tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19068598330311942642024-03-14T05:55:17.957+11:00Proper Beer mate!An online diary of my beer adventures of Aussie, Japanese, Kiwi, American and world wide Proper Beer! (plus a bit of homebrewin')DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-230266001933235832014-07-25T11:52:00.001+10:002014-08-03T09:56:58.331+10:00Mikkeller Bangkok!Well guys its been a while but this is a major craft brew moment in history! Finally Proper beer on tap in sunny Bangkok!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6-KNjyAUlRYg5Mn8yZjOCWlUWZBOUx0eQa98kcafvtVZu7SF7E5eHtkVdEtpeIT3oGgrJrZ0Ba9CksRqbxsYQ5taOHAlC-SNXeuIbLIoMt3ygb1teMkkKVKs5r7fabGcM1TPRZI0VFo/s1600/IMG_20140721_211554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6-KNjyAUlRYg5Mn8yZjOCWlUWZBOUx0eQa98kcafvtVZu7SF7E5eHtkVdEtpeIT3oGgrJrZ0Ba9CksRqbxsYQ5taOHAlC-SNXeuIbLIoMt3ygb1teMkkKVKs5r7fabGcM1TPRZI0VFo/s1600/IMG_20140721_211554.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ever since I got the news via beerbeer.org last year that the Mikkeller guys were opening their first establishment in Asia I started saving my pennys for a Bangkok properbeer trip!<br />
<br />
I have had quite a few of the Mikkeller range of beers American Dream, I beat U & Single Hop Sorachi Ace are among my favies. Mikkeller brews never seem to disappoint -wonderfully crafted and inspiring to the inner homebrewer in me.<br />
<br />
So off I went to Ekkamai to check the place out!<br />
<br />
After being wowed of finally being at Mikkeller Bangkok and the fantastic layout of the place I proceeded to the bar to be greeted by the friendly staff and 30 taps of crafted goodness. Started off with a pint of chill Pils Orange: a bit of orange lolly on the nose and faint noble hops along with some good ol place pilsner malts. Went down a treat as a good pilsner should after a stroll from Thonglor the next suburb over from Ekkamai.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTI6raGqADOWAbkICVG55YG3R_JqDuL7d6xtbQ0ci5WX5UnMuN_Sx4RpuZdwVexhR0fhAgq8zYsSIIl2zkMQIUK2TDYzlqHjMxjLwzbj7GQsp9pGTzxiv3QwNHGafxkRQO6my8foM5Z8/s1600/IMG_20140722_204501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTI6raGqADOWAbkICVG55YG3R_JqDuL7d6xtbQ0ci5WX5UnMuN_Sx4RpuZdwVexhR0fhAgq8zYsSIIl2zkMQIUK2TDYzlqHjMxjLwzbj7GQsp9pGTzxiv3QwNHGafxkRQO6my8foM5Z8/s1600/IMG_20140722_204501.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was lucky enough to meet the owner Jacob who really knows his brews and introduced me to the sour lambic brews on tap brewed by Dutch brewery Boon which were amazingly good! One brew was aged for two years and had a uncanny winey characters to it! Jacob kindly explained the brewing process of the lambic style to me and really opened my eyes to a style that I hadn't really put much attention to in the past. I'm gonna stock up on some saison yeasts when I get back home for some experimental sour homebrewin!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP32mMb4C_3ik6s4yt8GzyahsbWl-x4svqUfUxaTtumSRHp8S_GZr7zzoAYfK1fwy15m49GGyrHrIXYizzI4PeglB8TRqzq4BP-GUfj1Y5pQGsr5wHWclFmosneDU-0_1WryTnw2Jras/s1600/IMG_20140722_204853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP32mMb4C_3ik6s4yt8GzyahsbWl-x4svqUfUxaTtumSRHp8S_GZr7zzoAYfK1fwy15m49GGyrHrIXYizzI4PeglB8TRqzq4BP-GUfj1Y5pQGsr5wHWclFmosneDU-0_1WryTnw2Jras/s1600/IMG_20140722_204853.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I moved on to some tasty IPAs and pales including a fresh pint of a 200 IBU DIPA from Danish brewer Amanger Bryghus - Gluttony<br />
Big piney hops on the nose with the malt in the background fantastic full mouth feel and bitter going down. The bitterness of this brew really hits you on the aftertaste. Great (PROPER!) beer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvXMQa7UYekZ1uq63WSFScNW_sajbPkFj8mTdJ6jta2C12RmhQwYB_T7ryOVqHxBDjtrh046fyPricMRwr2W2GlnhVPjzesGdnLO3YO4mRA1QogTRc5lfxXeSQE8B72MMSatyw18RM3M/s1600/IMG_20140722_212746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvXMQa7UYekZ1uq63WSFScNW_sajbPkFj8mTdJ6jta2C12RmhQwYB_T7ryOVqHxBDjtrh046fyPricMRwr2W2GlnhVPjzesGdnLO3YO4mRA1QogTRc5lfxXeSQE8B72MMSatyw18RM3M/s1600/IMG_20140722_212746.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
Ended up grabbing some take away brews too. One that was recommended by staff member Taey was Dangerously close but no cigar Double IPA by To Øl brewing was a fantastic little beer which is a drier IPA with a massive but not over whelming hop presence along with the addition of ceder wood to the boil which takes this beer to another level. Went a treat with the smokey satay I had the following night!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizACczJF2pgi_oIbjYa6J0cp9btAfTPDVkEWWW97dFTF7ck3jlcGk0P4pWu21uApkzxpmODrqsA4wXziObdlTcZ7s-uXR5WJJEPpxbu6QMTrXwqjF_nt4sf_5vYKPrV59wnPIL1xkJ_tM/s1600/IMG_20140724_005157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizACczJF2pgi_oIbjYa6J0cp9btAfTPDVkEWWW97dFTF7ck3jlcGk0P4pWu21uApkzxpmODrqsA4wXziObdlTcZ7s-uXR5WJJEPpxbu6QMTrXwqjF_nt4sf_5vYKPrV59wnPIL1xkJ_tM/s1600/IMG_20140724_005157.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Really fantastic stuff thanks heaps Taey!<br />
<br />
And also a big thanks to all the staff for a fantastic experience at Mikkeller Bangkok Kong, Pete and Fame. You are all doing a fantastic job bringing proper craft brews to Thailand and Asia. Well done!<br />
Too-sin-d tak (Danish- a thousand thanks) to Jacob for your hospitality mate! Hope to see you guys in Australia for some brews soon!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRRM0vUpHwKxXzSIb8qxkHvKMrA2dxicnT_o-nQPWmP4PFbCu-IGLe8Qg5KU4Y7gkgDx3MpjiLjca0BzPkJYAwCFYRx1gUe3W2lT7VTTtKNCCUPcuXZTOoquQoDhe8qKjaMMULAIZiqw/s1600/IMG_20140722_212101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRRM0vUpHwKxXzSIb8qxkHvKMrA2dxicnT_o-nQPWmP4PFbCu-IGLe8Qg5KU4Y7gkgDx3MpjiLjca0BzPkJYAwCFYRx1gUe3W2lT7VTTtKNCCUPcuXZTOoquQoDhe8qKjaMMULAIZiqw/s1600/IMG_20140722_212101.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-14912515840623989232013-03-09T16:28:00.005+11:002013-03-10T08:58:12.264+11:00White Chocolate Pilsner -Bacchus BrewingAnother Great Growler review! This Growler fill comes from the <a _mce_href="http://princeofwales.com.au/" href="http://princeofwales.com.au/" target="_blank">Prince of Wales Hotel Bottlelo</a> in Merewether Newcastle Australia. An awesome unique brew to review a White Chocolate Pilsner!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=14085" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=14085" rel="attachment wp-att-14085"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_0780-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-14085" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_0780-480x640.jpg" title="White choc Pils" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This brew hails from the Bacchus brewery up in Brisbane Queensland Australia which is situated at the <a _mce_href="http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/" href="http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/" target="_blank">Homebrew shop</a> where I got my Basic Keg set up from. Great bunch of blokes to deal with if you are into home brewing by the way.<br />
Anyways on to the brew review!<br />
<br />
Pours
a wonderful bright golden hue with a fluffy white bubbly head which
hangs around for a while. On the nose a big vanilla essence aroma along
with some noble hop spice.<br />
Had this one nice 'an cold goes down
smooth as with a quite vanilla bean ice cream/custard flavor on the
front then towards the end the slight but present bitter bite that is
expected from a decent pils.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=14086" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=14086" rel="attachment wp-att-14086"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_0782-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-14086" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_0782-480x640.jpg" title="White choc pils glass" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Quite
refreshing and abit sweet but with that bitter finish this is a awesome
example of experimental brewing at its best. Not overdone at all. The
grains used and hops work well with the white choc.<br />
<br />
For a food match this one is quite hard
perhaps Mexican food would work with this one. Tangy Salsa and soft
tacos come to mind when having a slightly sweet pils at hand.<br />
<br />
I used to like white chocolate quite alot when I was younger (Herseys
cookies and cream bars hmmm) and now I have found the PROPER beer
equivalent and its does it's job well. <br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank"></a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-13986572787187438722012-11-25T11:02:00.001+11:002012-11-27T19:41:49.291+11:001942 Dark Lager A Murrays Craft Brewing & Hunter Beer Co Collab Brew!A special brew created for <a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/newcastle-craft-beer-week-2012_5.html" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/newcastle-craft-beer-week-2012_5.html">Newcastle Craft Beer week</a>
by two of Australia's finest brewery's Murray's and Hunter Beer Co. It
no secret the favorite beer style here in the Hunter for generations is
good 'ol dark ale, described as mothers milk to some especially on tap!
I'd like to think brewers Shaun Sherlock (Murray's) and Keith Grice
(Hunter Beer Co.) considered this fact when crafting this tasty brew for
this beery week.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13807" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13807" rel="attachment wp-att-13807"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_0753-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13807" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_0753-480x640.jpg" title="1942 Growler" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I got my growler/s filled at Murray's Brewery here in Beaut Port
Stephens Australia yesterday afternoon and didn't even consider having a
taste test as I am.... as many of you know now I am a massive fan of dark
lagers and have a lot of faith in these brewers to create something
spectacular!<br />
<br />
And I tell ya they haven't let me down at all!<br />
<br />
Pours a sensational dark brown body with awesome creamy white head!
