Brewing Jobs at Little Creatures, Fremantle

Couple of brewing jobs available at Fremantle's Little Creatures Brewery.

To apply for either position, please email your CV to jobs@littlecreatures.com.au

XPERIENCED BREWER On shift and reporting to the Production Brewer, this hands-on person will share the responsibility of the team and rise to the challenge to produce an award winning range of beers that are, on-time, in-spec and on-budget. A technical background (brewing, science, engineering, etc) is desired together with a minimum of three years’ experience as a brewer in a commercial operation. Our goal is simply to make outstanding beer that we are all immensely proud of – passionate brewing professionals should only apply.

TRAINEE BREWER We are looking to recruit a recent graduate to train as a Brewer. The role will suit an individual who has a professional outlook, is career focused and is enthusiastic about brewing and science. The Brewery offers are very multi-skilled environment, and you will find yourself working in all aspects of brewing, processing and packaging. Interested people with relevant trade-based skills and passion for our industry are also encouraged to apply.

Oktoberfest Celebrations in Perth and New Brewery Speculations?

Looking for somewhere to get into the Oktoberfest spirit?
They are celebrating Oktoberfest throughout the month at the Indian Ocean Brewhaus - where you can purchase a limited edition 1 litre Indi Stein, filled with the Indi brew of your choice for a bargain $25, plus if you buy any Indi Beer during Oktoberfest you go into the draw to WIN the Ultimate Indi Party Pack! Pack Includes: - Kegorator Bar Fridge- 50L Keg of Indi Beer - 8 x Branded Indi Pint glasses. Whilst sampling the beer, why not check out the traditional Bavarian menu on offer. Duckstein in the Swan Valley on Saturday 25th October are having a special Oktoberfest party featuring live music all day and into the night; The Dolomiten Polka Band, Nancy & Christa's German Duo and some popular music from Alan the Music Man. Festivities commence at 11am and traditional German singing and dancing will be the order of the day. A special Oktoberfest Beer has been prepared for the occasion. Bookings are highly recommended. And at Elmars in the Valley on Sat 25th & 26th October more Germanic fun and games can be had with their annual celebrations - Free entry with your purchase of either $5 beer/wine glass or $15 1 ltr Stein. Festivities kick off at 11am both days, finishing late on the Saturday and at 5pm on the Sunday. Get down down there for a feast of German beer, food and music.
New Breweries??
And whilst troubles seem to continue at Fremantle's Mad Monk, (see article) it doesnt seem to halt the interest in new breweries in WA. As previously written, plans are afoot for a new brewing operation within the revamped Northbridge development, there are rumours abound of a new brewery in Midland and has anybody wondered why Chuck Hahn is spending so much time in town?? Perhaps it is time that a James Squire Brewhouse opened up in Perth? Watch this space for news updates.

In Perth or Freo? Fancy a beer with Chuck Hahn tonight Weds 24th Sept?

Chuck's back in town

Following James Squires recent nationwide Chefs Match beer and food event, Mr Chuck Hahn is back in Perth this month for more beer and food matching delights. Visit the Windsor Hotel on Mill Point Rd,South Perth on Wednesday 24th September for the Windsor Indian Food Fair, where you can experience a selection of exotic dishes from their Indian chefs partnered with the distinctive brews from the James Squire stable. Your host for the evening Dr. Chuck Hahn, Master Brewer will take you on an exotic food & beer journey. Commencing at 7.30 pm tickets are $70.00 per head with Bookings essential by phoning Kim on 08 94742229.
The following evening, Thursday 25th September, why not head to Origins Restaurant, The Sheraton, Perth for a Five Course Degustation Menu. In partnership with James Squire and Sheraton Perth Hotel the creative, contemporary cuisine prepared by Sheraton's Chef De Cuisine, Travis Collins and his expert culinary team will be paired with the unique tastes of James Squire, in a dinner hosted by Master Brewer Dr .Chuck Hahn from the Malt Shovel Brewery.

"designed not only for lovers of a good ale, but those who are also interested in finding the beer that's right for them..."

