Oktoberfest at the brewery: The definitive guide to Oktoberfest celebrations in and around Perth for 2010

Well it's that Oktoberfest time again, so strap on the lederhosen and get ready to swing your stein to the sweet sounds of the oompah, here's your definitive guide to whats on where in the brewpubs of Perth and surrounds:

The Monk Brewery & Kitchen, Freo
In keeping with the traditional Munich timing of the event, The Monk kick off their Oktoberfest festivities with an Opening Party on Saturday 18th September. The German beer will be flowing, the German food will be in excess and your favourite Monk brews will be on tap! Festivities will continue until the 3rd of October, with traditional food specials including Monk made pretzel, purchase your own limited edition commemorative steins, enjoy traditional German bottled beer and The Monk’s own Oktoberfest lager, and for your sonic pleasure on the 18th The Alpen Duo will be entertaining from 1pm – What’s not to love!
E-mail functions@themonk.com.au or speak to staff at the venue for further info.

Salt on the Beach/Black Salt Brewery, North Freo
On Saturday 2nd October, Salt on the Beach host their Oktoberfest party.
Come dressed in your best German outfit and party on at the beach. Prize for best German dancer and best German outfit! $15 Tickets on sale now! Includes entry, festivities and bratwurst bun. Polka dots playing live from 2-5pm : German Dancers from 5-5:30pm : DJ from 6-10pm : German games all day! Party mit uns in Salz, deutschen Stil! 9430 6866 for tix.

Mash Brewing, Swan Valley
Mash Spring Fair
Mash Brewings First and Biggest Event of The Month for the Spring In The Valley Festival 2010. Join them and celebrate SITV Mash Style, Outdoors at the Brewery. Craft Beers & Food and Great Music all weekend. Live Music by The DTs and DJs Cinnamon & Hustler.
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th October. An Over 18s Event. Tickets $10 (Moshtix)
Doors Open 10am. Get there early to avoid queues!
Beer Lover's BBQ Weekend
Entertainment for the whole family!
BBQ Food/Craft Beer/Kid's bouncy castle.
Saturday 16th October: 11am-5pm/Sunday 17th October: 11am-5pm
Free Entry!
Oktoberfest
Celebrate the worlds biggest festival Oktoberfest at Mash Brewing in their themed Beer Garden with German Food, Special Release Beers and DJs Cinnamon, Hustler & Moosh.
Entry includes a souvenir Stein to take home.
Saturday 23 October: 11am-5pm/Sunday 24 October: 11am-5pm
Tickets $10 + Booking Fee (Moshtix)

Feral Brewing, Swan Valley
It's business as usual at the Valley's most awarded brewery throughout October, with the venue in full party mode on the 9th & 10th for annual Spring in the Valley celebrations. Entry to the party zone will set you back $10, with no pre-booking available, so it's first come first served. Get there early to avoid disappointment! For more info give the guys a shout on 9296 4657.

Ironbark Brewery, Swan Valley
Ironbark are celebrating the month long Spring in the Valley event with live music all afternoon across the weekends. Entry is free but bookings are highly recommended as they are already starting to fill up on available spots. Call 9377 4400 for bookings.

Elmars in the Valley, Swan Valley
It's all systems go at Elmars over the whole month of October, here's just a sample of whats going on, check out their website http://www.elmars.com.au/ for all the info.
Shank & Beer - What a great idea
Every Wednesday during October 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th Elmar’s Specialty Dish – a mouth watering Pickled and Smoked Pork Shank with a glass of award winning Elmar’s Beer (regular size) for just $44.90
Senior's Lunch Special
Every Thursday during October (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th) Enjoy a delicious two course lunch for only $17.50 per person, or three courses for $21.50 per person. Bookings Essential.
Brewery Tours
Friday 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th October at 10am or 4pm (not available during 2nd week, Fri 8th Oct) Experience a Brewery Tour at Elmar’s in the Valley - included a guided tour of the brewery and explanation of the brewing process, plus beer tasting and a smallgoods sample platter for just $15 per person. Bookings Essential
$5 Beer & Bratwurst
Friday 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th October (not available during 2nd week, Fri 8th Oct) Enjoy three beer tastings and a smallgoods snack basket (to share) for just $5 per person. Available all day Friday, a minimum group size of 4 people applies.
Cocktail Night
Friday 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th October (not available during 2nd week, Fri 8th Oct) Visit Elmar’s on Friday nights and enjoy Cocktail Specials & Live Music from 6.30 - 9.30pm
Springfest
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th October Relax and enjoy live music in the Beer Garden at Elmar’s annual Springfest! Open from 10am - 4pm, tickets are $10 and include a regular beer or soft drink, and more…
Beer Garden BBQ
Sun 3rd, & Sun 17th & Sun 31st The BBQ will be sizzling in the Beer Garden from 3pm with a range of mouth watering Elmar’s products, perfect for an afternoon snack! Relax & and enjoy a delicious Bratwurst with live music by Ben Merito.
Art at Elmar's
Sunday 17th October Stop by Elmar’s and browse through an amazing range of local art & craft displays on show in the Beer Garden from 11am - 4pm. The BBQ will be sizzling from 3pm, however lunch reservations are essential.
Oktoberfest
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th October Experience Oktoberfest right here in the Swan Valley. Open from 11am - 5pm with live music all weekend, entry is FREE, just purchase your glass, or bring one along from last year.