Served this abit colder than my regular ales due to the style.<br />
<br />
On the nose a delightful hoppy aroma along with some malty notes-
definitely the best of both breweries on showcase here! NZ hops come to
mind and some chocky malts.Yum!<br />
Going down very creamy head and quite a full body for a lager very
satisfying almost like a porter style but with the drinkability of a
lager -Malty goodness followed by a somewhat subtle bitter dryish
finish with a slight hoppy hit. Very refreshing--- I likey!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13808" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13808" rel="attachment wp-att-13808"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_0755-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13808" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_0755-480x640.jpg" title="1942" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I must say very well done to the Brewers on this special one off brew
it really is that good! Keith's passion for German style lagers and
Shaun's expertise in using New Zealand hops really is well displayed in
this brew for the good people of Newcastle and visitors alike! Grab one
while you can!<br />
<br _mce_bogus="1" />
<br />DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-72882103975814717702012-10-05T18:20:00.001+10:002012-10-06T10:11:38.960+10:00Newcastle Craft Beer Week 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="Newcastle Craft Beer Week" height="371" src="http://www.newcastlecraftbeerweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/NCBW-logo.png" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Yeesss fellow PROPER BEER lovers. This years Newcastle Craft Beer week is almost upon us! The events will run from the 18th of November 2012 till the 25th with the week concluding at the awesome Warners At The Bay Beer Festival 2012! Check out the QR code below to get on the official Newcastle Craft beer week site to check out the fantastic events this year! Always remember check back to your favorite PROPERBEER blog for updates on the week of beery goodness too! </div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgG4Vrgz8DqWuss8PebaOyqR2GZMug1Qm77uE6mSegq_rJ5H71qHRA_8nfjQ45NpHhgmff1ImM1fyDYOm9tqYx2OHvOkXsbKMcrybtAbhm4XatNpw_OzBOTB7YX8vspwSxq1xThPpk1jk/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgG4Vrgz8DqWuss8PebaOyqR2GZMug1Qm77uE6mSegq_rJ5H71qHRA_8nfjQ45NpHhgmff1ImM1fyDYOm9tqYx2OHvOkXsbKMcrybtAbhm4XatNpw_OzBOTB7YX8vspwSxq1xThPpk1jk/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-24842873725522439012012-09-19T16:24:00.001+10:002012-09-19T16:24:33.944+10:00Anchor Liberty Ale<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13405" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13405" rel="attachment wp-att-13405"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_0684-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13405" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_0684-480x640.jpg" title="Liberty Ale" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
A
big thanks to Lee and Tanya for bringing this tasty brew all the way
from San Francisco- USA for me to try out along with a cool Hula Girl
Bottle opener from Hawaii......Cheers guys!<br />
<br />
Pours a awesome
golden colour with a fantastic creamy head which- by the way lasts all
the way as the beer goes down. An aroma of zesty citrusy hops on the
nose that are not overpowering at all and a hint of the sweet ale malt
is also pleasantly present<br />
.<br />
Going down it is quite sparkly and the flavour of the malts really do remind me of good 'ol <a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/2010/04/coopers-sparkling-ale.html" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/2010/04/coopers-sparkling-ale.html" target="_blank" title="Coopers Red">Coopers Sparkling Ale</a>
. Nice and balanced malts with a hint of sweetness on the end of the
palate along with some slight citrus coming through as well. Very
refreshing.<br />
<br />
I would personally categorize this brew in style of a
English Special Bitter or a English Pale Ale and not a American Pale
Ale as it is known, Probably due to the many more recent American Pale
Ales that I have had the pleasure of drinking have been much more
aggressively hopped and give you that hop hit many expect from a "APA".
This is not a bad thing at all this brew has everything going for it and
would be a great entry beer for people who are scared of hops!<br />
<br />
All
in all a very satisfying brew but again not a massive hop head
experience by any means. I would pair this brew with some spicy Tex-Mex
style Nachos or a tasty home made Burrito.<br />
<br />
Hope to see more of
Anchor Brewing Brews over here in Australia.... Coopers Brewery
apparently have the distribution rights here as Anchor distribute Coopers
brews in the USA so it could even make it to Asia too! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-52258118985436643332012-07-26T19:29:00.000+10:002012-07-26T19:40:47.533+10:00Stouterik with cookies!Got this tasty Stouterik Stout from Kenny at <a href="http://beerbeer.org/">beerbeer.org</a> Cheers Mate! The brew hails
from the Brasserie De La Senne Brewery in Brussels Belgium ...<br />
<br />
Thought
that I would review it with my favorite cookies from Malaysia: Famous
Amos double chocolate chip with pecans! Now PROPERBEERMATE doesn't have
much of a sweet-tooth but I really like these cookies!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately we
can't get these cookies in Australia so every time we head over to
Beaut KL I make sure we pick up a pack or two from our favorite Famous
Amos outlet at Sungei Wang Plaza near Bukit Bintang. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13082" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13082" rel="attachment wp-att-13082"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_06331-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13082" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_06331-480x640.jpg" title="Stouterik With Cookies!" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Beer
with cookies... what the... You say? You bet! If ya have a quality
Stout like this Belgian beauty and something chocolate for instance
brownies, chocolate cake or even chocolate itself they can match quite
well.<br />
The trick is to eat the cookie first and drink the Stout
after running over any chocy bits left over ya mouth to bring out the
chocy qualities of the dark brew and sweetening up any bitterness from
the beer too!<br />
Works really well if you have any friends or family
who love chocolate (or even yourself) give this method a go it really
does work well! <br />
<br />
The stout I have here has a good malty aroma
on the nose extremely smooth going down, slightly robust- finishes dry
and doesn't have any candy sweetness at all despite being from Belgium. A
great brew kinda reminds be of a good Porter styled brew and to be
honest my first from this little brewery.<br />
<br />
I really was expecting some
Belgian candy sugar quality to this beer as pretty much all the Belgian brews
I have tasted in the past have that sweetness included bar the lagers
and Wit beers.... But again I was pleasantly surprised it didn't and
thus went awesome with the cookies I chose for this review. <br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/"></a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-45203759237829764252012-07-20T16:17:00.000+10:002012-07-20T16:27:18.987+10:00Stone & WoodOn our way back home from our trip to Malaysia and Thailand via the
Gold Coast we pulled in to Byron Bay on NSW's north coast to check out
one of Australia's most innovative Breweries in terms of beer Style,
Stone & Wood. This visit would also turn out be one my best beer
experiences ever!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13032" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13032" rel="attachment wp-att-13032"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Canon-Photos-1288-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13032" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Canon-Photos-1288-480x640.jpg" title="Stone & Wood" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Being
a Saturday afternoon the brewery was actually closed for business but
just by chance we were greeted by Ross Jurisich one of the founders of
Stone and Wood Brewing at the gate as he was there with his mates doing
a father and son brew day.... and after a quick chat he kindly offered
to show me and the fam around!<br />
<br />
Stone and wood produce one of my favorite beers ever Pacific Ale
which was formally known as Draught Ale which is hopped with a fairly
new hop to the brewing scene-Galaxy- a hop that produces an awesome
fruity passion fruit aroma and taste- which also in fact is an
Australian hop!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13033" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13033" rel="attachment wp-att-13033"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0640-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13033" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0640-480x640.jpg" title="Pacific/Draught ale" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
It has become one of the PROPERBEERMATE staple of beers (which is very
rare these days as I am always looking to try something new) awesome
off tap and great out of the bottle too as long as it's poured correctly
for example slowly pour half of the bottle into the glass first then
swirl the remainder round for a bit and again pour the rest in!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13034" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13034" rel="attachment wp-att-13034"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0645-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13034" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0645-480x640.jpg" title="Pacific ale" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Awesome passion fruit aroma on the nose, sparkly almost wheat beer
and very well carbonated mouth feel going down with the accompaniment
refreshing taste of fruity hops going down. The after taste is awesome
on this brew again with the Galaxy hops playing center stage with
basically no bitterness linger coming into play at all. Great for hot
day at the beach!<br />
<br />
This brew is a really good converter beer for people
not really into craft brew- it really is that approachable! A good food
match would be a basic Chicken Schnitzel with heaps of lemon and salty
chips or a serve of tapas style Garlic Prawns would also go great!<br />
<br />
Back to the brewery tour ......<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13035" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13035" rel="attachment wp-att-13035"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Phone-Pics-569-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13035" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Phone-Pics-569-480x360.jpg" title="10000 litre vessels" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
As
Ross showed us around the fantastic but simple set up the main center
piece were the two newest members of the Stone and Wood Brewery the twin
10,000 litre tower vessels stood out in the centre like beacons of
triumph in the craft brewery and could tell Ross was very proud of
them. Looks like there's gonna be alot more of Stone and Wood's brews
out in the wild soon!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13036" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13036" rel="attachment wp-att-13036"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Canon-Photos-1294-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13036" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Canon-Photos-1294-480x360.jpg" title="Mash tuns" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
It was great to listen to Ross explain the brewing process at the
brewery of basically keeping it simple and user friendly to achieve at
the end of the day a tasty brew. We had a smell of the hops including
some great fresh Hersbrucker which is a spicy noble hop used in Stone
&Wood's Jasper Ale~ a kinda German alt/Amber ale styled brew.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13037" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13037" rel="attachment wp-att-13037"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0641-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13037" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0641-480x640.jpg" title="Jasper" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Another great brew from these guys, Enticing red hue and a dark amber
colour on the pour along with with some spicy hoppy aroma paired with
the smell of rich maltiness. Goes down smooth as while giving a ever so
slight hop bitter bite on the aftertaste. Pretty much a to me a all
seasons beer with would pair great with a spicy Beef Rendang or a hearty
hot pot stew!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13040" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13040" rel="attachment wp-att-13040"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Phone-Pics-574-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13040" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Phone-Pics-574-480x360.jpg" title="Fresh Pacific Ale" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
But I must say the best part of the tour was having a cheeky taste of
the beer straight out of the fermentation tanks above.... Above: Oooh
fresh Pacific Ale just about ready to be bottled an kegged! So fresh and
tasty a little on the warm side from ale fermentation temps but
definitely one of my best beer experiences ever! Cheers Ross!<br />
<br />
A great innovation by stone and wood recently is the Mash
Collective-rather than going down the well trodden path of doing collab
brews with other brewers, The Stone & Wood guys give the everyday
beer lovers and homebrewers the chance to come and put together a style
of beer and brew it together. I Present to you the Amasia Rumweizen!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13041" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13041" rel="attachment wp-att-13041"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0643-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13041" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0643-480x640.jpg" title="Amasia" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
A very interesting brew.... hints of strong sweet maltyness on the
nose and pours a cloudy dark amber with good carbonation. It tastes
sensational extremely smooth going down with a big rum raisin ice cream
flavor and a tiny rum burn/bite paired with well placed sweet malt on
the finish. A absolute cracker of a brew! Reminds me of a good German
Dunkle but... with balls! Get it if you see it in your local.....Goes
