old coopers lager and coopers draught.

So I found a couple that seem to be quite new to the supermarket shelves. Coopers "real ale" and coopers "english bitter". Did the real ale with a brew enhancer 2, but the english bitter only requested 500g of light dry malt. I checked the alcohol percentage of light dry malt, and it said it came to about 2.5 percent. No thanks bub! Chucked in an extra kilo of dextrose in before realising my mistake, should have only put 500g in. Oh well, either way it's going to be one hell of a strong bloody beer! :D

6 brews fermenting at once is a top effort, the most I've ever had on the go was 2. I'd bottle them at different times though otherwise I think I'd go insane!

I've used Coopers Real Ale cans before but never on their own, I've always added a few things in with it as well so you'll have to let us know how it goes. I hope your extra addition of dextrose in the english bitter turns out ok, I reckon it was a good thing you also added the 500g of malt. Too much dextrose on its own will beef up the alcohol content but add nothing to the body of the beer. However this isn't such a bad thing if the beer is really malty (like in an all malt extract recipe). Too much can also cause cider like flavors.

I certainly learnt this the hard way when I added straight dextrose to a Real Ale can and the results weren't pleasant, I believe I called that brew the 'Dex Bomb'. :p

[Big Kev]

Yeah, stuffed up a few brigalow ones by using dextrose instead of a malted blend. They were over sweet, so there were a few non beer drinking types who really enjoyed them, but I also didn't brew them long enough, so they fizzed over too much.

Left my ginger beers on for 6 weeks, so they'd have the chance to brew properly. The one plus side from the brigalow is now I think I've got a fair idea that I can leave brew a while longer and know it will still be safe.

[Cerebral]

http://freemantransport.com/news/wp-content/uploads/duvel.jpg

Been drinking these bad boys lately. My favourite.

I remember drinking one of these in a pub in Bruges, complete with oddly shaped glass (but not with the disproportionate amount of head, unless there's some Belgian thing I'm missing here). It was pretty good.

[Michaelangelo]

Yeah I first got stuck into them in Bruges too, and they all looked like that picture. Those wacky Belgians and their head... Still delicious though, and at 9% you don't need too many of them to get nice and hammered.

[Super Mario]

Anyone tried the White Rabbit (http://www.whiterabbitbeer.com.au/) yet?
http://www.whiterabbitbeer.com.au/images/stories/sample_beer.jpg
I had a couple of their trial brews a few months back and they were great, might make the trip out to Healesville this weekend and have a session with my Dad.

[MacGuyver]

The White Rabbit sounds interesting! I'll keep an eye out for it when they decide to release it, hopefully sometime soon.

[kirok]

It's my 23rd in two days and I am still trying to decide which type or types of alcohol I should consume to commemorate my big day.
If I'm going to drink beer it's going to be Victorian Bitter but beer is a tad bland to be drinking on a birthday or any other big occasion for that matter.

I am leaning towards a Smirnoff premixes as all instances that I have had with Smirnoff has resulted in a drunk and down right disorderly night.
If I choose against vodka it leaves only bourbon as a choice of intoxication and the only bourbon I palate is Wild Turkey and Jim bean which are both quite pricey.

[faceless]

bean infused vodka

[Big Kev]

Anyone tried the White Rabbit (http://www.whiterabbitbeer.com.au/) yet?
http://www.whiterabbitbeer.com.au/images/stories/sample_beer.jpg
I had a couple of their trial brews a few months back and they were great, might make the trip out to Healesville this weekend and have a session with my Dad.

I just popped in to mention that I'm drinking it right now.

Another brewer channeling the glorious taste of the 3 ravens american 55. Top work mario!

Also appreciating a red angus pilsner. For those of you in the know, black angus steak is made from pure grain fed livestock, which is why red angus advertises itself as "pure grain fed beer". I'm not usually a pilsner fan, but this one is mighty tasty. :D

[Zan]

I live in Thornbury, which is basically the home of 3 Ravens. The bottle shop across the road from me has the best local beers I've ever had (and some of the worst lol!).
But yes, I can drink anything 3 ravens and it's all fantastic. My favourites are the 55 pale ale and the bronze. The dark ale was pretty evil though, my bitter tolerance goes low after stout.

As far as common brand beer goes, my favourite is probably hoegaarden. I love the Belgian Beer cafe on Sunday nights, half price muscle pots and drinking one of every variety of the brand.

edit: Big Kev just read your post. I looooove Pilsner and red angus is one of the better ones I've had.

[Gilder]

Bought a six pack of Guinness 250 Anniversary Stout today. I am not a fan of Guinness at all usually or stouts in general (although I don't mind Cooper's Stout), so I am not sure why I picked it up.

But it is pretty great. I'm not sure how fans of the regular will take to it, but it is definitely a Guinness beer you should check out if you don't like Guinness.

[Big Kev]

I live in Thornbury, which is basically the home of 3 Ravens. The bottle shop across the road from me has the best local beers I've ever had (and some of the worst lol!).
But yes, I can drink anything 3 ravens and it's all fantastic. My favourites are the 55 pale ale and the bronze. The dark ale was pretty evil though, my bitter tolerance goes low after stout.

As far as common brand beer goes, my favourite is probably hoegaarden. I love the Belgian Beer cafe on Sunday nights, half price muscle pots and drinking one of every variety of the brand.

edit: Big Kev just read your post. I looooove Pilsner and red angus is one of the better ones I've had.

Which bottle shop? I might have to check it out.

I'm actually noticing now how Dan Murphy's has gone absolutely mental on the boutique beers now. I'm guessing it's just following suit of the first choice liquor, but I must say, having been to dans years ago, and comparing it to dans now, it always had a good range, but the range appears to have tripled. Crazy!

However they still seem to fail at stock rotation.

And I must agree with you on the hoegaarden. That is a mighty beer. In fact, having tasted so many different wheat beers now, and having brewed a couple of my own, I honestly can't understand how so many breweries can get it wrong. That schofferhoffen is a god awful brew, both varieties, and most of the wheat beers I've tasted of late have really fallen flat.

Was curious to find out redback is a wheat beer. Was it always a wheat beer? I remember it tasting like ale on the way down and then stout on the aftertaste.

[Zan]

The place is called Carwyns Cellars
829a High Street
Thornbury VIC 3071

Don't want to disappoint you too much, but the range isn't huge as its quite a small place. There is a lot of interesting stuff I haven't seen elsewhere though.

I had schofferhoffen recently, it was okay. I try anything and everything I can get my hands on though, because I collect beer bottles. :)

[Big Kev]

Yeah, but you'll find some bottleshops house those rare items that no other bottle shops will.

In fact I discovered three ravens from a shop in heathcote of all places, only to find out it was brewed nearby. :P

[Super Mario]

A friend of mine is currently doing a Contiki tour and look at this!:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs165.snc1/6180_149939283975_774223975_3447300_1304015_n.jpg

[Ryan Hayward]

Why is james squire golden ale 10 times better on tap?
I bought a 6 pack today and gotta say I didn't really enjoy it. Mind you, I drunk it out of the bottle, May try a jug next time.....

[Big Kev]

Depends how fresh the beer is.

Squires is an expensive drop, and therefore tends to sit on the shelf for ****ing ages.

It doesn't last as long in kegs, so they only purchase as much as they are likely to move, therefore it tends to be much fresher from the tap.

[Blob]

For those who are ever inclined to end up in canberra theres a little pub/brewery called the 'wig and pen' that does some of the most delectable brews ive had in a long time. They brew their beers on premises and theres a velvet stout there that ive been informed is as close to proper guiness in ireland as you can get (Ive had it myself but never tried real guiness from ireland).
a little bit pricier than other pubs but its worth it.

[Michaelangelo]

A friend of mine is currently doing a Contiki tour and look at this!:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs165.snc1/6180_149939283975_774223975_3447300_1304015_n.jpg


I had Duff beer when I was in San Sebastian. Nearly shat myself when I saw it in the fridge behind the bar! It's surprisingly tasty too! Kind of reminded me of Little Creatures Pale Ale.

[Slippery]

Had 3 Ravens the other night at dinner (the Firestation Cafe in Ivanhoe), absolutely brilliant.

[Big Kev]

Shit, the old firestation's still there?