Indian Ocean Brewhouse, Mindarie
The menu at The Indi takes on a distinct German flavour throughout the month of October, and so to does the beer, which will be available in limited edition Indi steins. "Nice Prices" on the Indi beer range from 5pm-7pm daily. Why not pay a visit on the 17th October for the annual 'Mindarie Festival', the biggest day on the Marina calendar with free family entertainment throughout the day! This year's entertainment line up is bigger and better than ever! Catch all your favourite acts and loads of new original creations too...

THE BOAT COURTYARD STAGE
12pm-3pm The Mod Squad
3.30pm-6.30pm Darren Reid & the Soul City Groove!
INDI BREWERY STAGE
12.30-3.30pm Retrofit
4pm-7pm The Rusty Pinto 'Rockabilly' Combo!
KIDZ ZONE! 11-4pm
The amazing Aqua bubble - come and walk on water $10 entry
Bouncy Castle - FREE
Face painting - FREE
The Sand Wizard craft activity
Happy Hoola Ladies - with lollies- and balloons - FREE
Plus the Boardwalk - Surf Rider - FREE

Plus all the creative flair of the variety arts 'n crafts market stalls, fantastic wandering entertainers including the sensational jazz band "The Gumnut Stompers" and a whole lot more... there is no other place to be on the 17th October. More info ph: 9400 1188

Duckstein, Swan Valley
Duckstein Brewery, Swan Valley presents OKTOBERFEST 2010
Oct 16 & 17 and Oct 23 & 24 (as part of Spring in the Valley). The Duckstein Brewery lies in the heart of the Swan Valley on West Swan Rd. and is a fantastic venue if you are looking for a more authentic German Oktoberfest.

Featuring German-style craft beers; Pilsner, Hefeweiss and Festbier. There will also be a range of wines and champagnes to help celebrate this fun day out. Bratwurst & Pretzels are available for hungry revellers.

Live music can be heard throughout the day with traditional music from the 6-piece Dolomiten Polka Band and party music from Alan Stewart’s Band. There will also be traditional dancing and Shuhplattler from the Rhein Donau Club’s Eidelweiss Dancegroup and a cowbell-ringing performance by Echo der Berge. Plus a range of Oktoberfest games and competitions with prizes to be won. Tix are $12+ bf (2% credit charges apply online) available from Heatseeker.com .

There are currently no specific Oktoberfest events listed for other notable local brewpubs/venues Little Creatures, The Old Brewery, The Generous Squire or The Last Drop.

Other events of note:

Rhein Donau Club in Myaree have a month full of full authentic festivities, but bookings are highly recommended at the popular Oktoberfest venue:
October 1st 2010
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:Dolomiten Trio
Tickets: Members $7, Guests $10
Kitchen & Bar Open from 6:30pm
October 2nd 2010
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:Dolomiten Trio & Aerotec
Tickets: Members $10, Guests $15
Kitchen & Bar Open from 6:30pm
October 8th 2010
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:Dolomiten Trio
Tickets: Members $7, Guests $10
Kitchen & Bar Open from 6:30pm
October 9th 2010
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:Dolomiten Trio & Aerotec
Tickets: Members $10, Guests $15
Kitchen & Bar Open from 6:30pm
October 15th 2010
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:Dolomiten Trio
Tickets: Members $7, Guests $10
Kitchen & Bar Open from 6:30pm
October 16th 2010
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:Dolomiten Trio & Mercury
Tickets: Members $10, Guests $15
Kitchen & Bar Open from 6:30pm
October 22nd 2010
Oktoberfest 2010
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:Dolomiten Trio
Tickets: Members $7, Guests $10
Kitchen & Bar Open from 6:30pm
October 23rd 2010
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:Dolomiten Trio & Mercury
Tickets: Members $10, Guests $15
Kitchen & Bar Open from 6:30pm
October 29th October
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:Dolomiten Trio
Tickets: Members $7, Guests $10
Kitchen & Bar Open from 6:30pm
October 30th 2010
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:Dolomiten Trio & Mercury
Tickets: Members $10, Guests $15
Kitchen & Bar Open from 6:30pm
October 31st 2010
Club presents Oktoberfest 2010
Band:The Alpen Duo
Family Day
Entry free
Kitchen & Bar Open from 2:30pm

And finally The Moon & Sixpence in the city are featuring the traditional Bavarian Hofbrau range:


If i've missed off any events, please either add them to this blog post as a comment or post them on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Brewers-Dray-Boutique-Beer-Explorer/6389058201 .