great on a cold rainy night!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13042" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=13042" rel="attachment wp-att-13042"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0639-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13042" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0639-480x360.jpg" title="Bottles" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Stone Beer is another brew that the the guys bring out once a year
which is brewed by a more traditional way of brewing by grabbing some
stones and heating them in a wood fire at the brewery. A very tasty brew
that from what I hear ages well.<br />
<br />
Their <a _mce_href="http://stoneandwood.com.au/gear/" href="http://stoneandwood.com.au/gear/">2012 release</a> is out now and I plan to grab some to review!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSgcBBXYVGSbSzKqEMBZbbqDp3Zq2xh1diRxvrcyUhBJ7cl2OfJF3iJAfcZYYWsQ5Te8EN8j3-UnUH7K-w60A3lIJ1RmSz2vmIMAn6RS6Gbk3dJ13kUOI1jkl-iy2fm196gavr6Xl_5c/s1600/Canon+Photos+1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSgcBBXYVGSbSzKqEMBZbbqDp3Zq2xh1diRxvrcyUhBJ7cl2OfJF3iJAfcZYYWsQ5Te8EN8j3-UnUH7K-w60A3lIJ1RmSz2vmIMAn6RS6Gbk3dJ13kUOI1jkl-iy2fm196gavr6Xl_5c/s400/Canon+Photos+1310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
A German styled Pale Lager is also a flagship brew by the Stone &
Wood crew which I have had the pleasure indulging in a fair while
back..... I plan to pick up a case or two this Summer!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Again Cheers to Ross for taking the time out to show us around and
good on the rest of the Stone & Wood crew at beaut Byron Bay for making truly
approachable and tasty brews for the average punter and beer geek alike!<br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/"></a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-5971670975686860612012-07-16T17:04:00.003+10:002012-07-17T22:52:20.796+10:00Cheers Kenny! -beerbeer.orgJust back from my trip to Malaysia (KL) and Thailand and would like
say a big thanks to Kenny from <a href="http://beerbeer.org/">beerbeer.org</a> (who I write for also) for his awesome hospitality (especially
introducing me to the awesomeness that is Wonton Mee) and the crew at <a _mce_href="http://www.tapsbeerbar.my/" href="http://www.tapsbeerbar.my/" target="_blank" title="Taps Beer Bar">Taps Beet Bar in KL</a> for looking after us- Alvin, Milli, Adrian and Ricky... Cheers Guys!<br />
Here's some beery gifts that Kenny gave me as a farewell pressie.<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12987" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12987" rel="attachment wp-att-12987"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Canon-Photos-1238-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12987" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Canon-Photos-1238-480x360.jpg" title="Beer from kenny" width="480" /></a><br />
Cant wait to try them!<br />
Here's a Pic of some of that amazing Wonton Mee supper in KL that Kenny
took me to, It is sensational after a session of good PROPER beers at
TAPS. Look at that massive Wonton!<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12988" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12988" rel="attachment wp-att-12988"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Phone-Pics-552-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12988" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Phone-Pics-552-480x360.jpg" title="Wantan Mee" width="480" /></a><br />
Cant wait to get back over there! Over the next couple of weeks look out
for my beer review adventures in both Malaysia and Thailand. Till
then....CheersDGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-73642441447444799812012-06-13T17:59:00.002+10:002012-06-14T14:46:39.571+10:00Home Brewing with ProperBeerMate Part 3<br />
Part 3!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12767" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12767" rel="attachment wp-att-12767"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0114-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0114-480x640.jpg" title="Wort chilled" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
So here we are the next morning bright and early to transfer the
cooled wort to the fermenter. Personal preference I am using a strainer
to catch/filter any unnecessary hotbreak material left over from the
boil when I pour the malty/hoppy goodness into the fermenter. I have in
the past not used a strainer at all and the brew turned out fine
also–just made cleaning out the fermenter just a little bit harder ; ) .<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12768" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12768" rel="attachment wp-att-12768"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0116-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0116-480x360.jpg" title="Add water to brew" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
So with the wort transferred to the fermenter time to add some water…..(<b>note</b>: it’s good to take a hydrometer reading and write it down<b> after adding the water</b>—to work out how much alcohol will be in the final beer)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12769" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12769" rel="attachment wp-att-12769"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0119-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0119-480x360.jpg" title="Stiring the brew" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
After adding enough water to fill fermenter up at just under 20
litres I give the brew a mighty stir with my coopers brew spoon to
aerate and make sure the water mixes well with the cooled wort. Once
that has settled abit it’s time to add the yeast!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12770" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12770" rel="attachment wp-att-12770"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0120-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0120-480x640.jpg" title="Yeast" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This time round I’m using Muntons Premium Gold yeast to see how that
goes. I have previously used Safale US-05 and had fantastic results-so
I’d recommend that if you’re keen on brewing this wonderful beer.<br />
You can also use liquid yeasts such as Wyeast…here’s a pic of an
swollen smack pack of Wyeast ringwood ale which is great for English
style pale ales and the like. Liquid yeast is usually twice the price
than dry yeast strains though.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12771" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12771" rel="attachment wp-att-12771"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0129-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0129-480x640.jpg" title="Wyeast" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Any ways back to our brew --the dry yeast is sprinkled over the
brew– fermenter cover and air lock goes on and the yeast is left to
fall in and eat those malty sugars to create esters , some Co2 and
produce our friend alcohol. Magic……<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12772" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12772" rel="attachment wp-att-12772"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0121-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0121-480x640.jpg" title="Yeast sprinkled" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12775" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12775" rel="attachment wp-att-12775"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0134-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0134-480x640.jpg" title="Top goes on" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
After 5-7 Days of primary fermentation I rack/transfer the brew over
to another fermenter (secondary) using a clean plastic tubed hose to
help clear the brew and improve drinkability in when it’s finally in my
glass!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12776" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12776" rel="attachment wp-att-12776"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0136-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0136-480x640.jpg" title="Rack over" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Another method I use like many other homebrewers here in Australia is
instead of using a cover and airlock for my fermenter I use plastic
cling wrap and a rubber O ring to seal and it makes it easier to see
whats going on with ya brew!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12777" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12777" rel="attachment wp-att-12777"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0137-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0137-480x640.jpg" title="Plastic wrap" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12778" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12778" rel="attachment wp-att-12778"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0138-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0138-480x640.jpg" title="Can see the brew now...." width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
After another week of secondary fermentation you can either bottle
the brew using carbonation drops or dextrose to carbonate and age the
brew ready for drinking. I’m lucky enough to have a keg system so I’m
going to keg this hopefully tasty brew and let it carbonate with some
good ‘ol food grade CO2!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12779" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12779" rel="attachment wp-att-12779"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0143-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0143-480x640.jpg" title="Rack to Keg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
In the keg it goes and I’ll connect it up to my gas let it slowly
carbonate in my draft system fridge for about 7 to ten days….Cant wait
to drink it! As you can see I have another brew on the go as well -- an
English style pale ale brewed with east kent golding hops. It's always
good to get ahead with your brews and have a few fermenting so you don't
run out of beer!<br />
<br />
About twelve days later the brew is nicely carbed up and is ready to
drink. There are methods of speeding up this process but I find the set
and wait method works out the best.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12782" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12782" rel="attachment wp-att-12782"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0170-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12782" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0170-480x640.jpg" title="Pouring a pint of Czech Dark Ale" width="480" /></a><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12783" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12783" rel="attachment wp-att-12783"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0171-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12783" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0171-480x640.jpg" title="Proper Pint" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Home brewing this way is a bit of a mission but ya look at that
PROPER pint it was worth every step and time it took to create this
PROPER homebrew.<br />
<br />
**Mini review: Cola tinge in colour and a creamy head on the pour and
not overly carbonated at all due to the slow carbonation.... Nutty choc
going down taste with a nice bitter finish from all those Czech Saaz
hops I used, body is a little thin which complements drinkabilty and is
very refreshing. Roasted coffee beans on the aroma.<br />
For a food match I would recommend BBQ Chinese style Char Siew Pork.
The Smokiness and sweetness of the pork would complement the nutty and
roasty aspects of the beer and combat some of that bitterness at the
same time. Mmmmm... : )<br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/"></a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-48903475462080835502012-05-29T07:39:00.000+10:002012-05-29T07:39:01.587+10:00Home Brewing With Properbeermate Part 2Back again with with Part 2! <a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?p=12437" href="http://beerbeer.org/?p=12437" target="_blank" title="Part one Homebrew with Properbeermate!"><br />
</a><br />
Time to wake up the brew after 60 mins mashing time in the beer-bed .<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12561" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12561" rel="attachment wp-att-12561"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0084-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12561" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0084-480x640.jpg" title=" 60 mins are up!" width="480" /></a><br />
I now unwrap the pot and bring her back out side and pop the lid.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12562" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12562" rel="attachment wp-att-12562"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0085-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12562" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0085-480x360.jpg" title="Mashed!" width="480" /></a><br />
Mmmmm.......Nice intense malty aroma just what we want! You can
actually give this stuff a taste just to get an idea how the level of
maltyness in the final beer will be . Very sweet stuff aye..... brewers
actually call it "sweet water".<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12565" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12565" rel="attachment wp-att-12565"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0087-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12565" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0087-480x360.jpg" title="Drip Beer!" width="480" /></a><br />
I pick up the heavy bag and let the rest of the sweet water pour into
the pot which is great for my biceps! The bag can get real heavy with
all that grain and liquid so what I do is when my arms get tried from
holding it up I place it into another big pot to drip out . Another way
of doing this is to get an "A" frame ladder and tie the brew bag to the
top of the ladder over the brew pot and let it drip out that way.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12566" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12566" rel="attachment wp-att-12566"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0096-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12566" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0096-480x360.jpg" title="Two brew pots" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Time to put the big brewpot full of sweet malty goodness on to the
burner to start the boiling process. Once the brew has come to a good
rolling boil I add whatever liquid is remaining in the smaller pot as
well. Some people like to sparge some hot water over the remaining
grains to get more malty goodness out and add that to the brew too.
