Best Beers in Australia and New Zealand
Best beers from New Zealand and Australia.
Well I didn’t think a lot of the last poll that came out about the best craft beers in Australia. A new one has been published by Rate Beer listing the best beers from Australia and New Zealand. Whilst there are a few beers in there I am not a fan of this is a great list of good New Zealand and Australian beers. I guess I am disappointed it is dominated by New Zealand beer it does reflect the current climate of beer in this region. The beers out of New Zealand in recent times have been amazing with the top two beers on the list being prime examples. I’m drinking and Epic Armageddon as I write this article.
This is a much more accurate reflection of the beer scene in our region than the popularity poll published recently. These are beers that have been rated by beer geeks all over the world. It would seem to me and I’m sure anyone who loves beer would agree that it is a much better reflection of great beers than the other poll. This poll, while not setting out to, also reflects achievements by real craft brewers much better. This is a much more objective poll as it is based on rating of beer by consumers and not people specifically voting for a poll. Interesting how many beers, particularly top ten beers, from the other poll are missing from the results of this one. Believe the people who actually drink it and care about more than the people spurred on by marketing to vote for it.
Australia’s Hottest 100 Craft Beers – Number 1 Vale Ale
The Hottest 100 Australian Craft beers list has been compiled and released. Thanks to The Local Taphouse and the Crafty Pint for putting it all together and publishing it. This years winner is Vale Ale from McLaren Vale Beer company. Big congratulations to the guys. Can’t wait to taste the beers when they start coming out of the new brewery. A couple of other local breweries made the list too. You can check out the full list here thanks to Crafty Pint.
I’m not a fan of a lot of the stuff on the list. I’m not saying they are bad beers but beers from the two largest breweries in the country surely can’t count as craft. I like Alpha Pale but there is no way that is a craft beer. I think the definition really needs to be tightened up to reward the real craft producers around the country and not slap the big boys on the back regardless of their beer being any good or not. Go out and drink something from a small craft producer today!
Australia Day with the Brewboys
Australia Day at the Brewboys cellar door is becoming something of a tradition. They have been running a function with bqq, plenty of beer and the JJJ Hottest 100 for a few years now. They normally have one of their small batch beers on and this year is no exception. Simon has produced a cherry wheat beer for the day. Not my favourite style but their small batch beers are normally worth trying.
Brewboys is within walking/cycling distance for me so I have been to a few of their Australia Day functions. You can count on a great bbq, plenty of people and a good cold beer. Things kick off at midday. More details here. Get There!
Australia Day at the Salopian Inn
The Vale guys are putting on a gourmet bbq for Australia Day and you are invited along. So if you like the idea of great food, $5 Vale Ales and some cricket on the lawn while listening to JJJ Hottest 100 then this may be the place for you on Australia day. The food down there is amazing and this would be a great option if you are in the area. The Salopian is a great spot so get down there and check them out.
They don’t seem to have a menu or any other details on their web site so I have included some of the details from their email below.
Hitachino on Tap at The Wheaty, Wheatsheaf Hotel
I probably should have got this one up Yesterday. However, the Wheaty now has Hitachino beers on tap. It’s for a limited time and only one beer at a time is going on tap. They have started out with Japanese Classic Ale and will move through the White, Red Rice Lager and Espresso Stout. The Japanese Classic is tasting great. The beer is aged in cedar barrels which gives it an amazing almost sandalwood character.
There are plenty of great beers on tap at the moment including Skipping Girl from Mountain Goat and Bookbinder from Emerson’s. Get down and check them out.
Double Barrelled Locals at the Wheaty, Wheatsheaf Hotel
This post is a little late to the party. However, if you catch it in time it is double barrelled locals at the Wheaty tonight. From the Brewboys we have their German style wheat beer Schweinhund. The opposing beer is from Steam Exchange but I’m not sure which beer they have decided to put on tap this month.
Festivities kick off around 1800. It’s normally a big night when the Brewboys are there so make sure you have your party hat on. Get There!