GABS 2017: Sydney

Sydney: 27th May, Saturday

Preface

Such a shame that the Sydney festival was only for one day. With that, it put more difficulty on yours truly (who had the flu) to attempt all the beers that were available. 

Some 146 craft beers were on tap (with 300+ total across the event), and with so little time to try them all it was a case of trying the ones I found to be interesting. 

How did I do that? Well, to cut a real long story short I broke it down to 100 beers to begin with. You know, crossing off the styles of beer I'm not too fond of. I then knuckled it down to 9 paddies (each paddles consisting of x5 85 ml tasters). That was tricky simply for the fact that there were plenty of beers that I wanted to try (but couldn't). 

Thankfully, I decided to wander around with my good mate to all the brewery stands and try some of their beers. 

This list is based on the possible 9 paddles (45 tasters) and copious amounts of brewery stand beers that were had. 

I hope you the my list for Sydney GABS 2017. 

Enjoy. 

dann

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Being part of such a magnificent festival makes you feel happy to be alive. From independent breweries, craft breweries, local brewers and international brewers, the awesomeness of 300+ beers at your finger tips is enough for a grown man to weep with joy. 

As I weep, this blog allows me to give you the opportunity to view my favourite beers. Sure, it's not a definitive list but it is a list which I'd like you to sit back, relax and enjoy. 

If you ever get the opportunity to try any of these, please do so. Although there a plethora of beers that I didn't try, just remember that the Independent Beer Association is the true winner here. 

Get yourself off the couch, into your local store and look out for some exciting beers. You will not be disappointed. 

Now let's focus on my top 7 list for GABS 2017:  

Cheers, 

dann

#7: Pirate Life: Stout

It's the beer gift that keeps on giving. I had the Pirate Life Stout a while back at the Royal Albert Hotel here in Sydney. What a fucking beer it was!

It reminded me how good stout beer can be; light-medium-bodied mouthfeel, roasted notes coupled with hints of chocolate and a soft 'feel' to the beer. 

I've travelled to may parts of the USA over many years, this certainly has to be in my all-time top 10 of stouts. 

Pirate Life are a fairly new brewery in the Australian craft beer scene. But seriously, don't let that fool you. They have a phenomenal range, with one in particular being their flagship beer: IIPA. 


Do yourself a huge favour: get off your butt, go to your local pub and see if they have this beauty on tap. Definitely in your 'top 100 beers to try before you die' list. Score: 8/10. 

#6: Yulli's Brews: 'Gilbert' Pinot Grigio Wild Ale

Bloody hells bells! Sorry for any AC/DC pun there, but this deserves very high marks. 

What drew me to this beer, I hear you ask? Well, it was an off-centre, 'how do you do?' swimsuit edition-style beer that was totally and utterly different from the rest of the pack.

Yulli's Brews has come up with a Sour beer that incorporates grapes, and what an amazing combination of flavours and textures it was.

Its ability to be more than one thing is very tricky to pull off. Over the years I've had numerous craft beers that consistently fail. Normally these things turn out more ugly than Ugly Dave Grey! This, however, nails it perfectly. 

Head Brewer, James Harvey has done a great job at this tricky combination of flavours and textures. All up, something different from the average beer. Score: 8/10. 

#5: B.Effect Brewing Co (NZ): Blazing hops

Pure serendipity. This actually wasn't on my initial paddle list. An 'empty keg' some 40 minutes into GABS Sydney 2017 meant that I had #14 instead of #13. 

Instead of the number 13 being unlucky, it was extremely lucky on this occasion. My Belgian IPA had all the hallmarks of being a very special beer indeed. 

The flavour, texture and pure goodness of Belgian beer flavour was quite apparent. It clearly stood out from all other beers, which was something of a surprise to me. 

Its description is very simple, and ingredients not too complicated. The Belgian yeast used was certainly the catalyst in this great tasting beer. Somehow everything that it had to offer was nothing short of remarkable. 

For me, this Belgian beauty wasn't in the picture but I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was and thankful I tried it. Score: 8/10. 

#4: Australian Beer Co: Nitro Cherry IPL

Surely you can't be serious? I am serious, and don't call me Shirley. I'm that serious that this has hit #4 on my list. It's about as amazing as me getting a date with Jennifer Love-Hewitt.  

