Back Alley Beer Club – this Friday at Platform Bar from 5.30pm
August 27, 2009
I know my last blog post was about upcoming events, but I’m so excited about this one I have to give you all one more reminder, because I can assure you it will be great!
The Back Alley Beer Club kicks off at Platform Bar this Friday night. I’ll let the convenor, Matthew Coorey do the talking:
The inaugural meeting of the “Back Alley Beer Club” is this Friday, 28th August.
THE MAJOR DETAILS you need to know are:
- There will be beer.
- You might not have had some or any of the beer on offer.
- In fact, some of the beers have not been showcased outside of Matilda Bay’s Brewery before.
- There will be some light canapes to match the food.
- SCOTT VINCENT, Master Brewer from Matilda Bay is fuming as he has had to pay an excess luggage fee to satisfy our thirst and craving for craft beer!
- MATT KIRKEGAARD from GOOD BEER LUNCHES will be hosting the event.
- Did I mention there will be beer?
- Start time is 5:30pm but feel free to get here earlier and stay as long as you like.
ALWAYS READ THE SMALL PRINT:
- The cost to attend is $15 for this event which will get you some beers, insights from Scott and light canapes.
- You need to RSVP to mcoorey@drinx.com.au for catering purposes. You can pay Matt Kirkegaard on the night.
- Please try and have the cash ready if possible for ease on the night.
- Grand Central Hotel practices and encourages Responsible Service and Consumption of Alcohol.
- Feel free to invite friends but they need to RSVP like the rest of us!
Yours in Craft Beer,Matthew Coorey
If you’ll pardon my floral language – how f*cking fun does that sound?! I really can’t recommend it highly enough. I will of course be there, and if you’re free on Friday evening, I suggest you make an effort to check it out too. But don’t forget to RSVP at the email address above!
Beer lovers are in their element at Fifth Element
August 21, 2009
I’m not sure where I originally heard about Southbank establishment Fifth Element, but after perusing their beer list online recently, I knew I had to pay them a visit.
I’d already added Fifth Element to my Brisbane Beer Secrets guide on the strength of their beer list alone, so I was keen to check out what the atmosphere and service was like, and whether the bar staff were as knowledgeable as whoever put the beer list together. I’m pleased to say it was a highly satisfactory experience.
Arriving around 4.30pm with Janelle it was pretty quiet, but we were given a very cheery greeting outside by a young lass who innocently asked “so, do you guys like beer?” After informing her that beer was in fact the reason we were visiting, we were seated at a nice lounge near the window and presented with the beer list.
And an impressive list it is, at least by Brisbane standards. There’s a few I’d never heard of before, amongst the usual standard fare.
I get really excited tasting a beer I’ve never sampled before these days, and I had two great new beers at Fifth Element. My first selection was a 3 Ravens Black, all the way from Thornbury in Melbourne’s inner north. The black was indeed black, a completely opaque stout that let no light through. But what a taste. Delicious overtones of honey and macadamia and wonderfully smooth down the back of the tongue. An absolute delight.
My other selection was an Alpha Pale Ale, an interesting beer for me because I thought that Matilda Bay‘s other American Pale Ale, Fat Yak, had superseded the Alpha as a more ‘sessionable’ product. But it seems not – both the Alpha and Fat Yak are still being brewed. Given my current fascination with the American PAs, the Alpha was hardly going to dissappoint – it was easily one of the most hopped-up beers I’ve tasted. Another delight to quaff, particularly when contrasted against the malty strength of the 3 Ravens Black. As our helpful waiter noted, “Fat Yak is just watered down Alpha” and I would find it hard to disagree – it’s still great to see Fat Yak working its way into suburban pubs and RSLs though.
Janelle meanwhile enjoyed the BeerMatt-recommended La Fin Du Monde – a whopper of a beer at 11%, but enjoyable for Janelle’s gentler palette nonetheless. I didn’t get so much as a sip in so can’t comment – but if you want to try one, grab it while you still can.
We also had a lovely slice of French cheese accompanied by quince paste, parmesan wafers, bread and sliced apple, a wonderful accompaniment to a couple of beers.
All up, I would recommend Fifth Element as a worthwhile visit for beer lovers, if only to wax lyrical with their friendly and knowedgebale bar dudes for a while, or visit the great bottle shop attached with an impressive selection of beers.
One final note: typical of Brisbane beer drinkers, I witnessed two gents at the bar decide to bypass all this beer goodness and opt for two Coronas instead. The fools.