Happy 21st Birthday Clancy's!

Fremantle institution 'Clancy's Fish Pub' turns 21 next week and they are pulling out all the stops to make sure the celebrations do not go unnoticed. The Cantonment St venue, a staunch supporter of Western Australia's micro brewing industry, have put together an eclectic week of events to herald their coming of age.

The programme begins in earnest on Monday 19th at 6pm, where $60 will get you a seat at the table for a sensational retro dining experience. One of the many previous incarnations of the building was the original Clancy's Tavern, and the menu for the evening will be based on the venue's original 1975 recipes. Sit back and enjoy the Vichysoisse and Rack of Lamb whilst being entertained by The Muddy Duck Bush Band.

Tuesday see's a change of pace with the 'All Day Freo Pub Quiz'. The quiz is being held over four sessions throughout the day (12-1.30/2.30-4/5-6.30/7.30-9.45) with an entry fee of $10 (incl your 1st glass of Coopers). Proceeds of the daytime sessions go to local Freo charities.

Between 5 and 9 on Wednesday 21st they host 'The Great BBQ Cook Off' between local pubs and restaurants where they encourage you to come down and taste the creations. Heritage, sustainability and development in Fremantle are the topics up for debate from 7pm on Thursday. And on Friday the official 21st Birthday Party takes place. Big band sounds, poets, performers and more will wow you in whats sure to be an unmissable night. $21 tickets include finger food.

Princess May Park comes alive on the Saturday with a real carnival atmosphere, heaps of market stalls, great food, beer and wine tastings and live music on the big stage. $21's will get you in. And to close the week of festivities on Sunday 25th a free family fun day will be held in the park from 12-6.30, followed by the closing party featuring Clancy's favourites 'The Zydecats' and a host of friends who will perform three big sets from 6.30pm onwards, $15 entry.

Best of luck for one of the most fantastic pubs you'll find in WA, always great beer and service. In a port city blessed with brewing hotspots, Clancy's is a must visit if you want to get a real flavour of Freo.

Beery Apple Fritters: Celebrating WA Beer Week

Our 7th and final entry in our ‘cooking with beer’ series celebrating WA beer week, features an easy yet delicious dessert. Our beery apple fritters are best served alongside your favourite vanilla ice cream. Matso’s Ginger Beer was used, however, it also works fantastically for coeliacs using Gluten Free flours and Billabong Ginger Beer.

Beery Apple Fritters
Ingredients:
- 4 Granny smith apples
- 1 ¼ cups Ginger beer (Matso’s/Billabong) – Use cold
- 1 ½ cups Corn flour (sifted)
- 1 cup Plain flour (sifted)
- 2 tbsp Icing sugar
- 1 tsp All spice
- Canola oil for deep frying
- Extra icing/castor sugar for dusting (optional)

1. Pre-heat oil to 180°C.
2. Core and peel apples, then cut into 8’s. Toss with half cup of corn flour and stand for 1 minute.
3. To make batter, alternate remaining sifted flours with ginger beer, whisking well between each addition. Make sure it is lump free, add sugar and spice.
4. Dip the apple pieces into the thick batter then transfer to the hot oil and fry in batches until they become golden in colour and begin to float.
5. Remove from oil, drain on absorbent paper, and if required, dust with extra sugar whilst still hot. Serve with ice cream.

Keep an eye on the blog later in the day for results from the 2009 Cryer Malt Perth Royal Beer Show plus some updates on beery dinners in the Perth region. The closing event for WA beer week happens this Saturday night (6.30pm) at Mad Monk in Fremantle, where the 'Grand Beer Dinner' will be held. You might be lucky enough to score one of the last few spots by contacting jenna@madmonk.com.au, tickets are $75 for the 10 beer, five course extravaganza.

Western Australian Beer Week 2009 : Event Listing

Tomorrow see's the launch of Western Australian Beer Week for 2009, a week long celebration(Saturday 6th to Friday 12th June) of all things beer in WA. The event is organised by members of the Western Australian Brewers Association (http://www.waba.orga.au/), with the simple aim of honouring the beer, food, and people of the craft breweries of Western Australia.
The celebration of brewing coincides with the 2009 Cryer Malt Perth Royal Beer Show. Where a team of expert judges come together to grade a vast number of beers from both commercial and amateur brewers. All battling it out for seventeen different class trophies and three overall champion trophies. Free consumer tastings are being hosted by WABA from Monday to Wednesday at the Adelphi Steak House from 5.30 - 7, where the focus is on matching up three different local beers with a variety of gourmet delights. Some new brews have been inspired with Bootleg Brewery will releasing two new beers a Double West Indian Pale Ale @ 5.7% called Epic Ale and a Barleywine at 9.7 % called The Grandfather Part 2. Indian Ocean Brewing Co. have got two brand new beers hitting the taps – the Indi Vanilla Milk Stout and The Indi Kriek. Both beers will be pouring as of the 6th June to coincide with WA Beer Week.