Enjoy a five course degustation menu, each dish featuring the freshest West Australian sourced produce and has been matched with sensational James Squire Beer.
$85 per person: Bookings essential, Please phone 08 9224 7734.

W.A Brew News

Its time for a quick round up of whats going on in the WA brewing scene, where the big boys of micro brewing are experiencing some tough financial times. Two of the more recent additions, Empire and Oz Brewing have exited from their interests in Colonial Brewing and Mad Monk. Empire, who were looking to create economies of scale through a multi-venue hospitality operation, have sold up The Royal in East Perth and the Colonial Brewing Co in Margaret River to Colonial Leisure Group Pty Ltd for an estimated $4.5 million. Whilst Oz Brewing Ltd have sold their 49% in relative newcomers, Mad Monk in Fremantle, with an option to acquire 100% of the asset.
Gage Roads posted a net loss after tax of $3.62 million, compared with $3.07 million loss in 07, yet remain upbeat about the challenges ahead and are hoping a new distribution agreement with VOK Beverages will improve their presence in eastern markets. To support the push, Gage Roads also hope to launch two new high volume products in the current financial year, including a low carb beer set for release next month. Two ciders area also in the pipeline.
Little Creatures continue to buck these trends and forge ahead with their astounding success. Net Profit annually was up 14% to $3.41 million, as the brewer completes its plant expansion plans in Fremantle, opens its first Melbourne venue in Brunswick St, Fitzroy and constructs a new brewing facility on the 'Giant Steps' vineyard in the Yarra Valley - where they hope to develop a new brand. And if you visit either the Freo or Fitzroy venues you can now purchase 'mix & match' cartons of the brewers four beer core range - that's a six pack each of Pale, Pils, Bright & Rogers - so there is something for every one.
In the Perth northern suburbs, Indian Ocean Brewhaus are celebrating a win at the Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence in Sydney, having been voted Australia's Best New Redeveloped Venue! A great lead in for a busy Oktoberfest period and the re-scheduled Indi International Beer Dinner on Friday 3rd October (Bookings Essential 9400 1187).

Out in the Valley, Duckstein announce the availability of a Duckstein 5L minikeg to take home and share with friends. The elegantly presented label features the artwork of Nannup artist Marion Duke and depicts the lansdcape of Saracen Estates, Margaret River. This first run of Pilsner is available for a limited time only.

Spring in the Valley is always a busy time for the Valley's original brewery and this year on The 11th & 12th of October will be no different, with around 60,000 people soaking up the wonderful atmosphere and sampling the delights of the Swan Valley. The Duckstein Brewery will again be commencing Oktoberfest celebrations with live music from the Dolomiten German Polka Band, Alan McGowat's Band and a cool DJ. The festivities kickoff at 11am, with FREE entry on a first-come, first-served basis. On Saturday 25th October they are having a special Oktoberfest party featuring live music all day and into the night; The Dolomiten Polka Band, Nancy & Christa's German Duo and some popular music from Alan the Music Man. Festivities commence at 11am and traditional German singing and dancing will be the order of the day. A special Oktoberfest Beer has been prepared for the occasion.
Bookings are highly recommended. If you are driving along Caves Rd in Margaret River and catch a waft of malt and hops it's because they have started brewing!- although, unfortunately it won't be ready to drink until late-October. Watch this space for news of the impending opening.

Thats all for now folks, keep an eye out for more updates coming soon. And remember, you can subscribe direct to this blog via RSS or read any updates on our facebook page.
Cheers

The Brewers Dray in WA Business News

Click on the image to view the article.

Boozewatch Beer of the Week - Save Money

Highlighted on My Boozewatch this week is another great double deal at Woolworth Liquor throughout Perth until 17th August. At $39.98 per 24 you can try out two of Germany's most famed lagers in Lowenbrau and Bitburger. If you can't get to Woolies, then remember you can also visit a 1st Choice Liquor outlet, and if the beer is in stock - quote Woolies advertised price - and under their price guarantee, they will let you have it for the same price!

To set up your own personalised weekly beer special alerts visit www.boozewatch.com

Great British Beer Festival : Champion Beer of Britain Announced

The 31st Great British Beer Festival at Earls Court, London, kicks off today, with a five day feast of over 450 real ales, ciders, perries and international beers.