Two Fat Yaks chillin’ in the sun
August 19, 2009
You know how you take a photo sometimes and it just works?
When mundane subject matter turns into something special?
Who would have thought a photo of two schooners of Fat Yak, glistening in the late Sunday afternoon sun at the Newmarket Hotel, Brisbane, could ever look so good?
Unfortunately this was the end result of a few more schooners of Fat Yak…
Don’t miss these fantastic upcoming Brisbane beer events!
August 15, 2009
Enjoy a golden beer at an upcoming beer event in Brisbane
There’s some great beer-related events coming up in Brisbane in the near future.
Firstly, the Platform Bar at Grand Central Hotel is running their ‘Back Door Beer Club’ on the last Friday of the month (August 28). Their recent mailout has all the details:
The Back Alley Beer Club is held on the last Friday of every month, members of the Back Alley Beer Club can attend. The cost is $15pp, which includes some light tapas to match a beer or two.
This month SCOTT VINCENT, Master Brewer from Matilda Bay will be hosting the session. He has promised to bring some obscure and hard to find Matilda Bay brews. Some of which you may or may not have seen or heard of before.
To become a member, email functions@grandcentralhotel.com.au and ask to join the Back Alley Beer Club.
I for one will definitely be there to hear from the man behind one of my favourite drops at the moment, Fat Yak. While we’re on the topic of the Platform Bar, don’t forget they have ‘Rubber Stamp‘ nights every Friday where you can talk about the quality beers they have on tap and in the fridge with one of their resident beer experts.
Also coming up is the next Good Beer Lunch. To put it bluntly, attendance is essential if you haven’t been to one before. After a lunch with Matt Kirkegaard and Ian Watson, you’ll know more about beer – and how well it can match any food – than you ever thought possible. They’re spreading their wings beyond the Grand Central hotel, so if you live in the sticks they might be coming to a venue near you:
Sunday, 16 August 2009 (Belvedere Hotel, Bramble Bay)
Sunday, 6 September 2009 (The Grand Central Hotel, City)
Sunday, 13 September 2009 (Full Moon Hotel, Sandgate)
Sunday, 4 October 2009 (The Grand Central Hotel, City)
Sunday, 1 November 2009 (The Grand Central Hotel, City)
Sidle up to a dirndl at Oktoberfest
Finally, a beer event you’ve no doubt heard of before – Oktoberfest! It’s still a couple of months away, but worth putting in the diary. Once again it’s at the RNA Showgrounds on the weekends of 9 – 11 & 16 – 18 October. However for the genuine Oktoberfest experience you can’t go past the Brisbane German Club – it’s on a week earlier, on the 2nd and 3rd of October.
Cheers! There’s heaps of beery goodness out there, get amongst it!
The rise and rise of the American Pale Ale
August 13, 2009
Little Creatures Pale Ale
Have you noticed a certain variety of beer making inroads into the average Australian’s palate lately?
Perhaps you’ve noticed the sudden appearance of Fat Yak at your local pub lately, or maybe one of your mates has brought around a six-pack from a strange WA brewer called Little Creatures…
Certainly guests of a Thirsty Critters tour would notice, because both microbreweries we visit have a shining example of this wonderful beer variety on tap.
Yes, I’m talking about the wonderful pale ale. Or more precisely, the American variant (American Pale Ale), a wonderfully fragrant drop, full of hops and fruity flavours.
At a recent Good Beer Lunch, beer sommelier Ian Watson regaled us with a tale of a very well-known and knowledgeable beer critic coming to Australia and sampling Little Creatures Pale Ale… and describing it as the best example of an American Pale Ale anywhere in the world. Not bad! And you can pick up a carton of this world-class goodness for as little as $60 at your local bottle shop.
Burleigh Brewing Co Duke Pale Ale
On the Thirsty Critters tour, guests can try a MT Moderation Pale Ale, a lighter version clocking in at 3.3% ABV. While down the road at Burleigh, Duke Pale Ale is on tap and also bottled for purchase at one of your local bottle-o’s (if you’re lucky). Both are fantastic – but if you want to try the MT, you’ll have to join a Thirsty Critters tour 
If you’re new to the joys of American pale ale, try one! They’re certainly more of a challenge to palates accustomed to Australian mass-market lagers, but far more approachable than dark lagers and stouts. Large liquor chains like Dan Murphy’s and First Choice now stock quite a few American pale ales from Aussie craft brewers, so there’s no excuse for you not to pick one up next time you’re out shopping for your tipple.