That was my drinking haunt when I was about 19, back when you could smoke in the pool room.

Considering buying myself one of these babies, whaddya think mario? ;)

http://www.geekologie.com/2008/06/13/cooler-scooter.jpg

[clarky]

Anyone in Melbourne drink "Fat Yak" off tap? It seems to be getting quite popular and rightfully so. Great drop.

[Super Mario]

Considering buying myself one of these babies, whaddya think mario? ;)

http://www.geekologie.com/2008/06/13/cooler-scooter.jpg

Wow, does that have a motor too? How much?

[Space_Monkey]

Anyone in Melbourne drink "Fat Yak" off tap? It seems to be getting quite popular and rightfully so. Great drop.

This seems to be materializing everywhere!

I usually have a few glasses of it when I go back to Lakes Entrance for the weekend as it's the only non-generic brand beer on tap at the Central Pub.

Not my favorite beer but certainly miles ahead of VB.

Anyway tried White Rabbit whilst I was in Brunswick St yesterday at a pizza/bar called Bimbos.

Stunning drink. Smooth, fruity and full of flavor. Sorry I probably won't be back there for a while. :(

[Big Kev]

Wow, does that have a motor too? How much?

About 300 bucks american plus postage. :P

http://www.coolerscooter.com/cooler.htm

[Zan]

Anyway tried White Rabbit whilst I was in Brunswick St yesterday at a pizza/bar called Bimbos.

Stunning drink. Smooth, fruity and full of flavor. Sorry I probably won't be back there for a while. :(

Bimbos is the place where you can eat on the roof yeah? Been there a few times, will have to keep the beer in mind next time.

[Space_Monkey]

Bimbos is the place where you can eat on the roof yeah? Been there a few times, will have to keep the beer in mind next time.

I have never heard of anyone eatting on the roof at Bimbos... :p

Nah actually I only really dropped in for a quick lunch and it was the first time I'd been there, it's entirely possible there's a roof section I missed.

[Zan]

Looked it up, apparently it's a terrace really on the second floor. Apparently they have their own brewed blonde on tap. Worth checking out. :)

[Gilder]

I'm heading to Melbourne, can anyone recommend some places for good beer drinking?

[Super Mario]

Either of the James Squire Brewhouses
Belgian Beer Gardens
Transport
Young & Jacksons
I know the sell shit beer but you can't really beat the M.C.G

[Big Kev]

It's with pride that I'd like to introduce the latest additions to my brew collection:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f366/Loafaeralus/kegs.jpg

They're old coca cola post mix kegs from my best friend's husband. He's worked in the hospitality industry for god knows how long, and had four of them sitting out in the back shed, he said I could have three of them for free and he'd chase up a tap set and a beer pouring gun for me too. :D

I took the kegs into the brew shop today to confirm they'd be ok for brew, and the guy said they'd be fine. I bought myself some new lines while I was there, so now all I have to do is clean them out and buy myself a regulator and one of those swapover gas bottles, and it's keg time! :D

[Zan]

I'm heading to Melbourne, can anyone recommend some places for good beer drinking?

Little Creatures have a restaurant thingy on Brunswick Street now. Need to go check it out myself.

[MacGuyver]

It's with pride that I'd like to introduce the latest additions to my brew collection:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f366/Loafaeralus/kegs.jpg

They're old coca cola post mix kegs from my best friend's husband. He's worked in the hospitality industry for god knows how long, and had four of them sitting out in the back shed, he said I could have three of them for free and he'd chase up a tap set and a beer pouring gun for me too. :D

I took the kegs into the brew shop today to confirm they'd be ok for brew, and the guy said they'd be fine. I bought myself some new lines while I was there, so now all I have to do is clean them out and buy myself a regulator and one of those swapover gas bottles, and it's keg time! :D

That's awesome! Have you got somewhere to keep them all cold at once? A mate of mine is trying to find a chest freezer so he can keep about 6 kegs in there at a time (with a temp. regulator attached). :D

[Big Kev]

Nah, was thinking of looking around for a mini fridge, but yeah, kind of don't have the room for any more stuff in the shed, so I came up with a bright idea.

The way I figure it, I can just buy 3 cheap household style rubbish bins from bunnings, sit the kegs in them and chuck a few bags of ice around them. That way they're all cold and ready to go, and I can just change over as need be. :D

Looking forward to holding a keg party in summer. Filled them up today and primed them, so they'll be mighty tasty by the time i've got the gas bottles. :D

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f366/Loafaeralus/kegs2.jpg

[Super Mario]

I love your kitchen.

[Big Kev]

Yeah, I don't really cook in it. Just brew. Bench side is all washing, bottling and boiling, opposite side is all brew barrels and shelves of beer.

Going to put a few more on tomorrow night. Got a mount mellick's cream ale. This one is going to be my holy grail, because when I first started, I tried making that stuff on two separate occasions, and both batches failed to brew. Just flat out failed. It was weird, so I'm giving it a crack soon and hoping for the best.

Having a bit of trouble chasing up coriander seeds though. You see i was moving through the brew shop the other day, and pulled apart a hoegaarden kit to compare the ingredient prices to the kitted price, and they've pretty much jacked the kit price set to about 20 bucks above separate purchase price. So I got all the separate purchase price bits, and figured I'd go look for whole coriander seeds elsewhere. The only place I can see that sells them is IGA which has them for 3 bucks for 45 grams, but there must be some holistic place that will have them in large quantities. Any suggestions guys?

So other plans as they stand for now, a couple more experimental coopers greens to be made. I'm currently looking at putting in some tartaric acid (stuff they put in cordial and sherbert) but I still have to do the maths on that one, and quite possibly look at adding Diammonium phosphate considering yeast apparently doesn't thrive on acidic brews.

Just bought a whole bottle of some strange 20 dollar bitters (as in lemon lime and bitters style of bitters), if that tastes interesting enough I'll be chucking that in with a coopers lager or something equally as bland to give it a chance to bring a bit of flavour through.
http://www.firlehealth.com.au/images/hh_swed.jpg

I also found somewhere that actually has 100% pomegranate juice. Things just keep getting more and more interesting. :D

Oh, and in other exciting news, I've been chasing around for god knows how long for a pair of mini digital kitchen scales for sorting out my yeast, hops and other grain/malt quantities, and have always found them to be in the price range of 200-450 bucks each, I've been trying and trying to find secondhand sets, and never succeeded.

Today I walked into safeway (woolworths for non locals, hell, I think it's now changed names to woolworths) to get a rinder for the next hoegaarden batch, much to my shock and absolute ****ing delight, found some mini digital kitchen scales on sale in the homeware section for 16 ****ing bucks!!! I'm over the ****ing moon! :D:D:D

[Space_Monkey]

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7733/27082009922.th.jpg (http://img137.imageshack.us/i/27082009922.jpg/)

Not strictly beer I know but I'm very pleased now the less.

It's the only bottle of proper Absinthe that I've owned, imported from France and the sales Clerk swore to me it's the same brand as they serve in brothels in Holland. :)

The website states that it was banned from 1912 onwards and only recently has started being reproduced. It also claims to be the original recipe. Going on to claim it's the brand that such artists as Picasso, van Gogh and Oscar Wilde enjoyed in the 19th century.

To get techy, it has 69% alc, it's contains 35 mgs of Wormwood per lt as apposed to other brands that only have 10 mgs to a lt, it also has the European Union's legal limit thujone content. It's not strictly legal because of the Wormwood content, as 10mg is the allowed limit in Australia but I'm sure the police won't be beating at my door because of it.

It tastes amazing and warms your throat for a good five minutes after drinking. As you can see I bought the holed spoon and I plan to enjoy it over a flaming suger cube and maybe iced water. Although at $179 a bottle I'm going to kinda poor for a little while. :(

[MacGuyver]

Having a bit of trouble chasing up coriander seeds though. You see i was moving through the brew shop the other day, and pulled apart a hoegaarden kit to compare the ingredient prices to the kitted price, and they've pretty much jacked the kit price set to about 20 bucks above separate purchase price. So I got all the separate purchase price bits, and figured I'd go look for whole coriander seeds elsewhere. The only place I can see that sells them is IGA which has them for 3 bucks for 45 grams, but there must be some holistic place that will have them in large quantities. Any suggestions guys?