The usual beer festival activities are on offer once again where you can play some traditional english pub games, enjoy live music, sample some good old fashioned pub snacks and also attend tutored beer tastings. And perhaps most importantly for the brewers of the Bristish Isles, the announcements for the esteemed Champion Beer of Britain are announced. 2005 and 2006 were double winning years for the Essex brewer, Crouch Vale, taking away the top gong with the sensational Brewers Gold, and 2007 was once again the year of the underrated Mild style of ale (Moorhouse's Black Cat was the last Mild to to take overall Gold in 2000), with Shropshire brewer, Hobsons taking the plaudits.

We are pleased to announce with super quick speed direct from London that this years major winners are: CBoB Gold: Altons Pride from Triple fff (Hampshire), Beckstones Black Dog Freddy's Mild was awarded silver overall with bronze going to Wickwar's Station Porter, the champion winter beer from earlier in the year.

Altons Pride has for many years been a great beer available throughout its local area and is most deserving. Congratulations also to Ray from Wickwar, a fellow stalwart from Matt Jacksons Wednesday Club in Bristol, onya Ray!

Boozewatch Beers of the Week - Save Money

Highlighted on My Boozewatch this week is an Aussie Classic at a great price. Take advantage of the Woolworth Liquor deal throughout Perth on Coopers Sparkling Ale. This iconic Australian stand out is available until 10th August at $44.98 per 24. And don't forget the extra volume value you get with this 375ml beer over the majority of mainstream international imports. If you can't get to Woolies, then remember you can also visit a 1st Choice Liquor outlet, and quote Woolies advertised price - and under their price guarantee, they will let you have it for the same price!

To set up your own personalised weekly beer special alerts visit www.boozewatch.com

New Beer Tour DL Card Design

Click on the image above to take you straight to a copy of The Brewers Dray - Boutique Beer Explorer's new flyer design.

WA Brewers Got the Bottle

Indian Ocean Brewhaus are the latest to offer up their beer range in packaged format following the installation of a four head bottling line to their brewing facility in Mindarie. On display at the recent Perth Good Food Show the White, Pale Ale & Pilsner are currently available to purchase from the brewery for $18 per 6 pack. Another WA brewer showing off their new bottling line are Albany's Tanglehead, who hope to increase both their brewing capacity and current packaged line up. Keep an eye out too for the South Wests Cowaramup Brewing Company who are advanced in plans to release their beers in similar packaging to that of Tasmania's Moo Brew (pictured) - From Moo Brew to Cow Town, What could be more suited?

Indi Beer Dinner New Date

The Indian Ocean Brewhaus at Mindarie Keys have released a new date for the 'Indi International Beer Dinner', presumably replacing last months postponement. The event is due to be held on Friday 3rd October, coinciding with their 2008 Oktoberfest celebrations - get it into your diary and call to book on 9400 1187.

Sign the Petition for Small Brewers Excise Relief in Australia

Micro-Brewers througout Australia need some kind of parity with small winemakers when it comes to Excise duty paid. Click below to find out more and to sign up to the petition:

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/excise-relief-for-australian-beer.html

Cryer Malt Perth Royal Beer Show 2008 Results

"The 2008 Cryer Malt Perth Royal Beer Show was an outstanding success attracting 273 entries from 59 breweries across Australia. In its second year the competition was a resounding success and showed an increased number of entries reflecting the continuing growth of the industry. A panel of Western Australian experts judged a variety of full-strength, reduced alcohol, draught and packaged beers within the Commercial and Amateur brewers sections including lagers, ales, stouts and wheat beers. Seventeen class trophies were awarded, 26 gold, 60 silver and 73 bronze medals."

Results for the 2nd annual Perth Royal Beer Show:

The Top Awards
Best Commercial Beer of the Show won by Redoak Boutique Beer for Redoak Rauch. Best Western Australian Beer of the Show won by Nail Brewing for Nail Stout. Best Amateur Beer of the Show won by Ian Walker of Kelmscott for a wheat beer (with a Berliner Weisse style).