An India Pale Lager that's been aged for three years in wine barrels with a bunch of cherries. Does it sound tempting to you? It sure as hell did for me!

A breath-taking beer that was blended superbly. My reaction? YUM-FUCKING-O! I just loved this combination. Barrel-aged beers are becoming an art form. Done well, they are worth their weight in gold. Done poorly, let the chooks drink it or use it to water the plants in your garden.

Still, it's not often you come across a beauty like this. The Australia Beer Company has managed to age this IPL extraordinarily well. The cherry flavour magnificently blends in with this style of beer. Hats off to you! Score: 8/10.  

#3: Yulli's Brews: Amanda Mandarin IPA

Oh man. Oh boy. Major drool. Straight away this beer was a winner. The aroma, the texture, the flavour, the combination of all of these things into one fantastic beer: Amanda Mandarin IPA by Yulli's Brews. 

This beer says what it is: an IPA with Mandarin. A very simple yet sublime beer that beats its competitors hands down. 

Once again I've travelled to many places around the USA and tried hundreds of different craft beers. This ranks as one of the best. Clearly a top 20 beer in any category. 

Its very smashable, has lots of fruit flavour, is quite subtle on the palette and has the hoppy balance which only few brewers can master. 

If you don't try this beer on tap in the near future, you're dumber than the movie: Dumb and Dumber. Score: 8.5/10. 

#2: Akasha Brewing: Lupulin Fog

Is this the new look and taste of IIPA here in Australia? If it is, Akasha Brewing has fucking nailed it solidly to the wall and thrown away the goddamn hammer. 

What can I say other than 'fuck me silly!' I'd never even tried anything like it in all my travels. This IIPA smacks of total and utter dominance. 

The fog-like nature of this beer should not put you off, rather capture your imagination and carry you to a world like no other. It's fruity flavour, insane alcohol percentage and it's so, so easy-natured drinkability makes this beer a pure standout for GABS 2017. 

Without a doubt we're looking a new fan favourite. Give this beer time to cross Sydney and our neighbouring shores (should we all be so lucky) and you'll see it soar like an eagle, winning its way to freedom. Superb job, Akasha. Score: 9/10. 

#1: Yulli's Brews: David's Davidson Plum Sour

Only two words describe this beer: absolutely stunning. 

Be damn fucking inspired if you're a brewer. Be really inspired. I was gobsmacked at every single point of angle from this Plum Sour beer. 

Again, Yulli's Brews comes up trumps. What makes this so awesome is the balanace between every single ingredient; malt, hops, yeast attenuation, sourness and plums. 

I'd never think that my tastebuds would love this beer so much, but they did. It's so drinkable that it isn't funny. 

A cold day, a warm day or just plain any old day, this plum sour beer meets all beer drinking criteria. 

You must try it and get James Harvey to brew it again. Outstanding. Score: 9.5/10. 

Chewing the fat with home brew

Sam Calagione & Dann Brew

I thought it’d be a good opportunity to talk about beer. Well, feedback on beer. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an extract brewer starting out or an advanced home brewer doing all grain. Feedback is an integral part of how you brew your beer. 

That doesn’t mean you have to compromise on what you brew. It means you listen and understand what people say about your brews. 

I know it’s difficult, especially when you start out and expect great results. Some people are just lucky (or good) enough to get it right first time. Others, like myself, took a while to nut things down and get it right. More often than not: your first brews aren’t going to win many people over. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There is a very positive side to this somewhat negative feedback: learn from it, understand what is being said and speak to other brewers that have more experience. 

Gaining that knowledge about your ingredients and how the process works is paramount to success. Additionally, some people learn differently too. I know brewers who like to clone beers. That is, drinking a beer they like and finding out how to brew it ‘home brew style’. I, on the other hand, generally like to understand a particular ingredient first. 

Regardless of how you approach the start of your brewing, get advice off other brewers. Get ideas on how to do things. It may not fit what you want but at least you get an idea. Every brewer I know experiments. Why? It’s the creative side of brewing that allows each of us to showcase our talents. Some beers may not turn out great, but, again, learn from it, understand what is being said and brew it again. Sure, it’s a bit of trial and error but well worth your investment. 

