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.