Commercial Trophy Winners
The Edith Cowan University Trophy for Best Lager Packaged won by Redoak Boutique Beer for Redoak Rauch.
The www.microbrewing.com.au for Best Lager Draught won by Feral Brewing Co for Feral Pilsener.
The Cryer Malt Trophy for Best Ale Packaged and Draught won by Gage Roads Brewing Co for Gage Roads IPA.
The Edith Cowan University Trophy for Best Stout Packaged won by Nail Brewing for Nail Stout.
The Hopco Trophy for Best Stout Draught won by Nail Brewing for Nail Stout.
The Pall Corporation Trophy for Best Reduced Alcohol Packaged won by Matilda Bay Brewing Co for Redback Mild.
The Morish Trophy for Best Reduced Alcohol Draught won by Gage Roads Brewing Co for Gage Road Pils.
The Cryer Malt trophy for Best Wheat Beer Packaged was won by Matilda Bay Brewing Co for Redback Original. The Beer and Brewer Magazine Trophy for Best Wheat Beer Draught won by Last Drop Brewery for Last Drop Wheat.
The Coeliac Society of Western Australia trophy for Best Gluten Free Packaged and Draught won by Billabong Brewing for Australias Pale Ale.

Little Creatures Fremantle Construction Update

Construction at Little Creatures in Fremantle continues at great pace, as these latest photo's show. The super structure is now in place, bridging the gap between the original americas cup shed/crocodile farm and the deconstructed Harbourside nightclub (now home to Creatures Loft), which was purchased in a multi -million dollar deal about 18 months ago. Lets hope that the finalised plans have plenty of additional outdoor seating for those lazy summer days, sunnies on and a pint of pale in hand!

Chuck Hahn back in Perth for more Ales & Tales: 11th July 08

Brewing legend Chuck Hahn returns to Perth for another beer & food lovers evening. This time hosted by Sen5es Restaurant at the Novotel, Adelaide Terrace, Perth.
I went to a similar event not too long back and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and $80's seems like great value.
It's happening on Friday 11th July 2008 and is a must for those lovers of the James Squire beer range.

Film Festival - Beer Dinner Postponed - New Website

Unfortunately, the Indian Ocean Brewhaus have announced the postponement of their June 18th Beer Dinner. Unfortunately, two large groups have drastically reduced their seating requirements, rendering the event untenable. They promise to reschedule in the very near future. On a brighter note and on the same evening another WABA member, Tanglehead of Albany, invite you to "Enjoy an evening of food and beer matching with our Brew master and Chef from 6pm. Six courses of great local produce inspired by the complimentary flavours of our award-winning beers. $95 per person, Bookings essential." They can be contacted on Tel: (08) 9841 1733, Email:info@tanglehead.com.au . Little Creatures LOFT are playing host to the launch of WA Beer Week this evening (13/06) and are also transforming the Loft Red Room into a 'cosy cinema' in coming weeks. They have teamed up with FTI to screen an eclectic mix of locally produced short films, over three winter nights. Thurs 26th June/Thurs 10th July/Thurs July 24th are when it happens. Gold coin entry (proceeds to FTI), Doors/Bar open at 5pm, Screening at 7pm. Get there early as places will be limited. Duckstein Brewery have relaunched their website, and it's a great improvement, check it out at http://www.duckstein.com.au/ . A recent visit down south noted that building works were coming along nicely at their new site on Caves Rd, their website states that September 08 is the new proposed venue opening. And finally, if you happen to be down that way over WA beer week, be sure to drop in to Bootleg Brewery and celebrate with the following specials, on all week:
$15 jugs (except Raging Bull) every day of beer week. Daily tours of the brewery with head brewer Michael Brookes at 2pm (Monday to Friday, tours limited to 15 people, so please book)
Happy hour every day from 3:30pm - 4:30pm.
Cheers

Beer shorts from around the traps . . .