I remember my first beers. Heck, I wouldn’t give it away to farm animals let alone give it to friends. Sure, I drank it but that was only because I wanted to brew and learn from my mistakes. Boy, were there lots of mistakes. 

My question I still have to this day, though: there’s so much information out there, how do you decipher it all? For me, it’s always been about trust. At first you look around the internet and find all sorts of information (useful and not so useful). You’ll gradually learn from those comments and from your own brewing experiences to accept that information or to reject it. After a while you’ll be used to brewing a certain way, using certain ingredients, understand what those ingredients are and how they taste. Trust your own instincts first, then follow others if they agree with you. 

It’s funny, but when I started brewing everything tasted ‘awesome’. That was until I gave my beers to others out of my ‘circle of trust’. Then the real feedback began. I learnt many a harsh lesson. Some beers were best suited to the toilet bowl than in someone else’s stomach. Still, it’s a matter of persisting and not getting too paranoid. You’ll eventually get there, you just need a bit of time, effort and a good dose of patience. 

I should probably point out that no matter how well you do you’ll always have someone not like your beer. It’s a fact of life, just like everyone will not like a decision you make. That’s democracy at work. 70% of people may absolutely love your beer, but the other 30% have ‘meh’ written all over them. It’s a fine line between feedback and brewing for the crowd, but stick to your guns and if your product is actually good – people will come in droves to taste it. 

Whether you’re throwing a party with 50 people and you have beers on tap, to a quiet event with a couple of mates, be sure you brew to your strengths. You’ll get both positive and negative feedback. That comes down to what people like, and I can assure you that’ll vary quite a lot. Don’t be afraid of the negative comments even if it’s “…this is really shit”. Okay, so someone doesn’t like it, but if you have many other people say it’s great then you know that person merely doesn’t like the style. Find out what style they like and give that style a shot next time you brew. 

I guess the whole point here is that although you’ll never please everyone, feedback is integral to help you improve how you brew. Once your brewing Improves you can actually play to those strengths. If people like malty beers but not hoppy, experiment with a malty recipe. Whack in some Munich or Crystal-like malt that gives it that ‘malty’ flavour. Back off the hops, mash higher and use a yeast which attenuates to something like 1.014. 

Just be sure you’re true to what YOU want to brew, but also mindful to be open to feedback – good and bad. A good brewer welcomes feedback, while a bad brewer is stubborn and both doesn’t care or listen. Remember, home brewing is about having fun and it’s not a life and death situation. Brew, learn, enjoy, review, get feedback, brew again then repeat cycle. 

Even as a kit brewer, I’d encourage you to write your own blog or take notes. These notes include: ingredients used, when they were used, what temperatures (if any) were reached and general tasting notes. Over time it allows you to better understand your brewing habits, styles and tastes. It allows you to learn from past mistakes. Sure, you’ll probably revisit those mistakes but you’ll get out of that habit soon enough. 

I’ve probably rabbited on a bit too long, but the pros always outweigh the cons in being provided feedback of your beer. I mean, breweries never stay stagnant…..they always grow and improve. So should your perspective on home brewing. That could merely mean brewing that perfect Pale Ale or that perfect Stout. Brew it, learn from it, enjoy, review, feedback and brew it again. In no time at all you’ll have a fantastic beer that most of your friends will enjoy. Now, do that several times with different styles and you already have flagship beers that all your family and extended family will enjoy. 

Hopefully this encourages you. 

Questions? Feel free to drop me a line at: dannbrew@gmail.com

I'll do my best to answer as quickly as possible. 

Cheers and beers!
dann

4 Pines Beer: Black Box review

4 Pines: Black Box

A belated blog entry!

4 Pines: Black Box

I recently took the opportunity to try 4 Pines' Black Box of Dark Ales. This limited edition range was something I had to try. With that, I have provided my own opinion and brief review of each beer.

Schwarzbier 4.3%

Schwarzbier: Nice and smooth yet dry. Slightly over carbonated perhaps? This is slightly disappointing considering it's a limited edition range. Having said that, I'm probably being pedantic about it. Very light-bodied which is a good trait. Had all the hallmarks of roasted notes without the harshness with a touch of chocolate. A very drinkable dark lager at 4.3%. I would be happy to have another. 