Personal preference I don't do this as I am quite happy with my past
results without doing this : ) .<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12567" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12567" rel="attachment wp-att-12567"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0101-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12567" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0101-480x360.jpg" title="Pot on the burner!" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Time to get the hops ready!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12568" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12568" rel="attachment wp-att-12568"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0104-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12568" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0104-480x640.jpg" title="Czech Saaz Hop Pellets" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Woo-hoo-- Hops! One of my favorite things in the world! These are
Czech Saaz hop pellets which are basic compressed and extruded hop
flowers which are great for home brewing. I have added a bit more hops
than the recipe calls for as I had some left over Saaz from a previous
brew day and I 'coz love my hoppy character in beer. This single hop
addition will change the sweet water's flavour and aroma from sweet and
malty to something a a bit more bitter and aromatic that resembles beer
in its purest form.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12569" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12569" rel="attachment wp-att-12569"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0111-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12569" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0111-480x360.jpg" title="Hop addition @60mins" width="480" /></a><br />
So once the brew has come to a good rolling boil I add my first and
only hop addition for this simple recipe @60mins. The count down from
60mins starts now. Some other recipes such as big IPA's can have 15 hop
additions throughout the boil at different intervals. Usually the first
addition at is for bittering and towards the end for the boil eg
@10-15mins the hop addition is for taste and finally @zero mins the
addition would be for aroma either in the brew pot or as a dry hop in
the fermenter.<br />
<br />
Now at of the boil ten mins to go I add my
whirlfloc tablet to assist in clearing the brew and stir the brew to
make sure it dissolves properly. Once the count down has finished I turn
off the burner (flameout) and put the lid back on the brew.<br />
<br />
I use the
Aussie no-chill method to get the brew down to a suitable temp for
pitching the yeast... As it is Autumn here in Australia at the moment
and the temp is around 10-18 degrees C at night here I let the brew cool
on my cold garage floor making sure the lid is on securely and not
letting any nasties in. If you are in a warmer climate I suggest
putting the pot into an ice bath or I have even heard of some brewers
using their swimming pool as a solution! The best way is actually with extra equipment such as a wort chiller or plate chiller which i'll be asking Santa for later this year!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12572" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12572" rel="attachment wp-att-12572"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0112-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12572" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0112-480x640.jpg" title="No Chill" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
So the brew (wort) is going to take another rest overnight to cool next to it's final home my PROPERBEER kegarator fridge!<br />
Part three will be up in a couple of days!DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-86274232001783112922012-05-16T16:54:00.000+10:002012-05-16T16:55:10.739+10:00Home Brewing with ProperBeerMate Part 1Hey Guys I'm going to show you how I brew my beer at home here in
Australia. Today I'm doing an all grain brew using the Brew In A Bag
method (BIAB) I'll be brewing a Czech Dark<i> Ale Version</i> of one of my all time favie beers <a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/budvar-dark-lager.html" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/budvar-dark-lager.html" target="_blank" title="Budvar Dark">Budvar Dark!</a><br />
<br />
Here's my Grain bill and Ingredients which is a recipe from my local Home Brew Shop-- <a _mce_href="http://www.ubrew.com.au" href="http://www.ubrew.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Marks Home brew">Marks Home Brew</a> here in beaut Newcastle Australia!<br />
<br />
Grains:<br />
Cracked extra fine (0.9mm) for BIAB<br />
Premium Pilsener 3.230 Kg<br />
Munich Dark 0.586 Kg<br />
Cara Munich T2 0.586 Kg<br />
Wheat Chocolate (yummy!) 0.220 kg<br />
<br />
Hops:<br />
Saaz Czech (T90) 79g @60mins boil time<br />
<br />
Yeast:<br />
Safale US-05 (I'm using Muntons Prenium Gold this time)<br />
<br />
Here's my Equipment & Grains<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12438" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12438" rel="attachment wp-att-12438"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0058-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12438" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0058-480x360.jpg" title="Brew equip" width="480" /></a><br />
From Left :<br />
<ol>
<li>Thermometer -decent scientific one.</li>
<li>Hydrometer to calculate abv and gravity</li>
<li>Whirlfloc tablet- finning/to clear the brew at end of boil</li>
<li>Saaz Hop Pellets-Yay- Hops!</li>
<li>Grain bill-Malty goodness!</li>
<li>Burner- Mine's an Italian spiral type</li>
</ol>
More Equipment:<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12441" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12441" rel="attachment wp-att-12441"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0063-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12441" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0063-480x640.jpg" title="Brew Bag" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
-My good 'ol faithful brew bag that holds 5 kgs of grain no worries! Cleaned and ready for action!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12442" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12442" rel="attachment wp-att-12442"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0060-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12442" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0060-480x640.jpg" title="Brew Pot" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
My Brew pot that I picked up In Thailand last year- 36 litre capacity
and does the job. Filled up with just over 20 litres of good 'ol H2O.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12443" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12443" rel="attachment wp-att-12443"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0064-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12443" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0064-480x360.jpg" title="Spare Pots" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Here's some Spare Pots from previous brewing adventures along with a
strainer and my mash paddle which is also great for stir frys too!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12446" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12446" rel="attachment wp-att-12446"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0066-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12446" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0066-480x640.jpg" title="Brew Setup" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
I prop the burner up onto my old barbie (BBQ) for safety reasons pop
the pot filled with water on top and connect the gas up to the burner
and let her rip! Aiming for 50 degrees Celsius strike water temp I grab
the thermometer and monitor the temp.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12447" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12447" rel="attachment wp-att-12447"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0067-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12447" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0067-480x360.jpg" title="Temp control" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Woo-hoo! After about 10 mins the water temp nears 50C strike temp-- time to get the bag and grains ready!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12481" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12481" rel="attachment wp-att-12481"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0069-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12481" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0069-480x360.jpg" title="Grain goes in" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
So after the temp hits just over 50c I turn off the gas and take the
pot down off the burner (with oven gloves on- as I don't like getting
burnt) . Now the bag goes in the pot followed by the grainy goodness
being poured in nice 'an slow.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12484" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12484" rel="attachment wp-att-12484"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0071-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12484" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0071-480x360.jpg" title="Stiring" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Now
the grain is given a good stir making sure I get all the lumpy bits
mashed and all the grains are wet.<br />
Oohh it smells good! Once thats done I
pull the tie on the bag to seal it up and pop the top on the brew pot.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12485" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12485" rel="attachment wp-att-12485"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0073-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12485" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0073-480x360.jpg" title="Top goes on" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Now I'll put the brew to bed for 60mins to let it mash--- have a beer and read some <a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/" href="http://beerbeer.org/" target="_blank" title="BeerBeer">beerbeer.org</a> and <a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank" title="properbeermate">properbeermate</a>!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12486" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12486" rel="attachment wp-att-12486"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0074-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12486" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0074-480x640.jpg" title="Beer in bed" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
What I use to wrap the pot up to maintain the mash temp is a towel and some old clean bed covers -does the trick!<br />
In Part two the which will be posted next week we'll start the boil and add the magic that is HOPS!! <br />
Cheers till then!<br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank"></a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-89293480990821718792012-04-10T20:31:00.000+10:002012-04-10T21:49:41.382+10:00Vale IPAThis little beer caught me by surprise at last years <a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/warners-at-bay-beer-festival.html" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/warners-at-bay-beer-festival.html" target="_blank" title="Warners at the bay beer fest 2011">Warners at the bay beer festival</a>.
I have since then been eagerly awaiting for the bottled version to hit
my local bottle shop and well just the other week it had!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12190" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12190" rel="attachment wp-att-12190"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_0028-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12190" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_0028-480x640.jpg" title="Vale IPA" width="480" /></a></div>
On the pour the beer presents itself with a fantastic amber glow
followed by an awesome foamy head which is not overly carbonated at all.
Big fresh citrusy aroma on the nose with some hoppy pine thrown in too!<br />
<br />
These wonderful smells reminded me of a a good IPA poured off the tap
at a PROPER craft brew pub.<br />
The marvelous aroma follows though
going down with good hoppy bitterness that lingers coupled with a smooth
mouth-feel thanks to the malts used in this brew. Great finish too
leaves me reaching for the glass again for another hypnotizing hop hit!
<br />
<br />
Doesn't have a heavy resin mouth-feel at all like as some other
American styled IPAs out there, which ultimately adds to it's character
and overall drinkability. At 5.5%ABV this brew is a great sessionable
ale too if you can handle/love your hops! <br />
<br />
If are a hop lover or
just curious why people like me go crazy over hops- and you see it out there at
your local- grab a four pack/pint you wont be disappointed.<br />
<br />
<br />
Some good 'ol aged tasty cheddar cheese and crackers or tapas
style garlic prawns would be my food match recommendation with this
tasty brew.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank"></a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-75082998024951208052012-04-01T23:08:00.003+10:002012-04-01T23:08:51.184+10:00Hoppy Hefe!Mad Brewers here in Australia have created something special .........a Hoppy Hefe!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12113" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=12113" rel="attachment wp-att-12113"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/P1020114-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12113" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/P1020114-480x640.jpg" title="Hoppy hefe" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The first thing that hits me is the massive citra hop aroma when I pop the cap followed by the sweet smell of the malts. <br />
On
the pour it generates a awesome fluffy creamy white head with a orangey
hazey body just like a good hefe-wheat beer-a pleasure to look at!
Again I'm in hop heaven on the aromas of this crafted ale....big piney
citrus and good punchy hoppyness on the nose- much like an aggressive
