WA Beer Week Events: Wednesday 10th June

The third and final FREE consumer event for WA Beer Week is being held later today in Perth at the Parmelia Hilton hotel. The Adelphi Steakhouse plays host to the Western Australian Brewers Association who have organised a series of beer and food matching events showcasing some of the sensational beers from WA craft brewers. Today's event runs from 5.30pm-7pm and is especially for the ladies, being hosted by Sail & Anchor head brewer, Fiona Geraty - who will tell her story about beer and brewing. So if your'e working in Perth today, hang around in town a bit later and head on down to Mill St (just off St Georges Terrace) and help celebrate all that is great and good about beer in the west.

Keep an eye on the blog later in the day where we continue our celebration of Western Australian brewing when we will post day 5 of our 'cooking with beer' series. So please pop back to see whats happening and if you can, try and get out & about to support your local brewers. If you cant support them this week, then don't forget that you can take part in a celebration of WA brewing every week with a trip on The Brewers Dray - Boutique Beer Explorer, and whats more, all new tour bookings for June & July made during WA beer week will be entitled to a WHOPPING 20% DISCOUNT ! (terms & conditions apply-contact us for details)

WA Short Updates

Just a quick run down for you of some recent developments at local Western Australian breweries . . . . . . . . . .
Duckstein - Production has now shifted to the new Margaret River site away from the german brewer's spiritual Swan Valley home. And after a many a parking issue in the past (i'm sure you have suffered at some time here), the Valley site now has overflow parking available adjacent to the current car park. Feral - Earthmoving and landscaping is done and dusted at the Haddrill Rd site, with the extended al fresco seating and dining areas now complete - It looks great and on those busy summer days gives even more punters the chance to settle in for an afternoon of those magic Feral beers. Mash - are also creating a licensed outdoor area, commandeering an area of car park to the rear of the current dining deck. Long overdue, and i'm sure it would have happened sooner were it not for the restrictive local licensing issues. If you havent been down to Little Creatures in Freo for a while, then do pop your head in. The sampling room/shop is well and truly up and running and looks sensational - as too does the new layout. Also to note is that they are offering FREE 'Little Creatures' Bicycle hire from the new annexe, there are not heaps available and it is on a first come first served basis, nonetheless another great initiative. Heading down south and Bootleg Brewery, the Margaret River stalwart, are offering hopheads a real treat with their Settlers Pale Ale being pumped through fresh ’08 crop NZ Cascade Hops from 12pm every Friday. Using a system known as 'The Grasshopper', representatives say "this is a relatively new innovation for Bootleg Brewery, however the concept has been around US breweries for some time". I cant wait to get down there on a Friday arvo soon!
I'm still yet to get into the "new" Old Brewery down on the Swan foreshore, but great to see the site brewing again and some craft beer back on the bar, looking forward to trying brewer, Mark Reilly's trio of new brews.

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

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.

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.