We've been busy in the kitchen recently working on a few ideas and recipes using beer as a major component, and will be posting the results throughout WA Beer Week, so please do come back through the week to get some tasty beery recipes.

Full Events Listing

Saturday June 6th: Trade & Press launch event (invitation only), Moondyne Joes, Fremantle.

Monday June 8th:
Cryer Malt Perth Royal Beer Show Judging: 9-5 RAS Showgrounds.
Beer and Cheese Tasting (3 beers and 3 cheeses) at the Adelphi Steak House 5:30-7
Come down and enjoy a supurb matching of three World Class Beers and three hand picked cheeses at The Adelphi Steakhouse.
Last Drop Wheat Beer // Fried goats cheese on raspberry compote
Feral Hophog // Edam cheese on toasted sourdough with chili relish
Gage Roads Saison and Triple // Saffron and vanilla beans poached quince with a blue cheese gratin

Tuesday June 9th:
Cryer Malt Perth Royal Beer Show Judging: 9-5 RAS Showgrounds.
Beer and Chocolate Tasting (3 beers and 3 chocolates) at the Adelphi Steak House 5:30-7
Come join us for an evening of three perfectly paired sets of beer and Chocolate.
Duckstein Dopplebock // Milk chocolate truffle with Grand Marnier
Sail and Anchor Xocoatl Porter // Mississippi dark chocolate brownie
Nail Stout // Bitter chocolate mousse with raspberry

Wednesday June 10th:
Cryer Malt Perth Royal Beer Show Judging: 9-5 RAS Showgrounds.
Beauty and Beer Tasting (3 beers with Oysters, Cheese, and Chocolate) at the Adelphi Steak House 5:30-7.
This is a special female-focused event. Join Fiona Geraty, Head Brewer of Fremantle's famous Sail and Anchor Pub Brewery as she tells her story about beer and brewing at This very special Beauty and Beer Tasting. Specially designed for those women who love a quality craft beer, the evening will see three craft beers superbly paired with Oysters, Cheese, and Chocolate.
Colonial Kolsch // Oysters topped with Colonial Kolsch beer icecream
Last Drop Wheat Beer // Edam cheese on toasted sourdough with apple cinnamon relish
Sail and Anchor Xocoatl Porter // Mississippi dark chocolate brownie

Thursday June 11th:
Cryer Malt Perth Royal Beer Show Awards Dinner. Parmelia Hilton, 7 for 7:30. This is expected to be an exclusive industry event, but tickets may be offered to the public if available. Limited to 150 persons. $75 per ticket.


Friday June 12th:
Cryer Malt Perth Royal Beer Show Exhibitors Tasting.
All breweries entering their beers into the competition are invited. 2-4pm.
Trade tasting 1:30-2 at the RAS Showgrounds, Jim Webster building.


Saturday, June 13th.WA Beer Week Closing Event:
The Grand Beer Dinner @Madmonk Fremantle.

An evening of indulgence in eight Western Australian hand crafted beers, matched with four courses of delectable cuisine. Arrivals from 6:30 for a 7:00pm start. Tickets $75, tables of 4,6,8 or 10, Limited to strictly 100 places. Tickets available by contacting Jenna Carpenter at jenna@madmonk.com.au before June 10th.

Cowaramup Brewing & Mash both have dinners coming up, you need to get in quick with the south west venue to get a limited spot, and i'll post details of the Mash event soon. If you cant make it to one of the events then the lovely people at the International Beer Shop in Leederville have got the following great offers on for local beers. By supporting your local brewers you can gain greater choice, fresher beer, lower your carbon footprint and of course help stimulate your local economy:

WA Craft Beer Week Special
"From June 6-14, we will be offering discounts on WA Craft Beer:
10% off any mixed 6 pack of WA Beer;
10% off any mixed carton (made of 6 packs); or
15% off any mixed carton (made of mixed singles).
This week is all about promoting WA beer, so come down and have a chat - we d love to point everyone in the direction of some fantastic local beers."

