One of the events that causes a great deal of anticipation is the microbrewery showcase at Federation Square.
As I patiently sat at the entrance waiting for 4.30 (which became 4.40) I people watched my way to the realization that this event now attracts the complete gamut of punters.
Old men with incredibly bushy eyebrows, suits wearing sunglasses where it is much too dark to wear sunglasses, girls in summer dresses that I’m scared to approach as they are too beautiful, hipsters with asymmetrical haircuts and tight jeans, girls that I am scared to approach as I believe they might bite me.
Everyone from all walks of life came down to Fed Square to sample a great selection of beers from some of the biggest, some of the smallest, and some of the newest microbreweries in Victoria.
Cavalier Brewery were the new kids on the block and their initial three beers are very promising. The pale ale is a lovely aroma and very pleasant taste and will likely become refined and a soild staple beer.
The brown ale and hefeweizen were also a very high standard and I’m excitedly awaiting some more from these lads.
The Local Taphouse in St.Kilda was represented on the day with the announcement that they will be opening their retail outlet in the next seven weeks, which is exciting.
But what’s that? You want more? Well here’s something. They will also be providing two litre growlers of the ever rotating draught beer they hold.
Still not enough? Well I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but fine.
If you call 1300 GROWLER they have decided they will DELIVER THE GROWLERS FOR FREE WITHIN A 4KM RADIUS.
Sorry, let me compose myself.
The beer highlight for myself was undoubtedly the collaboration from Thornbridge Brewery and Mountain Goat. The Thorny Goat Black IPA.
Wow. A fantastic style of beer that is largely unchartered in Australian beer. Big shoes have been manufactured with this collaboration and the gauntlets have been thrown down to Australian breweries to fill. I’m really looking forward to this style growing. More about this particular beer can be found here.
The Crafty One was spotted nabbing a few interviews here and there so we can look forward to the next installment of Crafty Pint Films.
Some of the entrants to the Great SpecTAPular were around again, some to finish the last of the supply, some to suggest they may be around as seasonal releases again. One of these beers that saw the light of day from the GABS was the Otways Blueberry Hefeweizen which was tasting mighty good I might add.
Speaking with Luke from Otway Estate about seasonal releases he happened to casually mention that he expects the brewery will release 24-36 seasonal brews this year.
Commence your mental and physical salivation.
Another excellent addition to this edition of this showcase was Beer Deluxe’s willingness to turn part of their outside bar into the cider garden, allowing the showcasing of some wonderful Victorian ciders among the educated and willing crowd.
A special mention goes out to the Grand Ridge Brewery for having samples of just about every beer they currently have available (including seasonals) which really is the true meaning of “showcase” to let punters get a complete idea about what they offer.
You’ve heard enough from me. If you were there on the Wednesday or Thursday then you already know what I’m talking about. If you didn’t make it then you need to ensure that you don’t miss the next one that comes around.
Always a cracking, ever evolving event that is a must for any beer lover.
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