What sort of volume are you looking at for your Hoegaarden and how much coriander do you usually put in? I'm in the process of getting together the ingredients for a Hoegaarden clone myself and most recipes I've seen suggest somewhere between 6 to 14g of crushed coriander seeds for a 23L batch but it varies wildly, I guess it's really dependent on your tastes. I was just going to head down to the spices isle in my local supermarket to get the coriander seeds (unless I hear otherwise from my mate who recently made a Belgian wit) but I'm sure I heard somewhere that Indian supermarkets might be a good place to get better quality coriander seeds.

What yeast are you looking at using? I've gone the whole hog and got some Wyeast 3944 Belgian Wit yeast. It was $15 a pack but I'm going to split it into smaller batches so I can reuse it multiple times.

Awesome find on the digital kitchen scale, it really does make a big difference when you're measuring out hops and stuff.

[enrique]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f366/Loafaeralus/kegs2.jpg

Great kitchen Big Kev, it is my dream to have a kitchen like that, some day.

Who needs to cook anyway when you've got a setup like that? :D

[Big Kev]

What sort of volume are you looking at for your Hoegaarden and how much coriander do you usually put in? I'm in the process of getting together the ingredients for a Hoegaarden clone myself and most recipes I've seen suggest somewhere between 6 to 14g of crushed coriander seeds for a 23L batch but it varies wildly, I guess it's really dependent on your tastes. I was just going to head down to the spices isle in my local supermarket to get the coriander seeds (unless I hear otherwise from my mate who recently made a Belgian wit) but I'm sure I heard somewhere that Indian supermarkets might be a good place to get better quality coriander seeds.

What yeast are you looking at using? I've gone the whole hog and got some Wyeast 3944 Belgian Wit yeast. It was $15 a pack but I'm going to split it into smaller batches so I can reuse it multiple times.

Awesome find on the digital kitchen scale, it really does make a big difference when you're measuring out hops and stuff.

Incidentally, a mate of mine who is fijian indian suggested an indian grocery store, found one nearby that was selling 500g bags for $5.40! Shits all over the supermarket 45g for $3.50. :D

I bought a kilo and a half. I plan to make a shitload of hoegaardens. The one I usually go with is the 21L brewcraft style, I did it with 23l and it just tasted weak, so going to stick to 21L. But yeah, having purchased my own coriander and buying the kitted stuff separate has knocked the price down by 20 bucks alone. I'm just using the standard safwheat yeast that the brew shop supplies. How many grams in the belgian wit yeast pack? I might have to look at some bulk yeasting myself. Going to have a play with a few more grams of coriander and see what sort of effects I can produce. I think the brewcraft one uses 100g coriander. Might even look at bulk malting while I'm at it, but I heard it dries up pretty nastily.

BTW, what was that brew program you said you used to calculate your stuff? I'm thinking of trying my hand at AG and I really need a starting point.

[MacGuyver]

The Wyeast 3944 Belgian wit yeast is a liquid yeast, I think it's about 125ml of culture - enough for one brew but you can easily split it into smaller batches and continually grow it up. So like all yeasts, from one packet you can get several brews out of it if you keep harvesting it (as long as you're sterile technique is fine!).

The brewing program I was talking about is called Beersmith:

http://www.beersmith.com/

It gives you a free 21 day trial, and after that you can keep editing existing recipes for another 24 days (can't create new ones) until the trial expires.

Here's another free program that I've been checking out lately that is probably easier to use than Brewsmith and quite good as it lets you work with pre-hopped kits (like Coops cans) as well as extracts and grains:

http://www.aussiehomebrewer.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=29655

Just check out some of the later pages to get the newest version. It's constantly being updated, but I think Brewsmith is still the best brewing program at the moment.

[Big Kev]

Ah, yeast culturing. Another art in itself. You know you can use beer to culture your own yeast too? In fact 3 ravens culture their own yeast from each batch and put it back into the next, so when you think about it, some of that beer has years old beer attatched to it. ;)

[Lazlow]

Bought a 4 pack of La Trappe Tripel. This is a tasty beer; sweetly fruity, bitter, and fairly hoppy. Not much of an aftertaste, with some dryness. At 8% it also packs some punch.

[Big Kev]

I had a dubbel, a tripel and a quadrupel and I swear to god it near on floored me. Strong beer. :D

[Theiffy]

*posting on theiffy's account 'cause I cbf logging off*

Got stuck into the coopers yesterday arvo. Only took 8 beers to get me stark raving maggoted. Amazing!

[Big Kev]

Coopers red that is. 5.7% alc vol.

[Super Mario]

You gotta try the vintage, 7.5%

[Gilder]

Vintage didn't really do much for me taste wise but the effects hit me fairly quickly.

I've tried out Coopers 62 Pilsner this week. It's ok but nothing particularly remarkable, I won't be rushing out to buy it again.

Went to the James Squire brewery in Melbourne last week and was overjoyed to see they had Sundown Lager back. Word from a mate of mine is they are going to integrate it as a permanent part of their range. Excellent.

[Big Kev]

There really is hardly any diff in taste between the red and the green. First time I tried the red, I remember not liking it very much.

Then again, didn't much like the green back then either. ;)

[Super Mario]

Vintage didn't really do much for me taste wise but the effects hit me fairly quickly.

I've tried out Coopers 62 Pilsner this week. It's ok but nothing particularly remarkable, I won't be rushing out to buy it again.

Went to the James Squire brewery in Melbourne last week and was overjoyed to see they had Sundown Lager back. Word from a mate of mine is they are going to integrate it as a permanent part of their range. Excellent.

Which JS did you go to? They are both good, the Russel st one does get packed though.

Keen to try the Coopers Pilsner, but want spend more than $40 on it, I don't rate Coopers that highly.

[Gilder]

The Russel St one. It was a Sunday night so it was pretty quiet though.

[Big Kev]

So just buy the one and try it.

Just had a hefeweizen and a redback. Both very poor wheat beers imo.

Currently having a fat yak. ****ing tasty.

[Super Mario]

So just buy the one and try it.

Just had a hefeweizen and a redback. Both very poor wheat beers imo.
I hate you sometimes.

Currently having a fat yak. ****ing tasty.
Try the Alpha Pale Ale if you can find it, it's also made by Matilda Bay and is also an American Pale Ale style beer but more intense. A couple of my mates whose opinions I trust didn't like it as much as the Fat Yak, but I loved it.

[Big Kev]

Yeah, I'll totally check that out.

And dude, until all wheat beers start tasting like hoegaarden, they've all got a long way to go.

[Gilder]

While hoegaarden is my favourite wheat beer, I do have time for Redback. It's not quite as filling and its flavour isn't as distinct so you can throw back a few more if you are inclined. It can be a bit better value for money sometimes.

A new week and a new beer. Tried out Moneith's Honey Spiced Summer Ale after previously enjoying their Winter Ale. I'm really enjoying it, it has kind of a ginger beer like flavour without the burn associated with ginger. Splendid.

[Blob]

A new week and a new beer. Tried out Moneith's Honey Spiced Summer Ale after previously enjoying their Winter Ale. I'm really enjoying it, it has kind of a ginger beer like flavour without the burn associated with ginger. Splendid.

Thats exactly what I thought too. Actually most of the monteiths range is solid. Its New Zealands James Squire range for me.
Im surprised the summer range is still around. Or is it not a limited release range unlike the squires?

[Super Mario]

http://www.theage.com.au/small-business/startup/brewery-rises-from-black-saturday-ashes-20090915-fold.html

Nice to see Hargreaves Hill are back on their feet, I've always thought their beers where some of the best going around.

[Big Kev]

Yeah, was reading about that in the Beer and Brew magazine.

They also had a hilarious article on why beer should be consumed from a glass.

There's one quote from it that just perfectly sums up the wankery of it all. I'll have to post it up later.

[Super Mario]

Great mag isn't it.

[Big Kev]

Yeah, I've really quite enjoyed it.

So back to that topic on the glass, this lady has spent 4 page crapping on about how important it is to have your beer from a glass, because aroma is supposed to make up 85% of flavour, and that rounded rims deliver the beer to the front of the palate, and that flat rims deliver it to the back of the palate; and then as if to reinforce her views, refers to some chick from a glass company, as if to say "see, told you so!!!".