Perth & WA Beer and Brewing Updates

Well, where do I start, it's been a while since i've given a general update on what's happening in and around Perth, so with WA Beer Week coming up next month, what better time. Palmyra brewer Gage Roads, who recently ended their Australia wide distribution deal with VOK, are set to welcome supermarket giant Woolworths into their business. Subject to terms and shareholder approval in late June, Woolworths will acquire a 25% stake in the brewing business that started up in 2005, through a subscription agreement of upto $1.9million. Gage Roads have been trying on all angles to build sales and brand presence with a core range (Lager, IPA, Pils) being recently supplemented by low carb 'Kutt'; premium Ale 'Wahoo'; a cider 'Blue Angel' and seasonal beers such as 'London Best'. But they just don't quite seem to be hitting the mark. The beers are fine, at times really good, but taps on bars arent as widespread as perhaps they could be (especially in the brewers home town), and pricing in bottleshops is at a premium. For consumers in WA it is sometimes hard to figure why an imported carton of a respectable international brand can be purchased cheaper than something brewed 2 kms away.
Well that could be set to change too. As part of the deal, Woolworths will undertake to purchase 350,000 cases of 'own label' beer annually. It seems that the recent rise of 'own label' supermarket brands isnt just restricted to beans and tomato sauce, so expect to see a six pack of 'Woolies Wheat Beer' on the shelf of your local BWS or Dan Murphy's in the not too distant future.
Salt on the Beach, formerly known as the Oyster Bar, down at Port Beach in North Freo now have a 'nano' brewery up and running in the courtyard. Black Salt Brewery, intend to have upto four in house brews available at any one time. I managed to get down there yesterday arvo, unfortunately the only in house brew available was the Kolsch, supplemented by James Squire Golden. Must have been a busy weekend. The Kolsch was enjoyable, but to my mind, an overly bitter finish for the style - even quite spicy, but not at all unpleasant for a huge hop head. I look forward to heading there in the future to have a wider sample of the range. Out in the Swan Valley, Mash are currently serving a Jailhouse Chilli alongside a new seasonal 'Chocolate Ale' as their beer and food match for May. Adding to the seasonal selection is the 'Celebration Ale' a spiced golden ale, brewed in celebration of a new arrival for one of the brewing team. All conquering Feral are serving up a real gem with their 11.5% Russian Imperial Stout, aptly monikered 'Boris' and the AIBA 2009 Champion Ale, Hop Hog, once again proved to be a firm favourite with the punters on a recent beer tour. As too was the days closing beer, Ironbark's 'Debilitator' - now available to take away in 500ml bottles. In the south west Cowaramup Brewing are getting set to hold their 3rd annual beer dinner on Saturday 20th June. Jeremy Good will be assisted by Feral's Brendan Varis and master brewer Hugh Dunn, who will entertain and inform on beers matched to a sumptuous 3 course menu. Tickets are very limited, costing $90pp and include your drinks for the evening - give them a call on 08 9755 5822 to book. A little further down the road, Margaret River's Bootleg Brewery are giving everyone good reason to drop in during the upcoming long weekend with a new winter menu and at least one new seasonal brew set to be pouring. A 5.8% Double West-Indian Pale Ale, known as Epic Ale brewed with Australian Galaxy hops. You may also be able to grab a taste of 'The Grandfather Part II', which they state is "going to be bigger and better" than the original incarnation from a couple of years back. "Fermented in cabernet barrels from Moss Brothers Winery, the beer will be dry-hopped with freshly picked New Zealand Hop flowers. The Grandfather Part II will, once again, be higher than 9%." Back in Perth, I'm still none the wiser on the rumoured location of a James Squire Brewhouse - Shafto Lane is still out there, and the location would be good for the suits and for those wishing to crawl around from the Belgian Beer Cafe. 8th June sees the national launch of seasonal ale, Hop Thief - now in its third year.
Tony Jones, Chief Brewer reveals: “The hops we are using to create the latest version of Hop Thief are a combination of the well established Australian variety Pride of Ringwood, which is known primarily as a bittering hop, and the locally-bred aroma variety known as Southern Hallertau.
“We have used hop flowers secured fresh from the 2009 Tasmanian harvest rather than using the commonly available pellet form and add them late in the fermentation process so we capture the floral flavours otherwise lost during boiling.”
Jones explains the fermentation process: “Instead of using a hop back which runs hot wort over the hop flowers, the team at the Malt Shovel Brewery will be using an original process to infuse the hops by circulating beer late in the fermentation, over the hops and back into the vessel. The piece of equipment they will be using to carry out the process has been affectionately dubbed the ‘Hopperator’”.
James Squire’s Hop Thief Ale is best enjoyed with spicy and flavoursome meat dishes or strong cheeses to balance out the bitterness of the beer – making it perfect for savouring on a cold winter’s night.

The beer will be available at a rrp of $57.99 per carton & $18.99 per 6 pack .

