Quality beer culture comes to Brisbane: Review & photos of the Back Alley Beer Club
September 30, 2009
Let’s not beat around the bush, Brisbane’s beer culture doesn’t have anything on our Southern neighbours – Melbourne & Sydney leave us for dead. There’s beacons of hope, but by and large this is a town of bland lagers and little experimentation on the part of consumers. But a couple of Fridays ago I experienced something that gives me great hope that things are changing.
Not just a cool name - it really is held in a back alley!
The second Back Alley Beer Club (I’m ashamed to say I missed the first) kicked off at 5.30pm sharp on the afternoon of Friday, 18th of September. The name isn’t just some piece of schlock marketing – it’s quite literally held in the back alley behind the Platform Bar, with Central Station’s trains just a few metres away. It’s about as Melbourne-ish as you’d get in Brisbane, I reckon, and the perfect place for such an occassion – not least because the Platform Bar is the home of good beer in Brisbane.
Matt C and Matt K pour beers for the appreciative crowd
Like many good things related to beer in Brisbane, the man behind it is none other than Matt Kirkegaard, he of the Good Beer Lunches and ex-editor of Beer & Brewer. After an introduction by the manager of Platform Bar & the Drinx Chain, Matt Coorey, the tasting began in earnest. First cab off the rank was an incredibly intense Imperial Porter by Bridge Road Brewery – one of these beautiful special editions out of a big 750ml bottle. This one really got the crowd (about 20-strong) talking. Dark as night, full of coffee and red wine. Beautiful, and a great experience, because at $50 a bottle it’s one of those beers you’re unlikely to drink again for quite some time.
Following the Porter, we enjoyed two varieties from Red Oak. This was particularly pleasing because I’d only got to taste one Bitter during my recent visit to Red Oak’s Boutique Brewery in Sydney. Both the Vienna Lager and the Bock were delightful examples, as Matt testified, of lager-type beers so far removed from the tastless pap that comes out of most beer taps it’s almost a crime they’re from the same family of beers.
Throughout the evening, Matt gave a running commentary on the breweries and beers, and there were many questions from the audience. Matt K and Matt M were even gracious enough to let me get a plug in for the tours – thanks guys!
The word on the street is that the Back Alley Beer Club won’t remain an open invitation forever – so if this sounds like your kind of thing, I’d strongly suggest coming along to the next one and enjoying yourself.
A visit to Redoak Boutique Brewery, Sydney
September 25, 2009
Each Thirsty Critters tour visits two wonderful establishments that serve nothing but the beer they brew on site. We have to drive almost 50 minutes from the Brisbane CBD to reach the first one though, MT Brewery up at Mt Tamborine. Sydneysiders don’t have to travel quite so far for a similar experience, because the Redoak Boutique Brewery is smack in the middle of their CBD.
- Inside the Redoak Boutique Brewery, Sydney
On a recent trip to Sydney Redoak was at the top of my list for places to visit. It’s nestled on Clarence Street, just a couple of blocks from Darling Harbour, in a heritage-listed building. The facade is unpreposessing – just a couple of cafe-style chairs and tables out the front. Inside is a different story – beautiful wooden bars and bar stools, and glorious maroon and mahogany tones.
- An English Bitter and Hefeweizen at Redoak Boutique Brewery, Sydney
The beer is, of course, exemplary – unfortunately I only got to try two. My choice was their English-style bitter, which was smooth and aromatic, a delight to sip through a pint. Janelle got a hefeweizen, which was very fruity and aromatic, bordering on being over-the-top. But lovely to sample nonetheless.
I wish I could tell you more about Redoak, next time I’m in Sydney I plan to have a proper session there. They’ve got a huge range of brews, all made in-house – I think the next cab off the rank will be their Baltic Porter or Special Strong Ale!
Oh, and there’s one more place I’ll definitely be checking out next time I’m in Sydney – The Local Taphouse in Darlinghurst. A bit dissappointed I didn’t make it this time, but thankfully it’s not going anywhere fast – friends tell me it’s hugely popular.
My Wife’s Bitter (it’s a beer!)
September 16, 2009
Yesterday I finally had a chance to seek out some of Burleigh Brewing’s newest addition to their range, the marvellously-titled My Wife’s Bitter (get it?). I picked mine up from Grand Central cellars, but it’s also available at all these places.
Burleigh have done a wonderful job with this beer, not only in its taste (more on that later) but on the packaging too. It’s a beautiful bottle to pluck out of the fridge, a 650ml tallie with a very English white and red motif. Indeed, I’m quite certain the eye-catching bottle label was responsible for the fridge being almost completely empty of My Wife’s Bitter – consumers can be a shallow lot sometimes.