Mash Bunbury - First visit down there, and it appears to be a great move for both the brewery and the town alike. Unfortunately they are still to receive the local council's green light to start on-site brewing from their micro-plant behind the bar, however, they are carrying a solid range brewed at the Swan Valley HQ. Mex, Haze, Pale, Black, Honey Pils, and the easy drinking Bunbury Blonde (4.9%) currently grace the bar. Same great value $15 lunch deals as at the Swan Valley site and in a great waterfront location in a small complex (next to Dome Coffee/Bar-Bados) on Bonnefoi Blvd overlooking Koombana Bay. For Reservations Ph:97216111. Whilst on the subject of Mash, the Swan Valley site has undergone a bit of a facelift. Gone have the images of cricketing heroes, to be replaced by a sleeker paint job. The bar area has had some large display boards installed carrying tasting notes and the furniture has had a bit of a freshen up. Our latest tour group were fortunate to be the first to taste the latest seasonal brew, an Irish stout, with thumbs up all round. Special thanks to Mark who took time out to give the group an extensive brewery tour and answer all of their questions. A final note, and it's probably too late for you to take advantage of it, but they also had cartons of the first run brew of 'Mex' available at a very special price of $30's.(See previous post for details on beer dinner) Feral Brewing, Swan Valley - Get in quick to sample the sensational hop showcase that is 'Tusk'. Weighing in at 9%abv and 90 IBU's, this is a beer not to be taken lightly. This imperial IPA is one for the serious hopheads, high bitterness and aroma, with a fairly low malty sweetness. Also, check out the new menus http://www.feralbrewing.com.au/menus.html

Elmars in the Valley, Swan Valley - A relatively new addition on the bar is the 6.1% Maibock, replacing the dunkel. Light golden in colour, low hopping and pleasant malt fruitiness. Would probably prefer it in a Munich biergarten at this time of the year, but you cant have everything! Mad Monk, Fremantle - Big improvements as time has gone on. Service levels have improved and table availability is better, however, they do at times look a little stretched with the numbers on the floor. A previous gripe was the ambiguously titled 'large' & 'regular' servings - this has been rectified, with a 660ml serve of in-house brew available for around $9 - seems like great value. Funky new designs seem to have appeared on the large street facing wall (or maybe I had been there too long?!), there is an expanded non-dining drinking area, live music sunday arvo, the beer range has expanded to six, with an IPA and Porter the latest additions. Founding brewer, Richard Moroney has moved on, and it appears that local brewing legend, Hugh Dunn, currently controls the mash tun alongside Justin Fox. Food has always been excellent. Its great to see a new operator seemingly getting to grips with their market. Essex St Organic Cafe, Fremantle - Have been receiving some good local press lately on the organic eats and were stocking Richmond brewer, Mountain Goat, IPA at $8 per stubby. Lyrebird, Fremantle - New addition to the dining scene Freo, based down at Fishing Boat Harbour. Menu unfortunately didn't really live up to the press hype, delivering fairly standard pub/tavern fayre. Grolsch & Peroni available by the stubby, Becks, Heineken, James Squire Golden and the usual uber brands on tap. Wot no WA craft beers Lyrebird? Sail & Anchor, Fremantle - Sad to hear that head brewer Mel Secourable has moved down to Margaret River to head the brewing team at Colonial, hopefully new head honcho Fiona can continue the good work. Pleasantly surprised on a recent visit, when actually receiving the kind of attentive service that we were used to 4 or 5 years ago. Ive always enjoyed the brews on offer, however, recent times have seen a drop in interest and knowledge of bar staff, it was great to assisted by someone displaying the opposite - hopefully a taste of things to come. Clancy's, Fremantle - Wonderful paint job and general tidy up are just the tonic for this beer lovers haven. Rarely can I say anything bad about these guys, and this time is no different! Northbridge Brewing Co - Awaiting further news on developments at the new city centre site proposed by Mustang Bar owner Mike Keilor’s Clearview. Other than 'The Brass Monkey', it's fairly tough to find a decent pint in Northbridge, so this has to be a winner. Drink Better, Drink Local!

Western Australian Brewers working on their Brews & Chews

Three Western Australian Brewers Association members are showcasing the wonderful art of pairing beer and food, with in-house beer dinners later this month.