---Spiegelau, who is leading the way in tailoring glassware for specific beer styles, is very much focused on the total enhancement of the beer drinking aexperience. As beer is also gaining a reputation for it's ability to harmonisise gastronomically, the beer glass is even more important. Duley states, "Functionality in the delivery is what is most important along with the beer glass having the aesthetics to sit on the table.--"

I couln't have laughed harder. "It's important for a glass to work like a glass, and look good."

That's 4 wasted pages of crapping on about the importance of glassware! :D

[Super Mario]

I'm not fussy on what shape of glass is used just as long as it's clean. I hate drinking good beer out of a bottle.

[Big Kev]

Haha, I'd drink good beer out of a shoe, as long as I was drinking good beer. ;)

[faceless]

all class as usual, Big Kev

[Big Kev]

It's called humour.

Look it up some time.

[Space_Monkey]

Been enjoying White Rabbit for the past few days.

Possibly the finest drop I've had all year and with the Squire Limited Releases thats a really tough call.

It's so dark and smooth, full of flavour.

Anyone else getting in on this action?

Also I picked up the last few bottles from the bottle shop and I haven't seen it anywhere else. Was this only a very small release? Is there more coming soon?

[VanAce]

Still need to try this. This is a list of places you can find it on tap (http://www.whiterabbitbeer.com.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,3/catid,5/func,view/id,26/)

Last time I went to Dan Murphys it was there.

[Space_Monkey]

Still need to try this. This is a list of places you can find it on tap (http://www.whiterabbitbeer.com.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,3/catid,5/func,view/id,26/)

Last time I went to Dan Murphys it was there.

Thanks man. Believe it or not but there's not a Dan Murphys less than half an hours drive from my place (and I live in the suburbs) will have to make the road trip to one though.

I actually had it on tap at Bimbos a few weeks ago strangely I don't remember haveing a very strong reaction to the flavour though, although I wasn't really sober at the time. :)

[Super Mario]

So did anyone else find the TEN20 Commemorative Ale from Malt Shovel's Mad Brewers? I bought the last few my local had and haven't seen them anywhere else. If you guys thought the Hop Thief was good this is even better, comes in at 7.9%, has a strong dark flavour overloaded with hops and has taught me how good an I.P.A can be.

10/10

[MacGuyver]

That Ten20 ale sounds awesome but I haven't been able to find it in Perth yet. :( Damn limited editions!

[REQUIEM]

It's called humour.

Look it up some time.

Its a trait SEVERLY lacking in these barron threads.

As for beer, well thats easy I will drink anything if your paying for it, if not then a Pint of pale is nice of a Carling Black Label if im grabbing a bottle.

[Super Mario]

Anyone got any plans for Oktoberfest?

[MacGuyver]

I'm going to a mates place who is putting on a German BBQ of sorts with things like kranskys and bratwursts along with genuine Weihenstephan decorations that he brought from Germany - flags, table cloths, etc. We've got some Oktoberfest 'drinking music' as well. He also made an Oktoberfest lager a few months ago which has recently been put into a keg and is ready to go!

Rules are that you have to bring your own stein and some German beer.

[Big Kev]

Nah, near on got arrested last oktoberfest, leading me to refer to the shitstorm at the dandenong showgrounds as "Cop Quota Fest".

Unless I can find a decent alternative, I'll probably give it a miss this year.

Anyways, tried a VB Raw today. Shite.

Currently drinking a Razorback red. Fairly poor as far as celtic reds go.

Got a shitload more to get through tonight too, so there shall be more edits. :D

[Super Mario]

There's a beerfest at the Dandenong showground???


THAT'S CLOSE TO MY HOUSE!!!!

[Gilder]

Currently drinking a Razorback red. Fairly poor as far as celtic reds go.


Is there a celtic red that is widely available that you can recommend? I have had some good ones on tap at various micro breweries but I haven't been able to find one to enjoy at home.

[Big Kev]

There's a beerfest at the Dandenong showground???


THAT'S CLOSE TO MY HOUSE!!!!

It was shit, trust me.

20 tickets upon entry. 1 beer per 6 tickets. Beers were half sized pot glasses.

The place was near on deserted. They closed the joint down at 11.30.

Is there a celtic red that is widely available that you can recommend? I have had some good ones on tap at various micro breweries but I haven't been able to find one to enjoy at home.

Not so much widely available, but if you can find it check out the beechworth celtic red, and the even rarer red duck golden dragon. Good like finding the golden dragon though, I have to get that baby from a country town, and even then they hardly ever have it in stock. Might have to mail you a stubby one day. It's strong, and not easy to taste, but if you're on a hot summers day and feeling relaxed, pour it into a glass, sit on the back deck, put on some nice music and sip it in small and slow doses. It really hits you that one.

Mildura Brewery Mallee Bull Heavy.

I'm finding myself not liking this one. I don't like amber ales. And yet I'm strangely liking this one. Might have something to do with the 2 coopers reds I've polished off beforehand, but this oen is tasting strangely foul yet nice at the same time. I'm really enjoying it.

Redoak organic pale ale: Seems like the secret ingredient is Feijoea. Considering I love feijoeas this is a good thing for me, may be a bit rough for other people though.

Birra Moretti: Like a bad VB.

[MacGuyver]

It was shit, trust me.

20 tickets upon entry. 1 beer per 6 tickets. Beers were half sized pot glasses.

The place was near on deserted. They closed the joint down at 11.30.

That sounds pretty woeful. I went to one last year at a pub that cost $35 to get in but that gave you a 1L stein to keep and it was filled with beer, $15 to fill it back up again. Later on in the proceedings a mate decided to get a litre of Wild Turkey and coke, cost him $29! They also had a competition to see who could hold 2x 1L steins with arms held out away from your body for the longest which was pretty funny to watch as the contestants struggled.

The same pub is putting on an Oktoberfest this year but they've increased the cost of entry but giving you less for your coin so I won't be going.

[Big Kev]

That sounds pretty woeful. I went to one last year at a pub that cost $35 to get in but that gave you a 1L stein to keep and it was filled with beer, $15 to fill it back up again. Later on in the proceedings a mate decided to get a litre of Wild Turkey and coke, cost him $29! They also had a competition to see who could hold 2x 1L steins with arms held out away from your body for the longest which was pretty funny to watch as the contestants struggled.

The same pub is putting on an Oktoberfest this year but they've increased the cost of entry but giving you less for your coin so I won't be going.

Always the case when it gets popular.

I think I might look around to see what's on this year. Try and find myself a nice little venue to drink myself silly at. :D

[Super Mario]

They also had a competition to see who could hold 2x 1L steins with arms held out away from your body for the longest which was pretty funny to watch as the contestants struggled.


I imagine the hardest part would be not drinking the beer!

[Big Kev]

I'm guessing Oktoberfestivities begin this weekend.

What have you got planned Mario?

[REQUIEM]

Nah, near on got arrested last oktoberfest, leading me to refer to the shitstorm at the dandenong showgrounds as "Cop Quota Fest".

Unless I can find a decent alternative, I'll probably give it a miss this year.

Anyways, tried a VB Raw today. Shite.

Currently drinking a Razorback red. Fairly poor as far as celtic reds go.

Got a shitload more to get through tonight too, so there shall be more edits. :D

My brotherinlaw was arrested at last years oktoberfest for stopping a cop go nuts on his mate who was arrested for singing the collingwood song. The cop went dirty harry on him and when my bro stepped in the both were knicked. The quoter sounds right to me.

[Big Kev]

Yep.

The only people who volunteer to miss out on big parties are the ones who are in it for the power trip.

They know that when alcohol is involved, they've got a free reign.

[Zan]

Went to check out the Peacock Inn Hotel tonight here in Northcote, looking for a venue for my sisters 21st. They have White Rabbit dark ale on tap, and decided to give it a try to see what all the rage is about.

I'm in love.

[Big Kev]

Welcome to the dark side mate.

You are now embracing the forefront of the American Pale Ale revolution.

[Second]

Yep.

The only people who volunteer to miss out on big parties are the ones who are in it for the power trip.