American IPA one of my favorite styles. <br />
Going down the mouth feel
is full and some what sweet as well. Dangerously smooth and satisfying!
Superb hoppy bitterness thrown in too. Abit syrupy on the finish like a
good barleywine but not in a bad way at all. And very refreshing again
like a good hefe should be. <br />
At 7%ABV you gotta watch yourselves
though! I reckon you should treat this brew more like an IPA and savour
with a food match of Pepperoni Pizza.<br />
<br />
This Beer ticks all the right boxes for me as it combines the
characteristics of two of my favorite beer styles the German hefeweizen
and the big hop monster ales of the USA . Too bad its only a limited
addition-I'll have to visit my <a _mce_href="http://www.ubrew.com.au/web/index.asp" href="http://www.ubrew.com.au/web/index.asp" title="Marks Homebrew">local homebrew shop</a> guy and try and clone brew it (^-^)DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-54809188041323420832011-11-30T18:44:00.000+11:002012-01-07T16:14:59.152+11:00Warners At The Bay Beer Festival 2011@Newcastle Australia<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11022" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11022" rel="attachment wp-att-11022"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010938-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11022" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010938-480x360.jpg" title="Pen" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
On Sunday it was<a _mce_href="http://www.warnersatthebay.com.au/" href="http://www.warnersatthebay.com.au/"> Warners At The Bay's</a> Annual Beer Festival which this year coincided with Newcastle Craft Beer Week.<br />
What a day! Held from 12pm to 4pm the event held in the motel car park of my favorite bottle shop hosted over 80 Beers from 25 suppliers and a couple of ciders sunk in too! The weather after a week of non-stop rain Sunday really turned it on with blue sunny skies and the mercury hanging round 30 degrees Celsius--purrrfect beer sampling weather in my book!<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11023" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11023" rel="attachment wp-att-11023"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010912-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11023" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010912-480x360.jpg" title="getting in" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
The event was a sell out with tickets capped at 700 and by the looks of things everyone showed up! Each ticket holder was given a coopers show bag which contained a pen, a back issue of beer & brewer magazine, info sheets,beer tickets, a copy of the excellent <a _mce_href="http://www.beerloversguide.com.au/" href="http://www.beerloversguide.com.au/">Beer Lovers Guide To Australia</a> and the most important thing of all a 200ml Warners At The Bay tasting glass! On to the beers!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://www.rogue.com/beers/hazelnut-brown.php" href="http://www.rogue.com/beers/hazelnut-brown.php"><b>Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar</b></a><br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11024" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11024" rel="attachment wp-att-11024"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010916-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11024" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010916-480x640.jpg" title="Hazelnut brown" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Wow and I mean WOW! This ale was a big surprise. Big malty character on the nose with a bit of caramel thrown in too. The mouth full is where the awesome Hazelnuttyness hits you wonderfully smooth going down and satisfying. I get abit funny about brewers adding stuff to beers...BUT this is done right in true Rogue Brewery fashion- these guys really know what they are doing. Had this over at the <a _mce_href="http://www.innspire.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12&Itemid=1" href="http://www.innspire.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12&Itemid=1">Innspire Craft Beer Merchants</a> tent- a great bunch of guys who bring in some incredible beers from around the world. Check out their ute/pickup below.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11025" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11025" rel="attachment wp-att-11025"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010922-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11025" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010922-480x640.jpg" title="Innspire Ute" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Over at the<b><a _mce_href="http://www.stoneandwood.com.au/" href="http://www.stoneandwood.com.au/"> Stone & Wood</a></b> Brewery tent the home of one of my favorite brews Pacific Ale which was as always excellent... the fellas were also sampling a Spanish lager brew called <b><a _mce_href="http://www.moritz.com/" href="http://www.moritz.com/">Moritz</a></b><br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11041" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11041" rel="attachment wp-att-11041"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010919-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11041" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010919-480x640.jpg" title="Moritz" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
A very thirst quenching brew very smooth going down in the spring sun and a somewhat faint vanilla taste to it on the finish. Very nice! Will definitely be picking up a case of these on a scorching hot day this summer!<br />
<br />
Next up was the<b><a _mce_href="http://www.lordnelsonbrewery.com/" href="http://www.lordnelsonbrewery.com/"> Lord Nelson Brewery</a></b> Stand<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11042" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11042" rel="attachment wp-att-11042"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010920-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11042" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010920-480x640.jpg" title="Lord Nelson" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
These guys from Sydney's institutional brewpub were very informative and great to chat with... the beer was great too! They had the Three Sheets Pale Ale and Old Admiral strong amber ale on tap for the day. The Three Sheets was great- not too overpowering in the hop department and a very inoffensive ale- Extremely refreshing. The Old Admiral on the other hand had a good malty backbone to it-would be great by the pint on a cool evening. The brewpub is a great place to check out if you find yourself in Sydney-a great establishment that is a part of Sydney's and Australia's craft brew history.<br />
<br />
Next up we made our way over to the wonderful peps at the <a _mce_href="http://www.facebook.com/BeerImportersDistributors" href="http://www.facebook.com/BeerImportersDistributors"><b>Beer Importers and Distributors (BID)</b></a> stand<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11049" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11049" rel="attachment wp-att-11049"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010924-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11049" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010924-480x640.jpg" title="Sam Adams/Warsteiner" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Sam Adams Lager as always-- a great Vienna style lager with malty goodness went down a treat! Warstiener a very clean bright larger which would rival any Mexican style lager as the easiest drink brew out there . Noble Pils from Sam Adams was also a good example of the style. Hope to see some Belgians next year from BID as they provide the Aussie market with some cracker beers from beer's holy land.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://mvbeer.com/" href="http://mvbeer.com/"><b>McLaren Vale</b></a><br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11056" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11056" rel="attachment wp-att-11056"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010927-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11056" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010927-480x360.jpg" title="Vale Ale" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
I have converted a few peps over to craft brew with Vale Ale from these guys. I was pleasantly surprised they also brew an IPA which was one of the only IPA's available for tasting at the event. And what a great IPA at that! Big hop aroma on the nose and a sweet maltyness going down, finishing up with a awesome hoppy bitterness which hop-heads like me are addicted to. Hope to see more from these guys.<br />
<b>Notable Mentions:</b><br />
<b><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11059" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11059" rel="attachment wp-att-11059"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010925-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11059" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010925-480x360.jpg" title="Happy People" width="480" /></a></b><br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://mudgeebrewing.com.au/Home.aspx" href="http://mudgeebrewing.com.au/Home.aspx"><b>Mudgee Brewing</b></a> Amazing Wheat beer! Has the biggest banana aroma of any wheat beer I have ever tasted! Great to see a good Aussie brewer making a PROPER wheat beer.<br />
<br />
<b><a _mce_href="http://www.blackduckbrewery.com.au/" href="http://www.blackduckbrewery.com.au/">Black Duck Brewery</a></b> Great beers on show especialy the PROPER bitter lovely beer could've drank it all day... and that has nothing to do with the fact it has PROPER in its name I swear (^_^).<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://www.ekimbrewing.com.au/Ekim_Brewing/Home.html" href="http://www.ekimbrewing.com.au/Ekim_Brewing/Home.html"><b>Ekim Brewing</b></a> & <a _mce_href="http://www.happygoblin.com.au/" href="http://www.happygoblin.com.au/"><b>Happy Goblin</b></a> best pale ales at the event-great bunch of guys too!<br />
<br />
<b><a _mce_href="http://www.ubrew.com.au/web/index.asp" href="http://www.ubrew.com.au/web/index.asp">Mark's Home Brew</a></b>- Mark and Shawn great guys and last minute suppliers for taps and things so the breweries could serve us beery people beer! Thanks Heaps!<br />
<br />
Last but not least a massive thanks to Mark Mead & Crew from Warners at the Bay and Corey Crooks & crew from the <a href="http://www.thealbion.com.au/" target="_blank">Albion Hotel</a> & Newcastle Craft Beer week Founder for making this amazing event happen....us beery folks really appreciate the enormous time and effort that you guys have put into this event to make it a cracker! Cheers fellas.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-73303769978738584712011-11-22T23:20:00.004+11:002012-01-07T16:17:48.452+11:00Women & Beer event @ Bar Petite Newcastle AustraliaWell here we finally are at this very special week in November! <a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?p=10813" href="http://beerbeer.org/?p=10813">Newcastle Craft Beer Week </a>has begun!! One of the opening events was a Ladies only night event hosted by "<a _mce_href="http://www.beerdiva.com.au/" href="http://www.beerdiva.com.au/">the beer Diva</a>" Kirrily Waldron at <a _mce_href="http://www.barpetite.com.au/" href="http://www.barpetite.com.au/">Bar Petite</a> on King Street here in beaut Newie!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10998" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10998" rel="attachment wp-att-10998"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010890-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10998" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010890-480x360.jpg" title="Women & Beer" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Now you might be thinking did <a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/">PROPERBEERMATE</a> have to wear a wig, mascara and a pretty dress to get in and review this event? Sorry to disappoint you but no....I sent in the PROPERBEER MAIDENS! Who took all the photos and notes for me to complete this review! Cheers ladies! <br />
Now onto the beers!<br />
<b>Hargreaves Hill Hefeweizen</b><br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11000" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11000" rel="attachment wp-att-11000"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010881-e1321960353419-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11000" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010881-e1321960353419-480x640.jpg" title="Hefe" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
A wonderful representation of the style and one of my favies too. Aromas on the nose are the traditional lolly banana and clove you'd expect from a good Hefe along with a welcome surprise of some vanilla notes as well. Great drinkability smooth and very refreshing going down. The PROPERBEER MAIDEN'S favorite of the night!<br />
<br />
<b>Matilda Bay Bohemian Pilsner</b><br />
<br />
<b><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10999" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10999" rel="attachment wp-att-10999"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010885-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10999" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010885-480x640.jpg" title="Pils" width="480" /></a></b><br />
<br />
Little to no hop aroma on the nose, very appealing appearance and easy drinking as most pils type beers are but with a slight bitter finish.Nothing fancy here.... very close resemblance to the macro brew lagers available on tap at most pubs. <b></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>2 Birds Brewing Golden Ale</b><br />
<br />
<b><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11001" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11001" rel="attachment wp-att-11001"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010892-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11001" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010892-480x640.jpg" title="Golden Ale" width="480" /></a></b><br />
<br />