The Indian Ocean Brewing Company at Mindarie Marina are joining forces with the team from current AIBA Grand Champion Brewery, Matilda Bay, to deliver a sensational 5 course degustation menu, alongside suitably matched brews. The menu for the June 18th event reads:

Puntenesca

served with Indi Pilsner/Matilda Bay Redback

Dressed crab with celeriac remoulade with warm Indi Pale Ale bread

served with Indi White/Matilda Bay Beez Neez

Warm goats cheese in crisp potato with pickled beetroot

served with Indi Bock/Matilda Bay Alpha Pale Ale

Indi Calypso Beer sorbet

Roasted breast of duck on potato and onion rosti with caramelised pear jus

served with Indi Pale Ale/Bohemian pils

Cherry chocolate pudding with Indi Bock ice cream

served with Indi’s secret brew/Matilda Bay Dogbolter

It will cost you $85 per person, and you can knock 10% off that if you book for ten or more. Bookings can be made by contacting Hayley on 9400 1187 or by email hayley@mindariemarina.com.au

Saturday June 28th sees the return of the annual beer dinner at Cowaramup Brewing Company, in the state’s south west. Head brewer Jeremy Good is teaming up with Brendan Varis of Feral Brewing, to deliver a fully inclusive ($90pp) five course extravaganza, expertly paired with Cowaramup’s hearty beer range. They hope to open your eyes to some of the wonderful complexities of beer and food matching, in what will prove to be a highly informative and enjoyable night for you and your tastebuds. Please contact Claire for bookings on +61 8 9755 5822 or claire@cowaramupbrewing.com.au. The menu for the evening reads:

Freshly shucked oysters
served with stout shooters

Smoked trout fettucini with caper and roast chilli salsa
served with Cowaramup Pilsener

Toasted coconut and goat rendang with pickled cucumbers
served with Cowaramup Hefeweizen

Warm tapioca pudding with double cream and golden mandarins
served with India Pale Ale

Tasmanian Mersey Valley Vintage Cheddar with prune and walnut log
served with Special Pale Ale

What a perfect excuse for a weekend getaway down south!!

Just a day earlier, on Friday 27th, you can head to Mash Brewery in the Swan Valley for their innaugural beer degustation dinner. The evening aims to showcase their award winning range of hand crafted beers For $110 pp you will be treated to at least 9 different beers and 13 courses, all perfectly matched to highlight the strengths of coupling beer with food. Hear all about the different styles of beer produced at Mash, straight from the brewers, Dan & Mark, with insights into the brewing process and raw materials used. Seats are limited to just 120, so get in quick to book your place by calling the brewery on 92965588.

Shame on you Fosters

For those lovers of the Cascade range of beers, you may have noticed recently that they have been going down a bit quicker than usual. No, it's not that your drinking problem has worsened, but those keen eyed amongst you would have spotted the change in stubby size. Earlier in the year those lovely people at uber brewer, Fosters, started to roll out it's downsized packaging of the Cascade range.

Quite remarkably, a company spokesman cited the decision was made in order to remain competitive with increasingly popular imported brands like Heineken, Becks, Carlsberg and Stella. What utter rubbish. It all comes down to the greed of the accountants running the Fosters Group, who in turn put the pressure on the Cascade crew.

To add insult to injury, he also added, "It still represents great value when you line it up against its rivals. With any change you make like this, you are going to get consumers who are unhappy with it but we are confident that premium drinkers will accept the changes and continue to drink Cascade,". Mmmm, lets have a think about it, so your'e saying we can have the same beer? Great. Your'e also saying that the price isnt going up? Great. But whats that? Your'e going to give us about 12% less volume, and as a makeweight, we can drink it from a sexy new bottle.

Shame on you Fosters. Do you really believe your going to influence the legions of 'style' drinkers by changing the design, surely its what is on the inside the counts? Apart from anything else, are you not risking the relationships you have with loyal Cascade drinkers across the country?

Well, latest news out of Tasmania seems to be echoing that. This article from Tasmania's paper The Mercury shows that the backlash amongst locals is well underway. http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23712767-3462,00.html So watch out for an increase in stubby size on the Pale Ale soon, at least if your based on the apple isle. God bless the big brewers!