All hail the pale ale!
The debut Thirsty Critters microbrewery tour – photos & review
August 10, 2009
The debut Thirsty Critters tour departed as scheduled at 9.30am from Roma Street Station last Saturday, 8 August. What followed was 8 hours of cruising, touring, drinking and eating on a beautiful sunny winter’s day.
The first tour was full – 9 passengers and yours truly as tour guide in the driver’s seat. Who wouldn’t have a smile on their face on a glorious day like Saturday?
First stop: MT Brewery at Mt Tamborine – part of a stunning new complex also containing the Witches Chase Cheese Factory and Liquid Amber restaurant.
MT barman and friendly helper Callum talked the group through the selection of beers available at MT.
Ultimately, everyone went for the $10 Taster Tray, a great way to introduce oneself to the delights of MT beer – four ‘entree’ sized beers and a glass of water to cleanse the palate.
And so the socializing began! The group was a lovely mix of colleagues, friends & family, and not everybody knew each other, so there was much discussion to be had!
Cheers!
After an hour of beer tasting, morning tea was served to a grateful and (already) hungry crowd – and who wouldn’t want to fully enjoy a spread like this?
One more hour’s drive down the Gold Coast highway and the tour group arrived at Burleigh Brewery, where another round of four ‘tasting’ beers (included as part of the cost) was immediately served, and the guided tour of a working brewery began.
Master brewer Brennan Fielding took the group through a fascinating tour of the history of Burleigh Brewing and the range of Duke beers…
Brennan introduced us to the vital ingredients of beer (barley, hops & yeast)…
We got to climb up on to the lauter tun and whirlpool to take a look inside the first stages of the brewing process…
Then we got to walk amongst the huge storage vats where the beer is fermented for up to a month…
Finally, we were shown how the beer is bottled and the labels applied – I always wondered how they did that! Inevitably it’s with a very clever machine – thankfully nobody has to lick all the labels.
After the tour was finished we settled in to the comfy Burleigh Brewing lounge, sampling the full range of beers and most importantly, playing some fussball and table tennis!
After a long hard day of fascinating insights into beer and the drinking thereof, it was back onto the bus for the trip home. Everyone was dropped off safe and happy with a belly full of beer and a head full of great memories of the first Thirsty Critters tour.
Keen to come on a future tour? Drop me a line via the booking form or contact page, or give me a call on 0449 784 610.
Cheers!
Thirsty Critters’ Brisbane Beer Secrets – Where to find good quality beer in South East Queensland
August 6, 2009
Listed below are all the places in Brisbane & surrounding areas that Thirsty Critters finds worthy of your hard-earned cash. Places that go out of their way to champion the cause of good beer, and are always willing to lend a hand. If you think we’ve left something off the list, do get in touch.
All Thirsty Critters guests get a printed copy of the Brisbane Good Beer Guide to keep on hand for emergency situations!
MICROBREWERIES
MT Brewery
MT Brewery
165-185 Long Road, North Tamborine
Atop Mt Tamborine, MT Brewery sits alongside the Witches Chase Cheese Company and Liquid Amber restaurant. Around 7 craft beers on tap.
Burleigh Brewing Company
17A Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
The home of the Duke range of beers, master brewer Brennan is all about quality and freshness. On the first Friday of every month, head along for the Brewhouse Bash with bands and German sausages!
Sunshine Coast Brewery
13 Endeavour Drive, Kunda Park
An award-winning brewery in Kunda Park, just behind Maroochydore. Open daily, with all beers on tap at their cosy bar.
Stone & Wood Brewery
4 Boronia Place, Byron Bay NSW
Stone & Wood produce two quality drops – the draught ale which can be found on tap at some very lucky venues, and the pale lager which is bottled and available in bottle shops. Check the website for stockists.
International Hotel
525 Boundary Street, Spring Hill
With the demise of Oxford 152 and The Brewhouse, the International Hotel is currently Brisbane City’s only microbrewery. They’ve got four on tap, including a wheat beer, pilsener, Irish ale and midstrength.
Eagle Heights Brewery (currently no web presence)
10 Macdonnell Rd, Eagle Heights
BARS, CLUBS & PUBS
Platform Bar
Platform Bar @ Grand Central Hotel
270 Ann Street, Brisbane Central Station
Brisbane’s epicentre of good beer. You’ll find fantastic Aussie beers on tap here you won’t find anywhere else. Great range of strange foreign brews in the fridge too. They also have regular Rubber Stamp nights (see Drinx, below) where you can come along to listen to brewers speak about their range and sample quality brews.