Big strong honey notes on the aroma along with a somewhat fermented soy bean quality too! Very smooth going down due to the intentional low carbonation of this beer. Would go great with any chilli based spicy foods to cut through the heat.<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Ninkasi's Angel Tripel</b><br />
<br />
<b><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11002" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11002" rel="attachment wp-att-11002"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010898-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11002" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010898-480x640.jpg" title="Ninkasi" width="480" /></a></b><br />
<br />
The first all female brewer collaboration brew here in Australia! Which is also named after an ancient beer goddess, is a Belgian inspired style of beer which incorporates local ingredients to complement the traditional Tripel style. Big spice notes on the nose, full bodied and quite strong on the alcohol make this brew a sipper not a chugger by any means. Goes great with a good cheese and crackers on a cool night! <b></b><br />
<br />
<b>Hunter Beer Co. Lambic</b><br />
<br />
<b><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11003" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11003" rel="attachment wp-att-11003"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010900-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11003" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010900-480x640.jpg" title="Lambic" width="480" /></a></b><br />
<br />
Very young home brew and sour aroma to this brew. Again on the taste very yeastie applely and SOUR! Needs more time to mature in the bottle maybe to mellow it out a bit perhaps... but then again this is a sour style. The Chocolate tart that complemented this brew however was excellent! <b></b><br />
<br />
Thanks again to the PROPERBEER MAIDENS for their superb tasting skills and notes!<br />
<br />
<br />
And to Kirrily Waldron "<a href="http://www.beerdiva.com.au/">the beer Diva</a>" who has broken down so many barriers and perceptions of beer appreciation and beer culture for both females and males over years through her constant hard work in the beer community here in Australia and aboard. We beer enthusiasts thank you for your passion and commitment towards the craft that is beer. Cheers!<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11006" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=11006" rel="attachment wp-att-11006"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010887-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-11006" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010887-480x640.jpg" title="the beer diva" width="480" /></a><br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/"></a><br />
<b><br />
</b>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-24728081342993563402011-11-04T08:24:00.001+11:002011-11-04T08:35:52.227+11:00Newcastle Craft Beer Week @Newcastle Australia! Update<div style="text-align: left;">Hope everyone enjoyed the festivities during the Oktoberfest month! Here is the finalized listings for the upcoming Newcastle Craft Beer week which now includes an event hosted by one of my favorite brewers Richard Watkins from the <a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/2010/07/canberra-trip.html" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/2010/07/canberra-trip.html">Wig and Pen</a> Brewpub in Canberra!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Click on the image below to view the updated event list! </div><a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/" title="properbeermate!"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/NCBW_Brochure-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/NCBW_Brochure-2-480x339.jpg" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10826" height="339" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/NCBW_Brochure-2-480x339.jpg" title="Brochure V2.indd" width="480" /></a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-89997825702155278422011-10-02T11:03:00.001+11:002011-10-02T18:47:03.364+11:00Harts Pub@ the rocks Sydney AustraliaThe other week I was in Sydney for a business trip and I had the opportunity to check out Harts Pub in the historical rocks district of Sydney.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10435" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10435" rel="attachment wp-att-10435"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1010831-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10435" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1010831-480x640.jpg" title="Harts Pub" width="480" /></a></div>The Pub is just down the street from the Shangri-La Hotel ("the old ANA hotel") and also houses the Rocks Brewing Co.<br />
Since Rocks brewing co. moved in and the rave reviews from beery folks here in Aussieland it has always been one of the pubs I have wanted to visit most! So wondered in at around 6.30pm on a Tuesday evening to see what all the fuss was about.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10438" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10438" rel="attachment wp-att-10438"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1010832-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10438" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1010832-480x360.jpg" title="Hars pub bar" width="480" /></a></div>First up I asked the staff for the hoppiest beer on tap which was a brew by <a _mce_href="http://www.hopdog.com.au/" href="http://www.hopdog.com.au/">Hopdog Beerworks</a>: The Pale. I was kindly advised to try a sample out first as it I was informed a hop monster of a beer and it was! Massive hop hit,bitter and palate destroying!-I like it! Definitely a PROPER pale ale! I was planning on trying out a few that night so I moved on to the recommendation of the great bar staff and tried out a pint of the Rocks Brewery Co's The Hangman Pale Ale<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10441" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10441" rel="attachment wp-att-10441"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1010833-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10441" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/P1010833-480x640.jpg" title="The Hangman" width="480" /></a></div>Gotta love those American style shaker pints the brews are served in! Just the right size I reckon! Lots of stone fruitiness and citrusy hoppy goodness on the nose... Very smooth and full bodied going down, Nice bitter twang at the end and extremely refreshing. Awesome beer to look at too! Good head retention and a wonderful golden orangey colour of the beer itself! Excellent beer-<a _mce_href="http://www.hartspub.com/rocksbrewing/Rocks-Beer-1809-Pale-Ale.htm" href="http://www.hartspub.com/rocksbrewing/Rocks-Beer-1809-Pale-Ale.htm"> The Hangman</a> became my default go to brew for the rest of the night! <br />
Got to try out a pint of "Rocks Crew Cream Ale" which was actually brewed by the pubs staff during a trip to <a _mce_href="http://www.pottersbrewery.com.au/" href="http://www.pottersbrewery.com.au/">Potters Brewery</a> here in the Hunter! A style that I haven't tried yet it had a very vanilla like creaming soda quality on the nose! Extremely smooth going down like a weizen/wheat style bodied beer with the re-freshness of a good 'ol british ale. No big hop features here but you can tell some noble ones are there under the cream somewhere. Awesome beer experience- a must try-while it lasts! Great brew crew!!<br />
I was very surprised to see the good range of bottled brews there too. They had one of my favorite pale ales of all time in the fridge which confirmed my PROPER BEER stamp of approval as a PROPER PUB !! <a _mce_href="http://www.hargreaveshill.com.au" href="http://www.hargreaveshill.com.au/">Hargreaves</a> Pale Ale from Victoria which I shared with the staff and another bloke at the upstairs bar on my way out. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10476" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10476" rel="attachment wp-att-10476"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1010834-480x360.jpg" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10476" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1010834-480x360.jpg" title="Hargreaves Hill Pale" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Good full floral aroma and a well balanced grainy malty backbone make this one a good all year drinker. Going down you can really taste the malt backed up by the bitterness of the awesome hops used in this beer at the same time being very smooth. The way this beer is crafted you can tell a lot of commitment has been made to make it just the right balance of hops aroma and fresh malty grain. Can't wait to try it on tap in New South Wales one day! (hint-hint) </div><div style="text-align: left;">Harts Pub has really put Sydney on the map as a great Craft Beer Destination for lovers of PROPER BEER! Fantastic knowledgeable and friendly staff along with fantastic craft beer on a tap & bottle.... Harts Pub is definitely doing it right! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh yeah and the foods good too!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Check out the menu on their website here <a _mce_href="http://www.hartspub.com" href="http://www.hartspub.com/">http://www.hartspub.com/</a></div>Harts Pub:<br />
176 Cumberland St <br />
The Rocks,Sydney, NSW 2000<br />
+61 (0)29516030<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/">PROPERBEERMATE</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-57047796434950583372011-09-16T09:18:00.000+10:002011-09-16T09:18:15.852+10:00Newcastle Craft Beer Week Events!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6jx4L5IiA580Am9eYaBQHPGhyphenhyphenxOPnsqJa3_g5hWvtbvQZ1EJBdSzjuPGj6o9288ehlr6JLL-wkKj-efmEbzAVMDlbdkjP5iBUTwxxs_DWZ-ZuaBEOk_SGJveWw7ojWa4R4Fa-9rz34Y/s1600/Newcastle+Craft+Beer+Week+v4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6jx4L5IiA580Am9eYaBQHPGhyphenhyphenxOPnsqJa3_g5hWvtbvQZ1EJBdSzjuPGj6o9288ehlr6JLL-wkKj-efmEbzAVMDlbdkjP5iBUTwxxs_DWZ-ZuaBEOk_SGJveWw7ojWa4R4Fa-9rz34Y/s320/Newcastle+Craft+Beer+Week+v4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Without further ado here is the full list of events for Newcastle craft beer week in the last week of November 2011!! Woohoo!<br />
It's gonna be beertastic!(All entry priced are listed in Australian dollars)<br />
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th Hunter Beer Co. Oktoberfest<br />
Monday 21st - 6pm -<br />
Beer & Cheese - $40 per person<br />
@ Prince of Wales Hotel<br />
with McLaren Vale Beer Co, Lord Nelson Brewery & Murrays Brewery<br />
Monday 21st - 7pm<br />
@ Bar Petite<br />
Women & Beer - $40 per person (Female ONLY Event)<br />
Hosted by Kirrily Waldron (The Beer Diva)<br />
All Beers brewed by females by 2 Birds Brewing + True South + Hunter Beer Co.<br />
Monday 21st - 8pm<br />
The Junction Hotel<br />
Meet The Brewers - $30 per person<br />
With 4 Pines Brewing Company & Rocks Brewing McLaren Vale Beer Company<br />
Tuesday 22nd - The Boardwalk Craft Beer Crawl<br />
6pm Silo Restaurant and Lounge with Hunter Beer Co. Head Brewer Keith Grice<br />
8pm Dockyard with Murray's Craft Brewing Co Head Brewer Shawn Sherlock<br />
$50 includes both Silo & Dockyard Events<br />
Tuesday 22nd - 7pm<br />
The Burwood Inn<br />
Aussie Craft Beer Showcase - $35 per person<br />
Hosted by Lachlan McBean with guests<br />
Wednesday 23rd - 6pm<br />
The Delany Hotel<br />
The Art of Brewing - $40<br />
Hosted by Coopers Brewery Technical Manager Simon Fahey<br />
Also Includes 'Newcastle Home Brew Awards'<br />
Home Brew Awards Entries limited to one beer / brewer Sample brews to be dropped into<br />
Mark's Home Brew Shop, Maitland Rd, Islington<br />
Wednesday 23rd - 7pm<br />
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club<br />
'Where it all Started' - $75<br />
Matilda Bay Brewing<br />
4 Course Dinner with 8 Beers<br />
Wednesday 23rd - 7pm<br />
Clarendon Hotel<br />
'Meet The Brewer Dinner' - $75<br />
Burleigh Brewing<br />
Hosted by Owner/Head Brewer Brennan Fielding<br />
Thursday 24th - 6.30pm<br />
Albion Hotel<br />
'Official Newcastle Craft Beer Week Dinner' - $99 per person<br />
Featuring The Brewers from<br />
Stone & Wood, Feral, Mclaren Vale, 4 Pines, Murrays, Hunter, Burleigh & Holgate<br />
Friday 25th - 12.00pm<br />
The Delany Hotel<br />
'Tales & Ales Long Lunch' $75<br />
James Squire Brewing<br />
Hosted by Chuck Hahn<br />
Friday 25th - 7pm<br />
Clarendon Hotel<br />
'Let's Get Crafty' $45<br />
Hosted by Little Creatures & White Rabbit<br />
Saturday 26th - 12.00pm<br />
Albion Hotel<br />
Beer & Food (BBQ Session) $50<br />
Hosted by Holgate Brewhouse, Stone & Wood, Mountain Goat<br />
Also featuring a special guest host.<br />
Saturday 26th 6pm<br />
Albion Hotel<br />
'Have a beer with the brewers'<br />
FREE ENTRY<br />
A informal chance to share a beer and chat with Australia's best brewers!<br />
Sunday 27th 12pm - 4pm<br />
Warners @ The Bay<br />
5th Annual Beer Festival - $50 per person<br />
30 Brewing Companies Involved<br />
Contact the venues direct to book into any events follow the links to their facebook pages for contact info.<br />
or contact me and i'll point ya in the right direction: dane@beerbeer.org<br />
Cheers!DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-66477542518047079552011-09-05T06:51:00.001+10:002011-09-05T07:02:01.867+10:00Newcastle Craft Beer Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6jx4L5IiA580Am9eYaBQHPGhyphenhyphenxOPnsqJa3_g5hWvtbvQZ1EJBdSzjuPGj6o9288ehlr6JLL-wkKj-efmEbzAVMDlbdkjP5iBUTwxxs_DWZ-ZuaBEOk_SGJveWw7ojWa4R4Fa-9rz34Y/s1600/Newcastle+Craft+Beer+Week+v4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6jx4L5IiA580Am9eYaBQHPGhyphenhyphenxOPnsqJa3_g5hWvtbvQZ1EJBdSzjuPGj6o9288ehlr6JLL-wkKj-efmEbzAVMDlbdkjP5iBUTwxxs_DWZ-ZuaBEOk_SGJveWw7ojWa4R4Fa-9rz34Y/s320/Newcastle+Craft+Beer+Week+v4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10157" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10157" rel="attachment wp-att-10157"><br />
</a><br />
