Perth Royal Beer Show 2011 Results

Congrats to all the trophy winners at the Perth Royal Beer Show awards dinner last night (17th June 2011), here's a list of the triumphant few . . . .

Commercial Awards

The Hopco Trophy for best Commercial Brewery: Swan Brewery Co Pty Ltd

The Premiers Trophy for the Best Western Australian Beer of the Show: Feral Brewing Co for "Hop Hog"

The Beer and Beef Club of Perth Trophy for Best Commercial Beer of the Show: Holgate Brewhouse for "Hopinator"

The Sail and Anchor Trophy for Best WA Brewery: Swan Brewery Co Pty Ltd

The Cryer Malt Trophy for Best Lager Draught: Swan Brewery Co Pty Ltd for "Swan Draught"

The Edith Cowan University Trophy for Best Lager Packaged: Swan Brewery Co Pty Ltd

Beef and Beer Club of Perth Trophy for Best Ale Draught: Feral Brewing Co for "Fanta Pants"

Beer and Brewer Magazine Trophy for Best Ale Packaged: Holgate Brewhouse for "Hopinator"

Hopco Trophy for Best Stout Draught: Nail Brewing for "Nail Stout"

Edith Cowan University Trophy for Best Stout Packaged: Nail Brewing for "Nail Stout"

The Cryer Malt Trophy for Best Wheat Beer Draught: Mash Brewing for "Weizenbock"

The Pall Australia Trophy for Best Wheat Beer Packaged: Old Coast Road Brewery for "Acres of Wheat"

Amateur Awards

James Squire Trophy for Best Amateur Brewer: Brendan O'Sullivan

The Brewmart Trophy for Best Amateur Beer of the Show: Brendan O'Sullivan for "The Sofa King Hoppy"

The T.W.O.C Trophy for Best Lager: Damien Bussmaker for "Damo's Dark"

Beer and Beer Club of Perth Trophy for Best Stout: Andrew Churchman for "Oatmeal Stout"

Brewmart Trophy for Best Ale: Brendan O'Sullivan for "The Sofa King Hoppy"

The Deliverance Trophy for Best Wheat Beer: Brendan O'Sullivan for "Oh, a Weisse guy, eh?"

Perth's new breweries update

News of council planning hold ups dog the new 'Northbridge Brewing Company', as revised plans tried to sidestep disabled access laws by renaming an upstairs trading area. Clearview Investments Group, who were given the green light on planning in January, have a hit a stumbling block by omitting an elevator fromplans, providing disabled access to a top floor alfresco area (they basically changed the name from a 'skydeck al fresco function room' to the 'skydeck al fresco area'), hence falling foul of Western Australia's disability laws. A bit of cost cutting that will surely have to go back to the drawing board. Hopefully there won't be any cost cutting when it comes to the brews, as former Old Swan brewer and local brewing identity Hugh Dunn oversees operations.

And as speculated in this blog back in October last year, Why has Chuck Hahn been spending so much time in Perth? Well, I'm simply putting two and two together, but Chuck recently intimated in a chat with UK beer writer Roger Protz that Perth was on the radar for a James Squire Brewhouse. If you have visited the Sydney incarnation at King St Wharf, then you know that the format works particularly well on the water - and this is where the other part of the maths comes in. Back in June 08 Perth City Council approved plans for an enviromentally friendly timber built micro-brewery, function room, restaurant & supper club, as part of the newly redeveloped parkland at Point Fraser, close to Heirisson Island and the Burswood casino complex. On the banks of the Swan River, the new site is hoped to be open some time later this year or early 2010 - and i'll bet my bottom dollar that the 'James Squire' signs will be hanging over the door!

Yarra Valley brewery destroyed in bushfires

Thoughts go out to Simon & Beth Walkenhorst of Hargreaves Hill Brewery, who have been one of the many cruelly affected by the Victorian bushfires. The Yarra Valley site was sadly destroyed in last weekends blaze. A benefit gig has been arranged at 'The Local Taphouse' in East St Kilda on Thursday 19th February to benefit both the Red Cross Appeal and The Walkenhorst's. To find out more check out their blog http://thelocaltaphouse.blogspot.com/ .
Beers for the event have kindly been donated by a number of brewers including Little Creatures, Jamieson, The NSW Brewers Guild, Matilda Bay, James Squire, Coopers.
If you cant get along and wish to donate, you can do so via the blog link.

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.

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.