Brisbane German Club
416 Vulture Street, East Brisbane
An amazing range of German beers you won’t find anywhere else, including the bizarre rauchbier (smoked beer) and wonderful weissbeir (wheat beers) like Maissel’s Weisse. Awesome German food at great prices too.
Bowery Bar
676 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Voted one of Australia’s best bars, The Bowery is worth visiting just to enjoy one of their in-house craft beers, brewed down the road in East Brisbane – Bowery Ale. They also stock Duke Lager!
5th Element
Corner of Tribune & Little Stanley Street, South Bank
Impressive beer menu – including an eye-poppingly expensive Deus Cuvee Prestige for $80!
The Lark
1/267 Given Terrace, Paddington
Perhaps Brisbane’s most undiscovered gem – a welcoming, cosy boutique bar in Paddington with a fantastic menu, including authentic Spanish Jamon. Wash it down with a wicked Aussie craft beer from Feral, Leather Jacket or 3 Ravens.
Sky Room
Level 2, Corner Brunswick Street & Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley
One of the only places in Australia you’ll find the Meantime range of beers, brewed in Greenwich, London and imported by local mob Innspire. Try a Meantime Union, you’ll like it.
BOTTLE SHOPS
Nectar
Nectar
114 Boundary Street, West End
Nectar has to be seen to be believed! Over 250 (yes, 250!) beer brands lining an entire wall. Well worth a visit to peruse the range and take home a few bottles of something you’ve never tried before.
Drinx are the only bottle shop chain in Brisbane which fully get behind Aussie craft brewers. Their range is amazing – just look for their ‘Rubber Stamp’ section. They’ve got outlets in Boondall, Camp Hill, Cannon Hill, City, Margate, Morningside, Redcliffe, Sandgate, Shorncliffe & Woody Point.
Cru Bar Cellars
22 James Street, Fortitude Valley
The beers on tap at the pretentious Cru Bar are nothing to write home about but they have some interesting beers in the cellars out the back you won’t find anywhere else, like genuine imported Kirin and strong Belgian ales like Mikeller.
OTHER
Ian & Matt, your Good Beer Lunch hosts
Join renowned beer experts Matt Kirkegaard (ex-Beer & Brewer editor and regular contributor to The Punch) and Ian Watson (Australia’s first beer sommellier) on a journey through great food and beer. Held regularly at the Platform Bar and other beer-friendly Drinx venues around town, each Good Beer Lunch matches four gastronomic treats with a fantastic beer. Ian’s commentary is nothing short of amazing, his depth of knowledge as a lifetime brewer is something to behold. A highly recommended experience.
Thirsty Critters Microbrewery Tours
Just in case you’ve surfed into this Good Beer Guide from Google, make sure you consider a tour by Thirsty Critters, who put together this guide. Thirsty Critters are South East Queensland’s only guided microbrewery tour, taking in the MT Brewery and Burleigh Brewing (listed above). The tour includes transport, morning tea, lunch and a guided tour by master brewer Brennan at Burleigh Brewing. Get in touch to make a booking.
Thirsty Critters is now on Facebook & Twitter!
August 5, 2009
Yes, Thirsty Critters is also alive and well in the world of Facebook & Twitter. I know that’s where most of the world hangs out these days, so I guess we’d better have a strong presence there.
We have a fan page which we would love for you to visit and ‘become a fan’. I’ll be keeping it regularly updated, so it will be an easy way to stay in touch with the world of Thirsty Critters. I’ll also be posting up each separate tour as an event – here’s a link to this weekend’s tour.
We’re also live on Twitter. As well as providing more timely updates about Thirsty Critters – and maybe even some tweeting from the tour – I’ll also be posting up some general beer-related news, stories and videos for your reading and viewing pleasure. Follow us on Twitter here.
Hope you enjoy our forays into the world of social media, and I hope to see you on an upcoming tour.
Cheers!
Pete
The debut tour is now full!
August 4, 2009
Every Thirsty Critter tour can carry 11 guests, and I’m pleased to announce that as of this morning, all 11 spots have now been filled. Of course, it took a little help from my friends – this is the debut tour after all, and I haven’t yet put my marketing plan into full swing. So thanks to my ex-BCM colleagues, relatives and friends who have all put their hand up to join me on the first tour. Not only are they writing themselves into the history books, they’re also receiving a tidy discount and some special debut gifts on the day. See you all then!