They know that when alcohol is involved, they've got a free reign.

Yeah mate, that's exactly it, mate. The cops, they be out to get you!!
The poor, innocent, drunken bogan smoking on the train. How dare they!?! My God, those cops, they're power tripping so bad.

[Gilder]

Does anyone know if they are distributing White Rabbit outside Victoria yet? I'm chomping at the bit to try it out.

[Big Kev]

No idea on the white rabbits. I'm sure if you're well off in the cash dept. you could pay a fortune to get an online company to ship them to you.

Tried a birra morettie, samuel adams and hansa the other day.

Samuel adams is like a weak little creatures, birra moretti is like italian vb, and the hansa, dunno really. Tasty little german beer though.

[Cerebral]

Yeah mate, that's exactly it, mate. The cops, they be out to get you!!
The poor, innocent, drunken bogan smoking on the train. How dare they!?! My God, those cops, they're power tripping so bad.

**** tha police.

[kirok]

Is there any fan's of Carlton Cold here?

[Blue]

Is there any fan's of Carlton Cold here?I don't know why anybody would drink that beer.

[kirok]

I don't know why anybody would drink that beer.

What if they where really thirsty and hadn't had a drink in over 4 hours also they had been in the hot sun in the middle of summer and someone else comes up randomly and offers them a Icy Cold Carlton Cold beer you think they would take it?

[Blue]

What if they where really thirsty and hadn't had a drink in over 4 hours also they had been in the hot sun in the middle of summer and someone else comes up randomly and offers them a Icy Cold Carlton Cold beer you think they would take it?Yeah, but I was, you know, talking realistically.

Why anyone would purchase Carlton Cold over other equivalent beers is a mystery to me.

[kirok]

Yeah, but I was, you know, talking realistically.

Why anyone would purchase Carlton Cold over other equivalent beers is a mystery to me.

Good price, reasonable flavor and they don't get you to smashed so you can still play a little Xbox or make a few post's.

[Blue]

Good price, reasonable flavor and they don't get you to smashed so you can still play a little Xbox or make a few post's.There are better tasting beers for a similar price. I'm not going to sit at home and drink beer and post on a forum, and I certainly wouldn't drink enough by myself to get even slightly drunk, let alone smashed.

Although if you do drink Colds before posting, that explains a lot. ;) I thought they were full-strength, anyway?

[fearofthesky]

Carlton Cold has no flavour. None! Its crisp and refreshing, sure, but honestly I'd rather drink Corona. And that shit has an aftertaste that makes you believe the brewers got drunk on Limoncillo and pissed into the brewing vat. Repeatedly. Probably while laughing at the thought of the stupid pendehos who are gonna buy it and imagine they are lying on an idyllic Mexican beach while drinking it.

[Zan]

Coldies are too foamy, I think I drink them too fast and I feel bloaty. (O-.-O)
I dunno why you'd want to drink it on a hot day.

I used to drink a lot of Carlton dry. it wasn't especially great, but the stuff was the opposite of bloaty and I could often buy it for $20 a slab. Was great in the summer.

[Big Kev]

Yeah mate, that's exactly it, mate. The cops, they be out to get you!!
The poor, innocent, drunken bogan smoking on the train. How dare they!?! My God, those cops, they're power tripping so bad.

I didn't have the cash to get drunk, and I sure as hell wasn't on that train, but you already knew that.

I knew the whole leaving me alone thing wouldn't last. The funny part is you keep telling me *I* am the one who can't let go.

Is there any fan's of Carlton Cold here?

Used to drink it exclusively in high school, but found it gives you the most horrifying beer breath. It has somewhat of a 10x multiplier on beer breath.

[Super Mario]

Good news for you blokes in Perth!
There is much excitement this month for our fans in the west with the http://www.jamessquire.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/gsbperth.jpg (http://www.jamessquire.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/gsbperth.jpg)opening of our new James Squire Brewhouse site The Generous Squire, in the emerging Murray Street precinct of the Perth CBD. This venue owned and operated by successful Perth publican family Danny & Rob Kapinkoff represents the next generation of James Squire licensed brewpubs. Like all the James Squire Brewhouses, visitors will find the full Squires family (including IPA) on tap, plus two in house brews once the brewery fires up later in the month. The Generous Squire presents in a more contemporary feel compared to our existing sites in the eastern states and is certainly worth a visit if and when you find yourself in Perth.
http://www.jamessquire.com.au/blog/index.php/2009/10/06/news-from-the-brewery-2/

[Second]

I didn't have the cash to get drunk, and I sure as hell wasn't on that train, but you already knew that.I had to take the drunk bogan home, who missed his train because he was caught by the cops for hanging outside the train smoking.

I knew the whole leaving me alone thing wouldn't last. The funny part is you keep telling me *I* am the one who can't let go. So I'm not allowed to make a comment on anything you say at all, am I rite? Not even to point out where you're just full of shit?

[Big Kev]

I had to take the drunk bogan home, who missed his train because he was caught by the cops for hanging outside the train smoking.

Now you ARE admitting I wasn't on the train. And by christ I wasn't ****ing drunk.

So I'm not allowed to make a comment on anything you say at all, am I rite? Not even to point out where you're just full of shit?

I've given YOU that courtesy up until now. I expect the same in return.

Just shut up and stop being such a douche.

LET GO.

[faceless]

maybe you should just accept the fact that the world isn't out to get you, and the reason that everyone thinks you're a moron is because you are actually a ****ING MORON.

[Second]

Now you ARE admitting I wasn't on the train. And by christ I wasn't ****ing drunk.



I've given YOU that courtesy up until now. I expect the same in return.

Just shut up and stop being such a douche.

LET GO.
"COPS ARE ****S! THEY CAUGHT ME SMOKING ON THE TRAIN AFTER A NIGHT OF DRINKING! I BET THEY HAVE A QUOTA FOR CATCHING BOGANS LIKE ME, AMIRITE?"
"But you were smoking on the train, staggering around like a drunk."
"WHY CAN'T YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE?!"

[Big Kev]

Dude, that's the second time you've changed the story. You expect anyone to take you seriously?

You can't even handle basic logic any more man. You're a living, breathing advertisement against home schooling.

Just let go man.

[Jickle]

Anyways, tried a VB Raw today. Shite.

They're not so bad! I was at a party a while back with a fridge full of them. I was halfway through the first bottle before I even realised they were VBs.

Long story short, they were decent enough for me to get embarrassingly drunk on. I had to get off the bus home because I desperately needed to urinate, and the ensuing taxi ride cost me $21. Good times.

Lately I've developed a taste for Bee Sting Honey Wheat Beer. Doesn't go so well with food, but it's very pleasant.

[Big Kev]

Haha, I'm unfortunate enough to be one of those people who can't stand honey, so unfortunately a whole heap of honey beers will never be appreciated by me.

Although I did taste a beer recently with feijoia in it. Magic.

[Second]

Hi my name is big kev, I cant stand honey because of all the bullshit flowing out of my mouth.

[MacGuyver]

Good news for you blokes in Perth!

http://www.jamessquire.com.au/blog/index.php/2009/10/06/news-from-the-brewery-2/

That's awesome news, I've been waiting for ages for that place to open! :D

[Big Kev]

Hi my name is big kev, I cant stand honey because of all the bullshit flowing out of my mouth.

You're still going?

Let go. For your own sake. You really are proving yourself to be absolutely pathetic.

[Second]

hurdi dur dur pigs r ****s amirite

[Super Mario]

Jesus have a ***kin vb guys.

[REQUIEM]

Now you ARE admitting I wasn't on the train. And by christ I wasn't ****ing drunk.



I've given YOU that courtesy up until now. I expect the same in return.

Just shut up and stop being such a douche.

LET GO.

Dam BK, I thought I was the only one that suffered from 2nd's pathetic attempts at trolling. He cant help it he is an attention seeker.

ON TOPIC: Just grabbed a carton of Miller's Chill and a 6 pack of guiness to start em off. They arent to bad at all.

[Big Kev]

All your countless and weak attempts have been denied.

Just give up.

[REQUIEM]

All your countless and weak attempts have been denied.

Just give up.

Agreed.

[Cerebral]

Finally had the chance to taste the future in my mouth.