Further afield, Little Creatures Victorian cousin, White Rabbit, Healesville has now opened its doors and should now be well on their way to trial brew #4. West Aussie Head Brewer, Dean Mcleod (formerly Colonial Brewing & Little Creatures) is working with open fermenters in the brewhouse, english ale yeast strains and all australian hops in a quest to perfect a 5.2%abv "nut brown dark ale" where "the beer delivers mouth filling malt characters, lively fruit driven complexity, a reassuring bitterness, all of which congregates into a delightful balance of flavour". Expect to see it as a guest beer at either Fremantle or Melbourne venues soon - likewise beers from Byron Bay's relatively new brewer Stone & Wood (part owned by former Matilda Bay brewer, Brad Rogers) may make an appearance, as Little World Beverages, parent company to Little Creatures, recently acquired a 20% stake in the new venture. Tasmania's Moorilla Brewery are due to launch their 2009 Imperial Stout, with a limited availability of just 1515 bottles. The 330ml bottles are $25 each or $600 for the 24pk - so I might have to give this one a miss!!
In the Hunter Valley, NSW, Bluetongue Brewery have announced the construction of a new $120 million brewery, with building to begin next month - hoping to be done and dusted by March 2010. Bluetongue (who only started in 2003) are of course now owned by Coca Cola Amital, who are causing further speculation on greater consolidation in the industry by being linked to a possible merger with #1 brewer, Fosters. CCA who distribute the SABMiller portfolio in Australia (Castle, MGD, Pilsner Urquell etc) were mooted to be a takeover target for #2 brewer, Lion Nathan not too long back - before they themselves were approached for a buyout from Japan's Kirin Holdings. That looks set to be finalised soon. The other twist in the plot is that Kirin's main rival back home, Asahi, last month completed the purchase of Schweppes Australia from Cadbury (after CCA declined the option) - don't be surprised if we see them take a dip into the Aussie beer market sooner rather than later.

WA Beer Week 2009 : List of events later this week and keep an eye out for our beer recipe a day throughout the celebration of Western Australian brewing, June 6th-14th.

Beer & Chocolate matching this Easter? Why not do it on a budget?

With Easter ‘the festival of chocolate’ just days away, I thought it would be a good time to delve into the hedonistic past time of Beer & Chocolate matching. I have been advocating the virtue of beer’s rightful place on the dining table for some years now, and often talk on our tours about the joy to be had when pairing a luscious chocolate cake with the intense and complex flavours of a stout.

To those of you in the know, having a bottle of stout handy for dessert time is no revelation. However for some the sheer notion of matching the two up is inconceivable. No doubt those naysayers follow the popular belief that red wine is the natural partner for chocolate. This is quite a well touted idea, and although I’m not saying there aren’t any good red wine/choc combos to be had, the fact is that the flavours of most wines are overwhelmed by the richness of chocolate.

Beer on the other hand offers a different proposition. ‘Chocolaty’; ‘Bitter’; ‘Roasted’; ‘Earthy’ ‘Toasted’; ‘Coffee’; ‘Toffee’ are all flavour and aroma characteristics that can be attributed to beer and chocolate alike. So we’re already off to a good start. Beer also provides the necessary carbonation to cleanse the palate and a certain robustness and richness that can only be delivered by grain, not grape.

When aiming for that perfect match you are looking for the beer to complement the chocolate flavours and mouthfeel, without being overwhelmed by it’s sweetness. It’s about trying to elevate the flavour experience to beyond that of the individual products.

Now I’ve just realized how that last paragraph actually sounds, and I fear that I am treading dangerously close to “wanky” wine territory. Our boutique beer tours try to promote a more informed appreciation of beer selection and enjoyment, without taking the whole tasting process too seriously, so I do cringe a little when I err towards the language of the wine critic. Following a few simple guidelines should get you on the right track to an enlightened tasting experience without the need for a thesaurus or spittoon.

I’m not saying that every beer is suitable for this exercise, but there are four general clusters that tend to work best:

Beers using dark malts
Dark Lagers; Dunkels; Heavier Ales; Stouts & Porters all fall into this category. The roasted malts are what give these beers their dark rich colours and complex deep flavours. The ever present roasted, toasted, coffee flavours of these beers blend beautifully with the similar notes present in many dark & milk chocolates.
Fruity Beers
Predominantly the white beers styled on those of Belgium & Germany, where wheat dominates the grain bill and also some Belgian style ales feature here. These beer styles offer up some classic fruity and spicy dessert flavours (think Citrus; Banana; Clove; Nutmeg; Apple; Peach; Cinnamon; Apricot) that can really heighten the flavour of chocolate, particularly white chocolate.
Golden Malty Beers
Coopers Pale Ale; Golden Ales; American Wheat Ales; Kolsch; Blond Beer , this is a pretty broad category. Lighter and a little sweet in style, these beers pair well with products like chocolate chip cookies where there is lower chocolate concentration, and in the case of cookies, the sweet biscuitiness (if that’s a word?!) complements the beer further.
Belgian Fruit Lambics
Finally, and kind of out there on their own, these sour Lambic styles, Kriek (Cherry) and Framboise (Raspberry) are a perfect off set to rich dark chocolate, with the tartness of the fruit combining deliciously with the bitter sweet chocolate.