The description on the back is thus:
English Bitter, Burleigh Style: When not working hard producing Burleigh Brewing’s regular line-up of beers, out brew team dabbles in ‘A Bit on the Side’. And inspiration was abundant for this latest brew. Filtered through local lava rock, My Wife’s Bitter is our coastal interpretation of a classic English bitter, with roasted maltiness, a soft caramel character and dense, aromatic foam.
Well, I’m pleased to say that when you pour it out, My Wife’s Bitter is pretty much what it says on the ‘tin’. Smooth and malty, with a very unique, calm bitterness – perhaps it’s the lava rock?
The Burleigh team have added some more info to the label, in fact its the most descriptive and interesting beer bottle I’ve ever come across. Below the general description above are some specifics:
What’s in it? Authentic English hops (Fuggles & East Ken Goldings), a blend of classic English specialty malts (Crystal & chocolate), a centuries-old English yeast, beautiful Gold Coast water and the passionate commitment of our entire team.
What’s NOT in it? Preservatives, additives, nasty chemicals, foam enhancers, pre-isomerized hop products, animal products, finings, GMO’s… or anything else that is not meant to be in beer.
I love it! All beers should have this level of description, it would do wonders for raising consumer awareness of the finer points of beer. In fact, I seem to recall reading an article in Beer & Brewer magazine saying exactly that – more government and community awareness of the microbrewing industry can only come from consumers being aware of what makes them so special.
But it’s doesn’t stop there! My Wife’s Bitter is also the first Australian beer I’ve seen that gives a full breakdown of ‘vital stats’:
4.8% abv
iBU – 18 (just the right level of bitterness)
EBC – 14 (a beautiful, deep amber)
Drinking temp (the English) 10°C
Drinking temp (everyone else) 6°C
Well, there’s not much more to say except go out and buy one. Or two, and save one for later!
Update: There’s a great article on Burleigh Brewing Co’s Steve & Peta Brennan, and their new Bitter release here.
There’s new local beers out there – you just have to find them!
September 8, 2009
The latest mailout from Burleigh Brewing has some very interesting info about a few speciality brews which you will only be able to find at selected times and places! They all sounds fantastic so seek one out if they take your fancy – I know I will be!
Firstly, the new line from Burleigh, My Wife’s Bitter, is now available at selected stockists around town. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting many schooners of this wonderful English Bitter on tap at the brewery, and I can highly recommend it. Highly refreshing, smooth and aromatic.
Secondly, Brisbane’s hottest new restaurant Aria also have their own Aria Pale Ale, brewed by Burleigh. From the mailout:
With a reputation for impeccable taste in food, Matt Moran’s opening of Aria Restaurant Brisbane was indeed a momentous occasion. Burleigh Brewing Company were asked to provide a special little flavour, and we are now proud to say we are the suppliers of the ‘Aria Pale Ale’. Located in the Eagle Street Pier precinct, the restaurant has spectacular views of the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge provides a perfect back drop for diners. This amazing new restaurant seats 150 people and includes a private dining room for up to 40 guests. Now that word is out about our ale, best you call and book ahead.
Thirdly, Burleigh has brewed a special batch for consumption at Brisbane’s Platform Bar only:
The guys have been playing around on the weekends again and have brewed a one-off mini batch. It doesn’t really fit into any traditional style definition – but is loosely based on an American craft ale style with maltier flavours, a deep copper colour and with beautiful aromatics. Let’s just call it ‘free style’! This Brewer’s Ale will ONLY be on tap at Grand Central Hotel during early September. It’s the only place to get it and they only have a few kegs, so get in before it runs out!
You heard the man – get out and try it! I assume it’s on tap already, let me know if you make it down there!
Burleigh Brewing Company were asked to provide a special little flavour, and we are now proud to say we are the suppliers of the ‘Aria Pale Ale’.
Located in the Eagle Street Pier precinct, the restaurant has spectacular views of the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge provides a perfect back drop for diners. This amazing new restaurant seats 150 people and includes a private dining room for up to 40 guests. Now that word is out about our ale, best you call and book ahead.
All hail the Thirsty Critters logo and flyer!
September 1, 2009
The new Thirsty Critters logo
Getting a business up and running has been a great challenge but extremely fun. I’ve particularly enjoyed discussing the Thirsty Critters concept with anyone who will listen, to get feedback and suggestions. Ultimately I’ve been missing something very important though – a flyer! Something friends, colleagues and strangers can take with them so they can remember Thirsty Critters.
And so I present to you – the Thirsty Critters logo (above) and flyer (below)! Both beautifully-designed pieces of branding which I can start to leave at selected places across Brisbane. The creator shall remain anonymous (for now) – but he/she knows I’m very appreciative! I’m very happy with it – so keep an eye out for a real one. If you’d like me to send you some, just shout and I’ll chuck some in the mail.
(Apologies for the quality of the below images as they’ve been exported from the PDF I sent to the printers, will try to get a better quality version soon).
Thirsty Critters flyer - Side A
Thirsty Critters flyer - Side B