It sucked.

[Big Kev]

Currently drinking Baron's "lemon myrtle whitbier". Not bad. Can't say I'm a big fan of citrus beers, but it's not foul like most of the wheat beers i've tasted of late, so can't discredit it for that. ;)

[fearofthesky]

Finally had the chance to taste the future in my mouth.

It sucked.

I saw that ad, but by the time I'd finished laughing, I had forgotton the name of the beer!

What was it ftr? I don't really want to google "taste the future in your mouth".

[Cerebral]

Carlton Natural Blonde.

More like Carlton Natural watered down and really unfortunate we also had a slab of Boags Premium to drink.

[fearofthesky]

All those "blonde" beers are shite, to me. Pure Blonde improves a little bit on tap, but I only know that because one night thats the only beer they had left!

Grr. Everyone at my cricket club loves them and freakin' Corona (and TED's, blergh). They finally have VB back in the fridge after hassling everyone about it all last season. Win! They also have Carlton Dry and Draught so I suppose this Blonde will be in their soon too. Come on guys how about some Coopers?

[Super Mario]

Is Tom Green in that ad or is it just me?
CG3gQ_I1L3E

[Super Mario]

This is a beer thread mate, **** off.

[Big Kev]

Was reading up on the beer and brewer mag about the influx of "blonde" beers, apparently it's due to a genetically engineered variety of hop that makes the beer impervious to uv rays, therefore able to be put in clear bottles.

That being said, they still haven't figured out a way to improve the taste. :P

[Super Mario]

Pride of Ringwood iirc, also has super high acidic taste and the crops are significantly larger than other varieties that it dominates the hop industry.

[Dorkify]

Your computer chair.

[Second]

Massive burn. I'm going to go sit in the corner now.

[MacGuyver]

Was reading up on the beer and brewer mag about the influx of "blonde" beers, apparently it's due to a genetically engineered variety of hop that makes the beer impervious to uv rays, therefore able to be put in clear bottles.

That being said, they still haven't figured out a way to improve the taste. :P

I thought the reason breweries were able to put beer in clear bottles was due to the use of a hop concentrate called isohops. From what I've heard some breweries don't brew with hops at all but will add in a squirt of isohops to the beer while it's on the way to be bottled. Other breweries will brew with hops, but adjust the final bitterness with isohops (after they've watered down the brew! :D ) before bottling.

Real hops when exposed to light cause 'skunking' in beer due to compound changes or something. But maybe they've now found a way to get around having to use isohops with genetically engineered hops.

This is only what I've heard though, don't take it as gospel!

[Big Kev]

That sounds familiar.

Guess it's time to go back over it and read up again. :D

[Super Mario]

I think I've asked before but have any of you dudes tried this beer?
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs026.snc1/3138_68807704684_45016049684_1718129_3511330_n.jpg
I think it is truly exceptional, it's made by a bunch of mates in a backyard in Rosanna, VIC.

Anyway they have announced they are about to make their first batch of Kooinda Hurricane IPA, I seriously cannot wait to try this.

[Gilder]

I actually tried that when I was last in Melbourne after a random recommendation from a bartender. It was pretty good.

[Satanarchist]

I find an nice pint of Mountain Goat goes down well.

Bleeds what little cash I have in my wallet though.

[Spazzallo]

Bought a beer called Schloss from Aldi tonight. It isn't too bad but probably won't buy again. The after taste is a bit too bitter.

[Cerebral]

Tiger is the worst gibb damn beer in history

[Big Kev]

Did it not taste like real tiger? :D

I think I've asked before but have any of you dudes tried this beer?
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs026.snc1/3138_68807704684_45016049684_1718129_3511330_n.jpg
I think it is truly exceptional, it's made by a bunch of mates in a backyard in Rosanna, VIC.

Anyway they have announced they are about to make their first batch of Kooinda Hurricane IPA, I seriously cannot wait to try this.

I bought a six pack for about 26 bucks after reading rave reviews in a brew mag. It tasted like water and hops. Wasn't happy.

[Zan]

Tiger is the worst gibb damn beer in history

You've never drank a can of Budd Light.

Tiger is okay, it has that weird hint of coppery aftertaste that freaks me out though.

[VanAce]

I've been drinking Fat Yak lately. A very lovely beer.

[Big Kev]

**** yeah man, if you can get your hands on a 3 ravens american 55, you'll be blown away. :D Tastes practically the same except lighter and more flavoursome. :D

[Gilder]

Did a quick trip to Melbourne this weekend. Finally got my hands on White Rabbit and it was absolutely worth finding. Everything I love about Little Creatures in the form of a dark ale. I hope it gets a broader distribution soon.

Had a couple of beers tonight at the Redoak brewery in Sydney. Had their Irish Red Ale. Tasty.

[Second]

5 Seeds is freaking awesome.

That is all.

[Big Kev]

Tried one last night. They're not that great.

[Second]

They're a nice change from Strongbow.

[MacGuyver]

I don't mind the 5 seeds but I'd prefer Little Creatures Pipsqueak cider. I've made a cider myself that has turned out pretty awesome so that's what I usually turn to these days if I'm in the mood for some cider.

[REQUIEM]

Just grabbed a carton of Carlton Dry Fusion "lemon" for my day of Forza 3 and Borderlands gaming and I must say its the nicest Lager I have had for a while. Highly recommended as I dont normally go for the mixes but this one is top notch. $42 a carton in Adelaide.

[Super Mario]

GTFO.







About to head into the Little Creatures Dining Hall!

:coolface:

[Gilder]

Yeah those Carlton Fusion beers are absolute arse.

EDIT: I'm also not really impressed by 5 seeds. If a cider not as good as Bulmers, I don't want to know about it.

[VanAce]

Just grabbed a carton of Carlton Dry Fusion "lemon" for my day of Forza 3 and Borderlands gaming and I must say its the nicest Lager I have had for a while. Highly recommended as I dont normally go for the mixes but this one is top notch. $42 a carton in Adelaide.

We never sell it at work. We have a about 8 slabs of it about to go out of date.

[Big Kev]

Let's admit it.

It's a shandy.

[Jickle]

At least it's better than Miller's Chill.

[fearofthesky]

And Corona. Why oh why do people like that swill?

[Big Kev]

Because it's the non-beer drinker's beer.

It doesn't taste like beer, so they can stomach it. There's also the part about it being "fashionable" to drink, in clubs etc. Which is kind of funny when you think about how much they are paying for it, compared to the conversion rate of mexican currency.

[Ali G]

To give Coronas some credit, they're what got me into liking beer. Never drink them anymore, though.

[texta]

I'm not a fan of any beer that smells or tastes like lemon fresh.

[Cerebral]

The first time I had a Corona I thought I was drinking soda water.

[fearofthesky]

The first time I had a Corona I thought I was drinking soda water.
This! I go out of my way to tell people all these things whenever I see them drinking them while out. They cost more than a pint of James Squire or Guinness quite often. And the lemon! :eek:

Any fans of Guinness here btw? It took me quite some time to appreciate it, but now I love it. Coopers' Best Extra Stout is fantastic too. Completely diffrent style of beer, even though they are both black as the night.

[texta]

I've always had a rough policy that the quality of beer is proportional to how dark it is. The exact inverse of my policy regarding people. :p

[Big Kev]

Yeah, let's not forget the origin of the lemon.

It's adapted from mexico, where they put a section of lime (not lemon) in the top to stop the FLIES from getting into the bottle. Yep, that's high quality beer right there.

[Rambo]

So we've started to get this VB Raw in.

Cos thats what VB drinkers want, low carb beer.

[Big Kev]

Raw is low carb???

[Rambo]

Yep. Doesn't that make you want to have one? You love low carb beer don't you Kev?

[Jickle]

In Corona's defence, it's not so bad if you feel like drinking a lot of beer but don't want to get drunk. Not something that happens often, but, hey. :p

[Big Kev]

Valid point, I find it very difficult to get drunk while drinking corona.

And yes Rambo. I love my low carb beer. Never since carlton LJ have a found a beer that can satisfy both my cravings for low carbohydrates and lack of flavour. ;)

[VanAce]

Worst low carb beer i have ever had was the Peroni Leggera. Tasted like water and wasn't even full strength.