I also had this recently at the tap takeover at the KB. This it was nice and smooth, but it also appeared to be slightly over carbonated? No major criticism, rather just an observation. Still, it went down well and I enjoyed it. Overall: 7/10

Coffee Porter 4.5%

Coffee Porter: Interesting to think this is slightly over carbonated again? 4Pines, what's happening? Nothing bad, but it needs to be addressed. This, to me, has the flavour of somewhat-very much fruity notes yet a subtle touch of raisin-like flavour? Is this an African coffee bean being used perhaps? I don't drink coffee but I am really enjoy this at 4.5%. The 'coffee/chocolate notes' are very subtle but noticeable. Nice work, in my opinion. 

The KB had this on Overall: 7.5/10

Russian Imperial Stout 8.5%

Russian Imperial Stout: Do I get a dark plum aroma? Kinda like a dank Port maybe? Very subtle and nice! Oh wow, the flavour is quite complex yet amazing. Yes, a very good example of a RIS (from my limited knowledge). It's a mix of various flavours; raisin, fruit(y), chocolate, roast and a touch of mid-late hops? I get the feeling that a malt or two which were used for the Schwarzbier was used here in this RIS? This is quite smooth indeed. I like it very much. At 8.5% this is a very well brewed beer. I think this is medium-bodied and has maybe a lot of a Dark Crystal or Special B malt behind it? Either way, I really like this one. Overall: 8.5/10

Black IPA 6.3%

Black IPA: The aroma makes me want to brew this beer right now! Subtle but quite awesome. For me, a little disappointed in this beer.....(but wait for it).....the more I sip it, the more I like it. A little too sweet, and I get a subtle (quite subtle) chocolate notes. Not a bad thing as such but i don't want that, personally....but still....like I said, not a bad thing. Very evenly balanced 'hop-wise' so this Black IPA gets good marks at 6.3%. This beer grows on me after each sip. I like that. In fact, I love this beer. Overall: 8.5/10

Overall impression? Without doubt my two favourites were the Russian Imperial Stout and the Black IPA. Both were great beers and I'd happy drink them again and again. 

You can check out the original 4 Pines website that details their range here:

Until next time.....

dannbrew@gmail.com

GABS 2016 Beer, Cider & Food Fest

#GABS2016

Beer, Cider & Food Fest

Preface: Of the 120 craft beers available on tap, I only had 80. Most of these were in 85ml servings via numerous paddles. There were a few which I took off other breweries separate to my paddles. This quick blog will showcase my top 10 craft beers of the 80 I had from the Sydney event.

I've taken the liberty in placing them in order, from my vote as People's Choice Award to number 10. Additionally, I have a couple of 'special mentions' to make. These beers almost made it, but as each individual taster is different you could say they were unlucky not to reach my top 10. 

To make sure all is above board, my list was created before I knew of any official announcement.   

Finally, as there were 40 craft beers I missed out on, it's clear this is not a complete list. I have no doubt that three or four more could have made this list (and possibly ousted others). That all said, please enjoy my top 10 list for GABS 2016 here in Sydney. 

#1: This beer tops the ratings. My notes on the day described this as "...so far the winner". I guess I'm not a bad judge after all, huh? I also added that this was "...nutty, peanut butter-like, German Sour". Apparently I found it "very weird" but I did "love it". Interestingly, I was also noted as saying that the "...aroma [is] like a lolly buttery nutty type".

I later found out what I meant. It was like those Werther's Original sweets. Still, I'm so glad I correctly picked the GABS 2016 People's Choice Awards.

My only concern: there'd be no way I'd have a couple of pints of it. A small glass will do.

#2: This surely had to be second best? My notes suggested this was "...almost like #12". It was "...like a cream/butter pastry-like 'layer upon layer' Sarah Lee pastry sheet" taste to it. (Digressing, who remembers those infamous Sarah Lee ads on the telly?)

What surprised me about this beer was I've never really been a fan of the Biere de Garde style. I've had them before without it really exciting me. Thankfully, this one did.

