ANHC – A quick look
It’s all over and I am suffering the post conference come down. My body has not had any alcohol in it for two days now and doesn’t really know how to deal with it. Once again the ANHC Committee and all the speakers have done an epic job pulling off a fantastic conference.
My trip consisted of a beer bar crawl around Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon visiting Beer Deluxe, Mrs Parmas and Biero. All fantastic venues with their own charms. Wednesday night included a judges dinner and calibration session.
Thursday kicked off judging of AABC then onto The Local Taphouse. The Taphouse in St Kilda is a great venue. I went down there planning to have just a couple and going back to my hotel for an early night. That didn’t happen. I got stuck into the beer list, met up with fellow beer blogger James and before I knew what was going on my wallet was much lighter, I was much less stable on my feet and it was midnight. I can’t quite work out what happened there.
Friday was the start of the conference proper.
It was a struggle early on. After a while I got into gear and started soaking up the info. The 10.5% Belgian ale served in the first session of the day was a little harsh though. Lots of great sessions and beers served during the day. At the end of the conference day it was onto the beer and food matching dinner. It was spectacular. An amazing meal matched with great beers from home brewers. Some of the best beers I have had either home made or commercial for some time. The menu was made to match the beers. The menu was put together by Chris Badenoch and it was good enough to get me to buy his book. Then it was onto club night. This is where things get really hazy. Tons of just amazing beer from home brewers from around the country and even some from the USA. Also got to meet up with another beer and food blogger Gem.
Saturday the conference continues though with many sore heads. After the usual tastings including cooking from Chris Badenoch again it was time for the conference to wrap up and for us to head off to the gala dinner. A few of us thought we would hit Biero again on the way to dinner but unfortunately it wasn’t yet open so we hit the Celtic club for $5 Imperial pints of Matilda Bay Alpha pale. From there we hit the dinner where we got to try the very awesome B2 Bomber from Bridge Road Brewers. The meal wasn’t as good as the previous night but was tasty. After that there was a quick stop at Biero, a bit too night clubby on Saturday for my taste then a night cap at Beer Deluxe.
Sunday morning was all about sore head withdrawal symptoms and dealing with airports. Will get some stuff about some of the events in the future.
At ANHC
I’m at ANHC. So far we have judged the nationals, had a few meetings and a lot of beers. The conference proper kicks off today with the first sessions. If the last conference is anything to go by it’s going to be a great time.
So far I have managed to fit in sessions at Beer Deluxe, Mrs Parmas, Biero and The Local Taphouse. I’m already feeling it. Tonight we have Club Night where homebrewers put on their best for everyone to try. Had some amazing beers at the last conference and can’t wait to try what is on offer tonight. Before club night we have the food matching dinner. I have been trying to do my own dinners recently so will be great to see someone elses ideas and try some amazing beers matched with good food. It all looks to be a great time. More later. It’s time for beer.
AABC and ANHC
Coming up this week are the Australian Homebrewing Nationals Competition judging and running in conjunction is the Australian National Homebrewing Conference. I’m off to Melbourne for both events so it looks to be a big week. Lots of events over the course of a few days all of which involve beer in some way shape or form. If you don’t already have a ticket you should think about getting one. Even if you are not a homebrewer there is plenty to see and do.
Besides the actual conference sessions which are mostly for real brewing geeks there are a number of events for those that are not brewers. On Wednesday night there is a dinner and judges calibration session at Biero, a new bar/restaurant in Melbourne. After judging on Thursday there is a dinner and drinks at The Local Taphouse in St Kilda. On Friday the conference gets into full swing with a bunch of sessions including a session on advanced flavour training. Friday night is the beer and food matching dinner which will be amazing if last time is anything to go by. After the dinner it’s time for club night where homebrew clubs from around the country put their best on show for everyone to try. This is a big night going on past performances so don’t go too hard too early.
On Saturday it’s back to the conference sessions. On Saturday there are a few more sessions for the lest technically inclined including talks on cooking and pairing food with beer and on calibrating your pallet. Later in the day there is even a cheese making presentation. One I think I will be attending. After the conference formalities wrap up for the day it’s time for the gala dinner where the National Brewing Competition awards will be handed out. Once again we get some great beers paired with fantastic food.
As you can see there is something for everyone. If you make it along you won’t be disappointed. Get There!
ANHC 2010
The program and ticket packages for the 2010 version of the Australian National Homerewing Conference have been announced. While not strictly relevant to the local beer scene it is a great event for home brewers and beer lovers alike. This is the second time the event has run. I went last time and had an absolute ball.
Last time was two years ago but the memories are as hazy as they were the day after. Lots of great information sessions about brewing. These covered topics including water chemistry, malting process and sanitation products and techniques. Though focused at brewers these sessions would be great for the beer lover that wants ot understand what it is their drinking and how it is made. Some of the sessions dive really deeo for those that want to go there but I find myself more of a pragmatic brewer now days and I stick to the things that give me the most impact on my beer.
The real highlight of the whole event are the after conference functions though. The main events open to all attendees are the beer dinner, the gala dinner and Club Night. The dinner at the first conference was fantastic with great meals made and served byt the TAFE students. They were matched with wonderful beers from local commercial breweries and top notch home brewers. This event was also run last year outside of the conference and I am told it was a great night again. The Gala dinner was good but not quite up to the same level as the beer dinner. The beer did flow and a good time was had by although.
Beer flowing is the way to describe club night. Clubs from all over the country get their beer to Melbourne and serve it for everyone to drink. It’s just amazing to see the generosity, the comradery and the overall vibe in the room. The beer is amazing too. The clubs really turn it on and bring out their best beers for everyone. You have to get to club night if you go to the conference. Home brewer or beer lover will have an amazing time at club night.
This time round all the same events are on and I assume they will bigger and better than last time. There is also a pre conference dinner added this time but I’m pretty sure that is not included in the price. For the judges like myself there is a BJCP chapter meeting and a judges dinner prior to the AABC judging session.
All up I think it sounds like it is going to be an amazing event. My flights are booked, my leave is in and I’m searching for a hotel. If you can make it I can’t recommend it highly enough. Get There!