[Zan]

Again Bud Light.

That's right... American beer is so weak already their 'light' beer is just low carb. There were no percentages on their cans. When I did the math their standard beers are just over 3%...

[MacGuyver]

Bud Light is like having sex in a canoe; it's f-ing close to water! :p

[Zan]

Bud Light is like having sex in a canoe; it's f-ing close to water! :p

I think you just gave me hiccups.

[REQUIEM]

I know the hatred for the Carton Dry fusion lemon i recieved before however I grabbed a lime version today to check it out and I must say lemon is better even though Kev did bring up the shandy point. The lemon did remind me of that but its not as bad as other beers I have tried. I was given a Carton of Cuba 69 (or something) and that was alright for $30 a carton and was drunk in one sitting by the bbq goers.

[Gilder]

Tried Baron's Lager over the weekend. I have dismissed Baron's range in the past as I had only tried their special bitter and wasn't a fan. But I really liked this, it is one of the better lagers I've had and has a distinct taste.

I would drink it again and now I'm curious to try out the rest of their range.

[Super Mario]

I don't mind Barons' range, not bad for $40 a slab.

[Dorkify]

Trying to think of a present for my mate's birthday. I was thinking of maybe a brewery tour, but I wouldn't know where to begin. Has anyone been on any in Melbourne?

[Big Kev]

Just the CUB one in qld. It was ok, but nothing spectacular.

Maybe take him to the belgian beer cafe instead and shout him a few diff varieties.

[Second]

Cider on tap. Since when has this happened and why wasn't I informed? Going out to the pubs with everyone is now a lot more enjoyable.

[Super Mario]

Just the CUB one in qld. It was ok, but nothing spectacular.

Maybe take him to the belgian beer cafe instead and shout him a few diff varieties.

I was wondering whereabouts the Cafe is, I've only been to the gardens on St Kilda Rd, going there this Saturday actually, can't wait.

[REQUIEM]

Just grabbed a carton of Elephant brew (my wallet is way lighter now) for the weekends gaming session.

[Super Mario]

I had a bout 20 of these on Sat:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/139/321616662_a9f648ecbf.jpg?v=0
So good.

Also this wasn't bad either:
http://shop.belgianshop.com/acatalog/BELLE-VUE_KRIEK_LA_buy_Belgian_beer.JPG

[Big Kev]

Is that the cherry beer somebody was raving on about a few months ago?

Where did you snaffle that?

[Super Mario]

Beer Gardens, on tap too!

[Blob]

Any fans of Guinness here btw? It took me quite some time to appreciate it, but now I love it. Coopers' Best Extra Stout is fantastic too. Completely diffrent style of beer, even though they are both black as the night.

Guinness is supurb even if the version we have isnt the real deal. One of my first beers and still staying strong to this day. Along with Carlsberg and Amber ale its part of my general beer purchase range.

Had the VB Raw. Tasted like water with a hint of VB to me. Definately not having that again.

[Zan]

Beer Gardens, on tap too!

Specific beer garden? Or it's specifically called Beer Gardens? :s

Drank Sol for the first time on the weekend. Similar opinion as Corona, not much taste.

My friends bought me back some beer from NZ Monteiths, all different varieties (they know what I like!). The first one I tried was "Enlivening Honey Spiced Summer Ale." I usually hate beer with sweateners, but it really hit the spot.

http://www.monteiths.com/nz/siteFiles/showroom/index.html

I don't know what the standard NZ beer is, but my experience with random stuff I come across is usually pretty good.

[Super Mario]

Belgian Beer Gardens on St Kilda Rd!

Is there another?

[VanAce]

My friends bought me back some beer from NZ Monteiths, all different varieties (they know what I like!). The first one I tried was "Enlivening Honey Spiced Summer Ale." I usually hate beer with sweateners, but it really hit the spot.

I had this on tap the other night at eFiftyFive in Melbourne's CBD. I quite enjoyed it.

[Super Mario]

Going back to the Beer Gardens tonight!

http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/woohoo.gif

[kirok]

No more Carlton Cold drinking for me sticking with extra dry as it has so much more flavor than most of the other full strength beer's.

[fleshtea]

I was in Carlton the other month and thought it was only fitting I have a Carlton. Somehow much more delicious there than in Sydney.

The other plus was going to Public Bar and experiencing their Monday $1 pots. Of Geelong Bitter. I was torn undecided; were those several pots the greatest or worst of my life?

[VanAce]

Got a free case of VB Raw today. FREE.

If I want free dirty water I would go down to the creek at the back of my place. How did you get a case for free?

[kirok]

Hammer and tong's anyone tried? My impression is it's a stronger tasting XXXX gold for cheap.

[Big Kev]

Hahaha, yeah I tried that once.

It tastes like vb that's been left in the sun, refrigerated, left in the sun, refrigerated, left in the sun, refrigerated and left in the sun again.

Revolting stuff. Couldn't get past two sips.

[kirok]

Hahaha, yeah I tried that once.

It tastes like vb that's been left in the sun, refrigerated, left in the sun, refrigerated, left in the sun, refrigerated and left in the sun again.

Revolting stuff. Couldn't get past two sips.

Vb is gold pricey now though, I remember when I was rambling on about XXXX bitter being better than Vic though now I relies XXXX bitter is like drinking spew specially when it's warm or hot don't even try it hot for god sake unless you like the toilet bowl and that's after 1 can or stub...

[Big Kev]

XXXX is still preferable to hammer and tongs.

But why the hell would you bother drinking anything with the suffix "gold"? Honestly. That stuff is disgraceful. Piss weak, mid strength beer. Not worth wasting your time or your money.

[kirok]

I meant VB is golden as in it's awesome not as in mid strength I hate that crap I hate mid strength beer for many reason's and more.

[Big Kev]

Haha, I'm with you on that one man.

Seriously though, if you want some great beer that's not pricey, you should try brewing.

[VanAce]

Does anyone collect beer related items eg. labels, bottles, cans, caps etc?

I started collecting beer labels (caps as well but that's so I can use them to trade for labels at a later date). Don't have many at the moment just whatever I have had lying around at home.

[MacGuyver]

I collect bottle caps from beers that you don't see everyday, I make them into fridge magnets for the brew fridge.

If I get enough, I could make an awesome lagerphone! ^_^

[Big Kev]

I try to avoid collecting. This joint is chock full of shit.

[Second]

Currently drinking Newtons. It's alright.

[Lazlow]

Scottish brewery releases 32% Beer (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/north_east/8380412.stm)

Tactical Nuclear Penguin has been unveiled by BrewDog of Fraserburgh.

BrewDog was previously branded irresponsible for an 18.2% beer called Tokyo, which it then followed with a low alcohol beer called Nanny State.

Managing director James Watt said a limited supply of Tactical Nuclear Penguin would be sold for £30 each.

..........

A warning on the label states: "This is an extremely strong beer; it should be enjoyed in small servings and with an air of aristocratic nonchalance. In exactly the same manner that you would enjoy a fine whisky, a Frank Zappa album or a visit from a friendly yet anxious ghost."

[MacGuyver]

Wowzers, a beer that's 32% would definitely make a man out of you! I reckon it would probably taste super hoppy or reeeeeally alcoholic.

If it was served in a 330ml bottle, I think it would be about 8.3 Australian standard drinks! :eek:

[Lex]

I can only imagine it being really gross, but I can't stand even 9% stuff.

[Second]

If it came in cans, I'd like to see someone shotgun one.

[Super Mario]

I like the way you think Stow.

[Second]

I like the way you drink, Foers.

[Big Kev]

Scottish brewery releases 32% Beer (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/north_east/8380412.stm)

Fraserburg. How appropriate.