Keeping all of this in mind I set out to hold a little Beer & Chocolate experience of my own. However, not wanting to follow the well travelled path of ‘gourmet’ Belgian chocolates and swanky imported liquid gold, and moreover not having the budget amidst the GFC, I decided to try and complete the exercise on a budget. By ‘on a budget’ I mean using up the oodles of ‘brand name’chocolate bars that have somehow steadily multiplied in our cupboards since last Easter. As for the beers to match, I picked up a mixed bag of styles (I didn’t want to just stick to the obvious choices) all at reasonable price points from a local, non-specialist, bottle shop. So they should be easy to get hold of if you wanted to have a go yourself.

TIP: Like with many ales, allowing the chocolate to warm in your mouth a little will help to release some of the volatile flavours.

Here’s my results, so why not go and have a bit of an experiment of your own?

Matilda Bay Beez Neez (4.7% abv, Victoria) & Picnic
Brewed with barley and wheat malts with the addition of amber honey, this beer presents as fresh and crisp with dominant honey notes. The slightly bland finish of the beer is lifted excellently by the caramel sweetness at the end of the Picnic. Whilst the honey sweetness of the beer combines well with the light malt & nuttiness of the Picnic. It’s almost as if the ‘beeriness’ is enhanced of this clean and refreshing Beez Neez.
Note: Also tried with Crunchie – no good, choc was overly sweet and drowned out most of the beer characteristics.

Matso’s Monsoonal Blond (4.7% abv, Broome,WA) & Cadbury Dream
Brewed as a crystal wheat beer based on a Belgian Witbier, I thought the gentle carbonation and slight citrusy notes of the beer likened it to a Kolsch. Paired with the sweet, highly caramel taste of the white chocolate , the initial combination delivers a zesty lemon hit from the beer, before combining to an almost Ginger climax. The residual flavours are gentle and sweet with caramel and honey remaining.
James Squire Porter (5% abv, Camperdown, NSW)/Gage Roads Wahoo (4.6% abv,Fremantle,WA) & Kit Kat
I tried the Porter against a few of the heavier weight Lindt chocolates that I was convinced would be a perfect match, but found that against the high percentage cocoa content that it only just stood up to the intense bitterness levels, undoubtedly it mellowed the bitterness, but didn't really take me to a higher plain. Surprisingly the winner for me with the Porter was the good old fashioned Kit Kat! The residual sweetness of the chocolate balanced out sensationally with the bitterness of the Porter with some shared malt flavours also coming to the fore.
The versatile Kit Kat also performed well with light quaffing Gage Roads Wahoo. Initially the combo raises the beer profile to a fruitier sweeter high than when experienced alone and that holds as the milk chocolaty flavours remain. The sweet maltiness of the biscuit inside balances well with the sweetish Munich & Vienna malts present in the beer.
Matso’s Smokey Bishop (4.5%% abv, Broome, WA) & Lindt Coffee
I found this dark lager to have a bittersweet aroma, a very subtle chocolate flavour with a hint of coffee, and quite a pleasant medium bitterness. This was matched up with a Lindt Coffee Chocolate, this is a pretty good quality chocolate with medium to high bitterness, a very subtle coffee presence throughout and a smooth bitter finish. An excellent combination with contrasting and complementary flavours melding together to deliver a nutty mocha taste sensation.
Knappstein Enterprise Brewery Reserve Lager (5.6% abv,Clare, SA) & Bounty
This pale, complex and fruity lager is one of my fav’s at the moment. Wonderful floral aromas with a high hop bitterness that lingers at the finish. The pairing met wonderfully in the middle, the spiciness of the hop character cut through the increasing sweetness of the chocolate and coconut. This beer also worked well with the Terry’s Chocolate Orange delivering a spicy orange amalgamation, that reduced the ‘milkiness’ of the chocolate so that it tasted like a dark chocolate.
Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted (4.2% abv, Scotland) & Terry’s Chocolate Orange
The cask version of this beer won the Champion Beer of Britain back in 2003, and its probably been longer since I last purchased any. Herbal & Hoppy, refreshing and dry, it reminded me of the Moorish quality of British cask ales, when ‘just popping out for a quick pint’ could easily degenerate to consuming a gallon. The combination with this chocolate finds the orange essence dominating, masking any sweetness of the beer, it’s any interesting spicy orange combination, not unpleasant, but not good enough to stop you from drinking the beer ‘un-paired’.
Swan Stout(7.4% abv, South Australia) & Old Gold
A meeting of old classics with a nice balance of sweet & bitter between these two. Both finished at different bitterness levels, quite high coffee and alcohol flavour from the stout, certain dark roasted malt appeal. Quite adult flavours.
O’Briens Gluten Free Pale Ale (4.5% abv, Ballarat, Vic)
Not wanting to miss out on the wanton gluttony, a more senior member of the household (who unfortunately can now only consume bier sans gluten) gleefully put her hand up to try out this beer alongside some equally suitable coeliac friendly chocolate. The findings:
Fruit & Nut – Hoppiness of the beer complements the toasted nut and the sweetness of sultana.