I am pleased to announce that our beaut city of Newcastle is hosting it's first Craft Beer Week between the 21st and 27th of November 2011! With 12 pubs onboard and over 20 brewery partners as well the event is set to go off! Not even Sydney- you know that other city in N.S.W. has an event like this. Over the course of the week there will be a whole range of beery events happening such as a Home Brew competition, beer style based pub crawls and a Ladies only beer tasting event hosted by none other than the Beer Diva herself Kirrily Waldhorn. Newcastle has always been a beer town as it is home to the highest percentage of home brewers in the country! This event will really show the city's love of PROPER BEER!<br />
More info on the week will be posted on the lead up to the event- so watch this space!<br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/">PROPERBEERMATE</a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-71231905145106323182011-09-01T01:12:00.003+10:002011-09-01T08:32:22.563+10:00Pales In Comparison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7by7OsyfKDyvW4uaXwnBKzuN1XAux2dx8czvbVxB_ve8SsuNkBuFY17yhllSYDGelogEdWPJh5cwNwfdxLLg3kVDrKhTqnUFyESA39u2qKMkIra0sKjej5yX07GpFpARLZZg7H751hU/s1600/P1010776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7by7OsyfKDyvW4uaXwnBKzuN1XAux2dx8czvbVxB_ve8SsuNkBuFY17yhllSYDGelogEdWPJh5cwNwfdxLLg3kVDrKhTqnUFyESA39u2qKMkIra0sKjej5yX07GpFpARLZZg7H751hU/s320/P1010776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
With the recent arrival of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale officially in Australia I felt the need to compare it against two of the nations favorite pale ales-- Little Creatures Pale Ale and Murrays Nirvana Pale Ale.<br />
Sierra Nevada is a America craft brewery based in Chico California which has been regarded by many as the one that kick started the American Craft beer revolution! Way back in 1980 they brewed the first batch what was to become the bench mark west coast American Pale ale that has inspired craft brewers and home brewers alike since due to its big game changing hoppy aromatics cascade hop driven beer.<br />
While you could buy this brew in Australia for about $7~9 AUD per bottle at selected bottle shops for many years now, it was usually brought in to the country as an "unofficial grey import" which very much compromised the brews quality.It was brought over via various countries with no temperature control and by the time it reached here it would be very close to the best before date or past it!<br />
Now thanks to the demand of Australia's PROPER beer drinkers and Phoenix Beers in Western Australia -Sierra Nevada is now officially available in Australia! Transported from the USA via refrigerated container so us Aussies can now enjoy fresh Sierra Nevada Pale Ale the way its creators meant it to be! It is also alot more affordable now at about $20AUD a six pack!!<br />
So I picked up a sixer and a couple of local Pale Ales from the local supermarket bottle-lo. To make it fair as some of you may already know I do live near Murrays Brewery(lucky me:) but for intensive purposes of the comparison I decided to pick up a bottle of Nirvana Pale Ale at the supermarket bottle shop as the bottle would have been stored under the same/similar conditions as the other two and not directly from the brewery which would I think give it somewhat of an advantage.<br />
Okay on to the comparison!<br />
Little Creatures Pale Ale (W.A. Australia) 5.2%ABV<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10131" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10131" rel="attachment wp-att-10131"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010779-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10131" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010779-480x640.jpg" title="Little creatures" width="480" /></a><br />
My first real American style Pale ale way back in 2004 and gave me my first hop hit! It was amazing the floral fruity aroma and the drinkabilty was awesome! The malts and hops melded together perfectly going down.... slightly sweet in a good way on the finish. Probably one of the first beers that I really raved about to both friends and family. Every time I bought this beer back then I enjoyed every drop! Now over the years I have gone on to much more bigger beers such as hoppy double IPA's.... does the creature still liven up my palate and senses? In a word no.It is not the beer I remember as a younger hophead. The Aroma is there but only just....I noticed there is no slight yeast sediment in the bottom of the bottle like before either. The mouthfeel is now alot thinner too no real hoppy hit like back in 2004. Okay it is a good beer... but having the memory of tasting what it should taste like is very dishearting. Maybe they thinned it out to appeal to the demand? Different/less hops used? Have I punished my palate too much with hoppy goodness? I have been drinking mostly wheat beers lately so my hop senses have been calmed down too. In a nutshell good beer if nothing else is available or you haven't tried it before...... still I will also say a good entry beer into the world of craft beer. Cute label though.... they haven't changed that! $20~23AUD a six pack<br />
<br />
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (Chico C.A. USA) 5.6%ABV<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10132" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10132" rel="attachment wp-att-10132"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010778-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10132" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010778-480x640.jpg" title="Sierra Nevada" width="480" /></a><br />
Now this what I was craving! Nice balanced cascade hop aroma on the nose and some medium malt tones. Not much of a head after being poured slowly into my shaker pint glass. Very enjoyable going down a good malt backbone without being too overpowering. Nice hoppy finish and very hard to put the glass down! I kept going back to this stuff over the course of the comparison . Extremely smooth and drinkable while giving you a hop hit.The brewers really got the balance right with this one !<br />
Would be a regular to go to beer if the 24pack case price was right but its still up there around the $77~80AUD mark. The sixer is the way to go with this guy at $20 bucks and also the fact the bottles are 345ml and not 330ml like LCPA and MNPA. A fantastic beer..... I can see why it has inspired many .....including me! Gotta love that label....<br />
<br />
Murrays Nirvana Pale Ale (N.S.W. Australia) 4.5%ABV<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10133" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10133" rel="attachment wp-att-10133"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010780-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10133" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010780-480x640.jpg" title="MNPA" width="480" /></a><br />
Now this beer after poring correctly had the biggest retaining head out of all three. Awesome BIG hop aroma on the nose from those kiwi hops used- lots of fruit characters and a hint of floral. Going down slightly heavier than the other two with a more assertive malt tone. Good balance between sweetness of malt and hop bitterness. Nice fruity hop finish and very satisfying. A pleasure to drink. Excellent off tap too if you see it out there! As some of you would know Murrays Brewery's beginnings were actually inspired by a visit by Murray himself to a diner in the United States were he tried Sierra Nevada Pale Ale...and loved it! The rest is history and he and his brewers have created a fantastic example in this evolution of the style! Well done guys! $15AUD a four pack or $15 bucks a growler fill at the brewery!<br />
Conclusion:<br />
It is great to see Sierra Nevada available officially in Australia now and at a reasonable price too! Fantastic drop would like to give it a go off tap some day! Little creatures has tied us over 'til now... sorry old friend you just 'aint what cha used to be! But in the end I really crave my good 'ol hops and freshness you can't beat from a true craft/micro brewery and Murray's Nirvana Pale Ale would be my choice if all three were offered to me.<br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/">PROPERBEERMATE</a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-65946442665983426002011-08-18T10:58:00.001+10:002011-08-18T11:49:52.271+10:00Holland Beer Brewery Bangkok Thailand!<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=9933" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=9933" rel="attachment wp-att-9933"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010637-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9933" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010637-480x360.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
This place is found about 20~40mins by taxi from Bangkok's main center on Rama II .I was very surprised<br />
by the size it was massive!! And the amount of people pouring into the place! Yes I thought! The holy grail of beer in Thailand must be here! <br />
Well it was kinda.....<br />
This place was very Thai orientated.... fair enough I'm in Thailand!! But in terms of a beer enthusiast looking for the western microbrewery experience you won't find it here aye.. The main attraction is the big stage show with various choreographed dancing and singing shows in Thai and also some English pop/R&B solo and duet songs are performed.... highly entertaining to be honest! The beer here is surprisingly fantastic though which is the main thing!<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=9980" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=9980" rel="attachment wp-att-9980"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010616-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9980" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010616-480x360.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
The place has absolutely nothing to do with Holland other than the crazy windmill out the front and the fact I assume those Dutch love their beer?! Well they made Heineken and Grolsch I spose....<br />
<br />
The whole place is more so centered on the massive stage show and awesome food more than the excellent beer on offer even though fermenters behind the bar themselves were clearly in view and big!<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=9981" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=9981" rel="attachment wp-att-9981"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010622-480x360.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9981" height="360" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010622-480x360.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
No one sitting round the bar, Just the wait staff collecting orders and filling up those incredible beer towers that you see round Thailand and Malaysia mainly in food courts...gotta love that!<br />
So we ordered our food and I ordered the BEER! They had three brews on offer a dark Dunkel , a Weizen and a wait for it a........ Lager!!<br />
<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=9982" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=9982" rel="attachment wp-att-9982"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010620-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9982" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010620-480x640.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
After a week of Lagers in beaut Chiang Mai I was craving a good 'ol ale! Had a stein of the Dunkel to start off nice roasty choc malt on the nose and a faint noble hop aroma. Wow... on the mouth full it was very malty and caramelly in taste and smooth as! It was more like a robust porter beer than a German style Dunkle. The Weizen was very nice too! Big banana and clove notes on the nose true to style, very cold creamy and refreshing going down as a good Weizen should be! It filled me up quite quickly though due to the wheat malts and having close to a litre of Dunkle before! Now the Lager....<a _mce_href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10006" href="http://beerbeer.org/?attachment_id=10006" rel="attachment wp-att-10006"><img _mce_src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010632-480x640.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-10006" height="640" src="http://beerbeer.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1010632-480x640.jpg" title="Lager@Holland beer" width="480" /></a>Now this was a big surprise! No big hop aroma but a subtle scent of a noble hop was there along with a good fresh somewhat pilsner malt grain tone. Mmmmm....nice and cold going down like a Lager should be with a awesome very well balanced bitter after taste! Easily the best lager I had on my Malaysia/Thailand trip! I can see why this was the most favored brew at the venue! Could of drank it all night...and almost did!<br />
<br />
I really wanted to complement the brewer but found it hard to communicate this to the staff due to the language barrier. Oh well if you're out there mate I think you make some of the best beer in Thailand by far!! Service by the way was excellent- as always in the land of smiles : ) <br />
<br />
<br />
The food was great. If you like your fresh seafood dishes this is a good place to check out if you are ever in Bangkok. We had the crab curry and rice as our main and it was a very good match for the Lager. I'll definitely be going there again next time I'm in Bangers..now to find a decent hotel on Rama II.......<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://www.edtguide.com/HollandBeer_486465" href="http://www.edtguide.com/HollandBeer_486465" title="Holland Beer">Holland Beer</a><br />
129/9 moo 6 Rama 2 Road<br />
Bangkhuntian<br />
Bangkok 10150<br />
Telephone: +66 2-4531101-10<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-16820933598443062432011-07-11T11:17:00.001+10:002011-07-11T11:21:22.768+10:00Warners at the Bay and Yeastie Boys Pot Kettle Black growler style!Warners at the Bay bottle shop here in Beaut Newcastle NSW Australia that currently boasts over 900 beers from both Aussie craft/macro and sweet beery nectar from around the world-My kinda place : )<br />
<br />