[Super Mario]

http://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs072/1102583983987/img/35.jpg?a=1102870132427 (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ0N5OsG9g1uSIqY9s5a3LWs-ws3PdWsMS491mSFmaRjeRiF9H4VrMwhXi9RH_Sb10HgRWGMwle E6Lci4W4_g1Xv5O4XXGyIfLyCuC_MGtM_N0ETs5GFvYpSUQSFZ 9MmJ0g96pm18TRia-TfjMXnYYs3PyCwpx_7Bt99r-26EN7y7eY-rEazMAEfGTMOUApXKHqoS_0IkFxHGLNqkNJLX-uM0QcVRS0nLeY=) BEER & BREWER EXPO - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
TASTE THE MAGAZINE

In an ideal world, Beer & Brewer Magazine (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ2pm1qt0xRdRHXVOhoeUgOUI_dgxgcSXjmE7 NH4-UQXzX1PUDvRmBpPjNCsCB6GFeo8Ny65WtXz8h9F5BQx6rWjLn2 snjkaIxyDy02TdeCLrA==)would have scratch and smell and scratch and taste elements to the pages, however we haven't come across this possibility to-date!

http://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs072/1102583983987/img/37.jpg?a=1102870132427 (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ0N5OsG9g1uSIqY9s5a3LWs-ws3PdWsMS491mSFmaRjeRiF9H4VrMwhXi9RH_Sb10HgRWGMwle E6Lci4W4_g1Xv5O4XXGyIfLyCuC_MGtM_N0ETs5GFvYpSUQSFZ 9MmJ0g96pm18TRia-TfjMXnYYs3PyCwpx_7Bt99r-26EN7y7eY-rEazMAEfGTMOUApXKHqoS_0IkFxHGLNqkNJLX-uM0QcVRS0nLeY=)Beer & Brewer Expo (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ1kHtvRBoUId8_IlTySdwOPV4ef8m9b5rPeP MDVgg2MDmc8Vem5fTbhmFv8LCqZ9s5Z_S51Pc2bjOWYwUKz6_O tgkXdWQx6UeX0ylbT4QYjLDPYhyFG5jwJ), proudly brought to you by Dan Murphy's (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ2-_XErGxopxVLQOVwZKZ08hVg8UMoGN23Ml1cyXVwh6oR85Vs6YQ IO0hQhCLFNBZwP89kYbMoBkTwpYXYWNjRR_0WV_W9QebCOfryL w8kquw==), brings the magazine alive with the core elements presented by our celebrity cast. Join Jamil Zainasheff (USA) in our Home Brewing presentation area, brought to you by BREW Cellar (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ1Y09upo36ZCmF1ZZzj6dtUmqZ_HxYgAYmrq ApmGPMPVbHlDeOCG7Y-6ohz5p1AyPnrLTVlm2ryAfnRw5_1bcx4bFqC-9hFUq1O8Tym6PPVPA==), Ed 'Fast Ed' Halmagyi (Aus) in the Beer & Food Matching area, brought to you by Coopers (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ1idIDHza6g_ZX6kWX6Ev_AFS7wJzu4RSlFW rjGvx6ShM5mAzTUqdKoP2wtyesGR0r247S7CL4GdJJ8Nwg68Hf 5CCjwsOAoXLcF4tzosXz-Kw==) and Chang (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ06M1czkGMdt6mu3IRsWoQp6VJbajbGABruN m4QFzlFGx972Vq2sAcYZPJr1UrfGx2UIEXGxKTQfE7Yrgltv3_ eEx2Arxm-h6s-APp98q-6ew==), along with Roger Protz (UK) in the Beer Tasting Master Classes presentation area, brought to you by Dan Murphy's (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ2-_XErGxopxVLQOVwZKZ08hVg8UMoGN23Ml1cyXVwh6oR85Vs6YQ IO0hQhCLFNBZwP89kYbMoBkTwpYXYWNjRR_0WV_W9QebCOfryL w8kquw==). In your showbag at entry you will find a tasting glass to sample from over 100 full-flavoured local and imported beers from Broome to Colac and from Germany across to Thailand. The Expo is open to the public Friday 21st May, from 12 - 4pm and 5 - 9pm in The Atrium, Fed Square, with live demonstrations in Transport Hotel and Saturday 22nd May 11am - 5pm along the River Terrace, Fed Square, with live demonstrations in the BMW Edge presentation room.

To buy tickets now click here (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ0N5OsG9g1uSIqY9s5a3LWs-ws3PdWsMS491mSFmaRjeRiF9H4VrMwhXi9RH_Sb10HgRWGMwle E6Lci4W4_g1Xv5O4XXGyIfLyCuC_MGtM_N0ETs5GFvYpSUQSFZ 9MmJ0g96pm18TRia-TfjMXnYYs3PyCwpx_7Bt99r-26EN7y7eY-rEazMAEfGTMOUApXKHqoS_0IkFxHGLNqkNJLX-uM0QcVRS0nLeY=). Book now so you don't miss out!


If you are travelling from interstate, overseas or regional Victoria, we have an Official Accommodation Partner for you, being The Swanston Hotel and Grand Mercure, Melbourne, just 5 minutes walk from Fed Square. Discounted room rates are available, please contact Craig Bradbery, General Manager at the Swanston Hotel for rates. Email

http://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs072/1102583983987/img/38.jpg?a=1102870132427 (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ0N5OsG9g1uSIqY9s5a3LWs-ws3PdWsMS491mSFmaRjeRiF9H4VrMwhXi9RH_Sb10HgRWGMwle E6Lci4W4_g1Xv5O4XXGyIfLyCuC_MGtM_N0ETs5GFvYpSUQSFZ 9MmJ0g96pm18TRia-TfjMXnYYs3PyCwpx_7Bt99r-26EN7y7eY-rEazMAEfGTMOUApXKHqoS_0IkFxHGLNqkNJLX-uM0QcVRS0nLeY=)To sample beer you will be given a 200mL tasting glass, and then you will need to purchase beer to sample from each Exhibitor. Tastings are expected to be around $2 per 100mL and $4 per 200mL. Live demonstrations are available to attend at an additional cost of $5 per 20-30 minute presentation, with no prior bookings taken, you need to line up and pay cash at the door.

Beer & Brewer Expo (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ1kHtvRBoUId8_IlTySdwOPV4ef8m9b5rPeP MDVgg2MDmc8Vem5fTbhmFv8LCqZ9s5Z_S51Pc2bjOWYwUKz6_O tgkXdWQx6UeX0ylbT4QYjLDPYhyFG5jwJ)is running trade-only sessions on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st May both days from 11am - 4pm.

These sessions are run to co-incide with the Australian International Beer Awards (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ2DxxasADDH8oBHjamujJW4w1cDxy7Im7aYl _Vf8qGvCfxz53nYZ6byXm93DCp8TCyVnB-Hn4ZJntx7BtUlblFfRVRE_8faBrYQxakXQ2a2JQ==), the 2nd largest beer awards in the World. With so many brewers and suppliers in Melbourne for the Presentation Dinner, the Beer & Brewer Expo provides a platform for Exhibitors to network with current and prospective customers, and also to demonstrate new products and services. Forums will be conducted during each day at Transport Hotel on topics such as How to Build a Beer List, How to Approach the Beer Buyers both on- and off-premise and How to Start a Brewery or Beer Brand. This part of the Expo is open to trade only, with free admission.
Thursday 20th May 11am-4pm is for the retail on- and off-premise trade held in The Atrium.
Friday 21st May 11am - 4pm is for the brewing trade, held in Young and Jacksons Hotel (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ1eC9AkqXAshXn_VGfmYKj3GcWp3WYP2bmqI aT72N_4McMnqVOMs3OHMLmbYj3V1IRvUt3-8lAMo0Mp6E8jMsN7h_Izsq0oRGal8jQbwrzqVCRFdaKqM-Js).
To register now click here (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102870132427&s=506&e=001959GSWSJcJ3uasAAhcMOMC685BsTxaCAHCh9V0Vvky0nV CgWlxCTxOBN5rKUtZCmePOxWH9A4KTGgoGu2gIcGd7qYXjyHXW cR-_BIBvl9WbVnT1GHfT3ioA1MUO6uqUvhfstjI1y8zZ7thm7jgnz ZpswLL5tYemF3uFGrNsRCe7_WKHmy0rGOIQhegdaMr7lnuwukX Dg54GMc0P-aLb_rU9wCn3L5B1h).

Beer & Brewer Expo exercises the responsible service of alcohol and advises visitors to plan on tasting 20 x 100mL samples (approx 7 standard drinks) or less during a 4 hour session. Please note there is ample public transport options to ensure your trip to and from the Beer & Brewer Expo is quick and easy.