Chocolate Orange – Spiciness of the beer is brought to the fore.
Ginger Snap – Nice combo, spicy and peppery.
Lindt Chilli Dark Chocolate – Nice contrast, spice & chilli meet, whilst the beer’s bitter finish cuts through the sweet chocolate.

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.

Beer@Southbound & a disappointing inaugural Perth International Beer Fest

With Christmas decorations packed away and the new fitness regime underway (who am I kidding?) it must be 2009 and what better way to kick the year off with two summer festivals, of a different kind.

First up was the "Southbound" music festival down in Busselton on Jan 2nd/3rd. Always well organised and sporting a great line up, yadda yadda, i'm sure you'll find much better write ups on the music side of the event in the local street press. It's the beer i'm interested in. Once again there was a 'boutique' brewers area, and this time Gage Roads & Little Creatures beer featured. Great to see punters again being given the option of quality beer on offer, my only slight gripe was the hike on 2008's pricing. $9's for a cup is about the top end of what you want to be paying for a locally produced beer. And whilst we are on the subject of expensive beer . . . . . .

Next up was last weekends "Perth International Beer Festival". Disappointing would be an understatement. As we slowly shuffled towards the entrance (in the stinking heat) the general call from scores of disgruntled punters, heading out of the Langley Park venue, was "don't bother mate" & "save your money" (door entry alone had cost $25pp!). The calls were a little late for us, as unfortunately we were in the 25 minute queue for people who had already purchased tickets (for those without there was a further 20 minute queue to buy a ticket, before joining the rear of our queue). Nonetheless, we had already paid, so whats the harm in having a look anyway.

On entry, the first impression we came across was the regulation selection of average food vans, If you have been to any festival of any description in Perth in the past 6 months, you'll know exactly the one's that I mean. Choice is limited to the fried and the fatty, and certainly doesn't stretch to the needs of those with allergies or food intolerance.

Deciding against a bite to eat, we headed straight for the bar to quench our insatiable thirst (by now over an hour had passed since the last pint of Squire Golden at The Grosvenor). Even with the busiest of pubs (a la Sunday afternoon at Creatures) with 3 deep at the bar, you can handle the delay because you can still lean over and touch the beer. But when you know you've got at least a twenty minute wait for replenishment, whilst you look on at the attractive, yet cognitively challenged bar staff who seemingly find opening a stubbie the hardest of tasks, It is a little hard to keep your cool.

Of the four or five bars, only two appeared to be serving draught beers (a must for churning out the volume - particularly if the alternative is pouring from stubbies into plastic cups), and the selection of beers was pedestrian at best, with pricing at the higher end of Perth pub levels. I cant say I noticed any product that wasn't already being supplied to Perth pubs/Bottlo's through FM Liquor, Lionel Samson or Phoenix Beers. Although I did get a bit excited to see Konig Ludwig Weissbier & Warsteiner (both brands I have an affinity to) advertising flags, alas neither beer appeared to be stocked.
So we decided to do a quick spin around the paddock to see if perhaps there was a quicker route to slaking our thirsts, unfortunately it wasn't to be. We ghosted past the 50 odd thirsty souls awaiting the misfortune of purchasing a Cup of "Phoenix Beer", from that brewing mecca, err, Mauritius. With the benefit of a recent tasting of said beer, and empathy for the rapidly dehydrating keen samplers, I cant imagine that the crowd were best impressed when finally served.

The music was pleasant, although I did feel for the acts. Performing to distant huddles of those queueing for beer and those carefully guarding their small plots under the shade cloth must have been hard work in the blistering conditions. Oh, and lest we forget that there was a mini LaserQuest game; a kids area and some fairground rides. All essential for any good beerfest. Alas, forlornly we exited, parched, pissed off and grumbling "don't bother mate" & "save your money" to anyone who would listen.

Now maybe Ive got it all wrong, and the event managed to deliver all things to all men, and those few grumbling comments made on exit came from the vocal minority who didn't have a great time. I somehow think not, and perhaps promoters ACOS events could do well to have a look at the Sunset Events book of festival promotion.

Regardless of the event being a success or not, my biggest concern is the impact that can be had on future legitimate Beer Festivals, where its all about the beer and not about "the event". I cant help but think that another substandard beer festival event (lets not forget the Fremantle International Beer Fest in '06) somehow sullies the good name of Beer to the WA public.

So for next year guys, I'd just feel a lot more comfortable if you call it a family fun day, and on the long list of events & entertainment just write underneath in very small letters "Beer Tent".

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?

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

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.

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!