When I first stumbled upon this great institution a few years back the sign out the front stated over 500 beers from around the world, it has certainly grown since then! Looking forward to when they crack 1000!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkGD2Os2My5SCYyY2o3htXgjqAVp9LN0geLjayZTk1j3cYRNhRZkNxKxj-SPbf5tC1U8xQwMgY_38-5oEwPNh3nzNpUya2LCRsRAELpKMAhkN37M7SVxBImCuOiJHFyVvEOTQt27S9Nc/s1600/2011-04-26+14.51.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkGD2Os2My5SCYyY2o3htXgjqAVp9LN0geLjayZTk1j3cYRNhRZkNxKxj-SPbf5tC1U8xQwMgY_38-5oEwPNh3nzNpUya2LCRsRAELpKMAhkN37M7SVxBImCuOiJHFyVvEOTQt27S9Nc/s320/2011-04-26+14.51.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Everything from your standard macro lagers, Fine Ales,Heffes, Belgians, Tasty Stouts,Aussie/NZ/US~Canada craft beers- to the extreme end of craft brewin' Such as Mikkeller, Brew Dog and EPIC~ Mmmmmm..... hOPS! <br />
They also have a extensive range of PROPER glassware behind the counter mostly branded from the respective breweries. I always cave in to a impulse buy of a beaut glass on the way out with my usual case of brewed goodness and/or interesting singles. <br />
Mark the manager is a great bloke always willing to give advice of what to try out according to your taste, favorite style or season.<br />
He and the staff have introduced me to some wonderful brews over the last couple of years such as Burleigh Brewing(Gold Coast), Stone & Wood (Byron Bay) and Yeastie Boys(NZ) .Cheers Mate!<br />
<br />
They have recently brought in an awesome growler filling station where you purchase a beaut refillable 1.89 litre glass growler bottle from them for about $10AUD (yours to keep!). Then the staff will fill it up for ya with the brew of your choice/budget out of six taps which are constantly changing with local and international brews.It really is a great idea-for example a bottle of the Brew Dog/Mikkeller Colab brew "I Hardcore You" retails for about$30~40AUD for a standard 330ml stubbie where as a fresh growler fill of the good stuff was $25~32 bucks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXRH988y6mBGM23FA7Y_JhgqMCNQFWzcHbil9K1XI2cu_YbRVAqtg6TNuIbF1sr1uBdhFM7WbJOR_zSff5sipLx5z2KhGWX6o1kfDo7OULksacyJVWrqTKOR_B8IO344LYGsAV1l1BDE/s1600/2011-04-26+14.50.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXRH988y6mBGM23FA7Y_JhgqMCNQFWzcHbil9K1XI2cu_YbRVAqtg6TNuIbF1sr1uBdhFM7WbJOR_zSff5sipLx5z2KhGWX6o1kfDo7OULksacyJVWrqTKOR_B8IO344LYGsAV1l1BDE/s320/2011-04-26+14.50.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Check out their twitter page <a _mce_href="http://twitter.com/#!/Warnersatthebay" href="http://twitter.com/#%21/Warnersatthebay" target="_blank" title="Warners at the bay twitter">'ere</a> for the latest line up.<br />
I was lucky enough to pick up a growler of Yeastie Boys Pot Kettle Black IPA when it was on tap and it was sensational!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMS6au-oW0YGSqUV3TwgDBQxNmRyjaHE1XcG1NWCtrY2Da6znhwDYftMss7oa6v6yVmSxyQPfadVSE4BysxuI1F-P4nHERtL3oZCYyG2FmLdtZpIdcGOosfgYqpxgtVN7JLR-uV4crekU/s1600/2011-04-30+18.50.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMS6au-oW0YGSqUV3TwgDBQxNmRyjaHE1XcG1NWCtrY2Da6znhwDYftMss7oa6v6yVmSxyQPfadVSE4BysxuI1F-P4nHERtL3oZCYyG2FmLdtZpIdcGOosfgYqpxgtVN7JLR-uV4crekU/s320/2011-04-30+18.50.46.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Very aromatic & hoppy on the nose from those fantastic fresh Nelson Sauvin & Cascade NZ hops. Massive hop hit with a big roasty malt undertones on the mouthful with a satisfying bitter twang. Really sends ya beer sensors into overload wanting more and MORE!!(ok settle down now :) At 6.0%ABV it is very drinkable and should be paired with anything spicy and burnt to complement the roastyness and hop hit. Spicy bbq'd chicken Satay comes to mind....... YUMMO!<br />
If you are lucky enough to be in Newcastle pop in and see the crew at Warners at the Bay- NSW's and I reckon Australia's premier bottle-o!<br />
They are at :<br />
320 Hillsborough Rd,Warners Bay NSW,2282 Australia<br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Properbeermate">PROPERBEERMATE</a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-33549712353412395332011-06-14T13:06:00.000+10:002011-06-14T13:06:25.418+10:00BUDVAR DARK LAGER!Hey guys here is my review of a sensational dark lager which comes from one of my favorite breweries in the world <a _mce_href="http://budweiser-budvar.cz/en/index.html#restrictedContent" href="http://budweiser-budvar.cz/en/index.html#restrictedContent" title="Budvar">Budweiser Budvar</a> in the Czech Republic -established in 1895.<br />
Budvar Dark Lager is a relatively new beer brewed by Budvar-first brewed in 2004 in fact- who are famous for their Czech Premium Lager- which is regarded by many beer enthusiasts as the benchmark pilsner/lager type beer and I totally agree. If you see Budvar Czech Premium Lager at your local-- grab it 'an drink it! And you'll see why it is my favorite lager....!! Look out for a review!<br />
<br />
Anyways (I got abit excited there : ) on to the review...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuv0VHaxyYSDv7naTB1aNBpdI4JTgRooBob11yV-2UxI-ovHKHO13BOF3nAwUQrbkJ0y2aoquIpH_BmCdM0kHPshg9_tfjySf5aUuVx24MT_RfR5MU11bQHTt0j9q6UoPZ2DsFCe_6lI/s1600/2011-05-07+18.54.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuv0VHaxyYSDv7naTB1aNBpdI4JTgRooBob11yV-2UxI-ovHKHO13BOF3nAwUQrbkJ0y2aoquIpH_BmCdM0kHPshg9_tfjySf5aUuVx24MT_RfR5MU11bQHTt0j9q6UoPZ2DsFCe_6lI/s320/2011-05-07+18.54.40.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Pours a dark porter/slight coke tinge with a awesome creamy head smelling of a mix of yummy malts and Czech saaz hop goodness!<br />
On the mouthful it glides down like a smooth porter while giving that zangy bite of that again fantastic Czech saaz hop character and surprisingly the absolute re freshness of a larger on the finish. A very balanced beer at the same time at 4.7%ABV. <br />
<br />
With its simplicity of ingredients- good malts, local fresh hops and good water it really is an example of when a brewer can bring out the best qualities in what they have on hand-- and the skill of what these guys/gals can do really shines through. <br />
There has to be a lot said for<a _mce_href="http://budweiser-budvar.cz/en/o-nas/historie-a-soucasnost.html" href="http://budweiser-budvar.cz/en/o-nas/historie-a-soucasnost.html"> tradition</a>.... This is what balanced & drinkable beer should be all about. <br />
A very satisfying beer. Paired it with Japanese style char siu/chyashyu pork- tsukemen (cold-ramen) noodles and it went down a treat!<br />
Picked this 500ml bottle up at <a _mce_href="http://www.warnersatthebay.com.au/bottleshop/" href="http://www.warnersatthebay.com.au/bottleshop/" title="Warners at the bay">Warners at the bay bottle shop</a> here in beaut Newcastle --- the holy grail of PROPERBEER in Australia!<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/" href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/"><br />
</a>DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-2733443407169814302011-03-25T00:59:00.000+11:002011-03-25T00:59:14.292+11:00Guinness & Kilkenny Draught CanTo keep on the theme of St Pats day here is my review of Guinness and Kilkenny Draught cans...<br />
I had a quiet St Pats day this year mainly due to the terrible situation in Japan as a result of the recent earthquake and tsunami...As some of you would know by reading some of my previous reviews on <a href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/">PROPER BEER MATE</a> I have family and friends in Japan, all are fine and safe thank goodness.....Thanks to all my friends/colleges/family who have expressed their concern and a big GAMBATTE (GOOD LUCK!) to all the people of Japan to overcome this disaster. <br />
So I grabbed a couple of 4 packs of irish goodness from the shop to enjoy later on in the evening after work at home... <br />
It's time for a Guinness! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T5YnMTk0aV_svY-MmoZ1SxJyoGMuu-Q70MAVeFM1t0C6xQKflwu85wo1OjvJKjn5aEDf2AYZH1olUJuXf9Y0FeZ2pF5ViQGTwEctWkH8lXkA_5qWS3CmAoTrandFX072zteaWwRruwo/s1600/P1010336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T5YnMTk0aV_svY-MmoZ1SxJyoGMuu-Q70MAVeFM1t0C6xQKflwu85wo1OjvJKjn5aEDf2AYZH1olUJuXf9Y0FeZ2pF5ViQGTwEctWkH8lXkA_5qWS3CmAoTrandFX072zteaWwRruwo/s320/P1010336.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Pours a fantastic fizzy creamy head due to the beaut widget can setup! Tried my best to let it sit/settle in true Guinness pouring form by filling up half the glass straight after cracking the can open and letting the foamy goodness settle then topped up with the remaining black magic in the can. Really dark appearance close to night with a awesome lightly fizzed creamy white head on top!<br />
No massive aromas on the nose apart from some good 'ol maltiness and a whiff of a quaint noble hop--goldings comes to mind.<br />
<br />
Goes down quite smoothly the creamyness of this beer helps greatly with this and at the same time is quite thin compared to other stouts I have had including Guinness Extra Stout. <br />
Good roasty malts flavour this famous beer making every sip quite satisfying even on a humid march night.... I chilled the can well in advance which added to it's drinkabilty. At 4.3% ABV means it is a sessionable beer but watch out it does fill you up quite quickly though! Grilled herbed fish with lemon and salad I find is a good match with this beer which should balance out the strong malt character.<br />
<br />
Next Kilkenny:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2IbMQsWqxByxeJ-jnJoCOObkEehmLTJnTRu8LjRPHcR53thEqrew5YhoJrDF9WpqD-Fe3u4xqrvdjBp2FUBFcxXL4ZgR96rRYj4iM_Zr04gV-0-tud1W_h_WWeC5UYAWc3fBiapnahw/s1600/P1010344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2IbMQsWqxByxeJ-jnJoCOObkEehmLTJnTRu8LjRPHcR53thEqrew5YhoJrDF9WpqD-Fe3u4xqrvdjBp2FUBFcxXL4ZgR96rRYj4iM_Zr04gV-0-tud1W_h_WWeC5UYAWc3fBiapnahw/s320/P1010344.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Again chilled well in advance for after work on St Pats day and poured in the same fashion as the Guinness Draught can. Kilkenny is a very different beast, This what my mates have at the irish pub if they are not keen on the black stuff.<br />
Awesome red amber appearance and a creamy head follows after the beer has settled.<br />
Not much on the nose abit of noble hops and slight maltiness.<br />
Drinkable?.... oh you bet mate! At 4.3% ABV this bad boy goes down soooo easily very smooth and refreshing! A slight nutty taste to it..dry almonds come to mind. The ever so creamy head adds to the enjoyment of this amber wonder. <br />
Force down a good burger and chips with this one..... it matches very well!<br />
<br />
At the end of the day we all know these brews are so much better directly off the tap at your favie pub/irish bar.... but for enjoyment at home they are not bad at all...Enjoy! And happy St Patricks day PROPER beer lovers!<br />
<br />
PROPERBEERMATEDGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906859833031194264.post-3491555310972448752011-03-14T21:28:00.000+11:002011-03-14T21:28:11.823+11:00SCHOFFERHOFER HEFEWEIZEN!Hi guys it's been a while and G'day to all my new readers at <a href="http://beerbeer.org/">Beerbeer.org</a>! I had to start off with a beer that I always go back to when I am keen for a good Heffe! Hot summer days are the perfect setting for the wonderful brew which hails from the German city of frankfurt. I first had this beer back in 2002 when my then future wife took me out to dinner at one of Sydney's institutional restaurants <a href="http://www.unas.com.au/">Una's at Darlinghurst</a> . While I waited for our table to be ready/available the way it goes at Una's is to wait it out at the bar upstairs where the barman takes ya name for the table and asks "what do you wanna drink?" I noticed alot of peps at the bar were holding these excessively long beer glasses filled with liquid gold...without knowing what I was in for I told the fella behind the bar "I'll 'ave one of those mate!" <br />
"A Schofferhoffer mate?" "I replied yeah mate!" a couple of beaut PROPER schnitzels <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'MS PGothic'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Comic Sans','Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14px;"></span></span> later and the rest is heffe history .....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9Uc2C0jnLkz73HxOHzD-5HgIjJvl5LRxjK73_bVNBbauBgFvZrsOTWI8CXZi0JXGihLq-0qjJizCTQTdYZm8zLwHofHZqOPSM77dF0V3X931Ji2IYVDr1Wgkpzq2n6_bXDT-SY4wvNw/s1600/P1010333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9Uc2C0jnLkz73HxOHzD-5HgIjJvl5LRxjK73_bVNBbauBgFvZrsOTWI8CXZi0JXGihLq-0qjJizCTQTdYZm8zLwHofHZqOPSM77dF0V3X931Ji2IYVDr1Wgkpzq2n6_bXDT-SY4wvNw/s320/P1010333.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>You have to pour this guy real slow into a decent well chilled heffe glass or stein to enjoy this fantastic example of a heffe at its full potential. Remember to give the bottle a swill at the end of the pour to get some of that beaut sediment that flavors this yeast driven beer. <br />
<br />
On the nose big lolly/candy banana flavours come through as well a bit of real bubblegum....Yum!<br />
<br />
Great creamy head on top and after a mouthful of this stuff a slight citrus twang is present. Goes down real good and smooth.Very filling....<br />
Drink ability of a larger and the re freshness/satisfaction of an ale without the bitterness.<br />
Pair with schnitzel, <a href="http://www.google.co.jp/imglanding?q=%E3%81%8B%E3%81%A4&start=278&um=1&hl=ja&sa=G&tbs=isch:1&tbnid=_33oPskfrQ9yUM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.goo.ne.jp/adachiku_walker/e/acc6f92115ae7a587f46c1b95860fb87&imgurl=http://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/03/a6/38883b1afa087bc54f74e9c791fc4ed0.jpg&ei=pOl9TYOgB4quuQPUjIXjBw&zoom=1&w=400&h=300&chk=sbg&iact=hc&oei=m-l9TaGjG4ukugPkhOjxCA&page=17&tbnh=159&tbnw=201&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:278&biw=1366&bih=643">pork katsu</a> or anything fried! Cheese goes great too!<br />
There a alot of good heffes out there but this one I would have to say is my staple wheat beer..Mainly<br />
'coz of its availiblity in Australia at most decent/PROPER bottleshops . Also had this bad boy on tap in Newcastle NSW at the <a href="http://www.maryellenhotel.com.au/">Mary Ellen Hotel</a> which was amazingly fresh and icy cold--the way a PROPER heffe should be..Experience it on tap if you can it really is that good! <br />
Hopefully next time I'm in Asia I'll be able to track down a good on tap/bottled source for this wonderful nectar....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://properbeermate.blogspot.com/">PROPERBEERMATE</a> DGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03190387600372109696noreply@blogger.com0