An amazing effort, and an amazing beer. Again, my only concern with these types of beers is that I most likely would not want more than a small glass of it.

#3: Without a doubt this beer is my 'dark horse', A very definite surprise packet. I bumped into Yulli's head brewer, James 'Harvs' Harvey, and he gave me the opportunity to try some tasters. It turns out that his Berliner Weisse is an absolutely phenomenal beer.

Maybe it was me, but at 3.3% alcohol by volume this beer deserves a lot of bloody credit. GABS was full of full-strength beers, and lots approaching 10% and over. What a damn pleasant surprise to have one of the best beers on show at only 3.3%.

It's a thirst quencher, and one you can drink all damn day long. I love that. It had the right amount of sourness, with the right amount of everything else. What a great job. A damn fine beer indeed.

#4: Wow. Just WOW! This knocked my fucking head off! I'll admit that I am a sucker when it comes to Russian Imperial Stouts, but for me this was a blinder. This beer is what it says it is.A tricky thing to do in this day and age of craft beer brewing.

Admittedly, this took a second sip for me to realise how good this beer was. What kicked this beer over the line was the fact it was aged in oak Puncheons for 5 months. Phenomenal.

This definitely was what it said it was, and I like that in craft beer descriptions. Are you who you say you are? Yes? That's grand. It was something above the rest, so this gets good marks.

#5: My notes say: "...pretty much fucking sums this up in their title: Hot and Sour". Need I say more?

What a fantastic beer from award-winning home brewer, Paul Morrison. Give him full credit for this beer. A straight-forward description that delivered in bucket-loads.

You know what? When I was sipping this beer it distinctly reminded me of two similar beers I had while in my last US trip in 2015. Check out #37 and #38 here.

This beer rates highly as it was very well balanced and way different to the current crop out there. It gets full marks from me. Awesome job, Paul.

#6: 'Your honor, I plead Guilty as charged,' is what'd I'd say if he'd/she'd ask: you do realise this is a gimmick beer, right?

Sure, there is always a bit of a 'gimmick' tale to some beers. I like that, though. I enjoy the depths at which brewers go to in order to capture the public's imagination.

My notes showed that it was "...absolutely like cherry!" and that the "...aroma is cherry too!". Damn, lots of cherries it appears. "The chocolate comes through first then the cherry". I gave this a higher mark as it is a beer that is what it says.

I reckon that sums it up perfectly, don't you? I liked this one a lot.

#7: Another entrant in my top 10 list from Yulli's head brewer, James 'Harvs' Harvey. And what a ripper this is. It's rare that I come across a fantastically balanced vanilla porter, but I reckon I've found it.

This was a carefully crafted beer with 150 vanilla beans in about 2,000L of Porter. It is exactly how it tastes: vanilla-like and chocolate-like. What a combination!

What I like about this is that it's one of the best Vanilla Porters that I come across. Granted, the best Chocolate Porter I ever came across is something you can read about here (check out #4).

Vanilla Porters? I think Harvs is on a winner. Something different from the rest of GABS 2016. I liked it a lot.

 #8: lago's Revenge. A very impressive 9.8% Black IPA rested on American oak and whiskey brewed by the very famous Dave Padden from Akasha Brewing.

Dave's renowned for the superbly crafted and brewed 10% Triple IPA, Wooden Leg. This beer goes some way in reminding us that Dave is fucking good at what he does.

Again, it's a beer that clearly is what it says it is. To me, that's important. It's bold, dark, hoppy and has a touch of complexity that lifts this beer well above the rest.

It's extraordinarily light for it's 9.8% rating, but damn, I could sink a skinful of these! Great job!

#9: And I quote: "In some strange sadistic, lamb-killing ritual way, this beer is fucking awesome!" It's very much a beer that is as it's described, and you already know I like that - right?

I certainly did recognise this as very different from the rest. It proves that if you have a great product that's a little bit 'out there' and fits the bill, people will like it no matter what.

What I would like to point out, however, is that (once again) there is no way I could drink a six-pack of this beer. As good as it is, a small glass is just fine.

Apart from this small critique, I was fully impressed with this beer and am glad it's been included in my top 10.

#10: I can hear that Breaking Bad theme tune in my head. Walter White with his sidekick Jesse Pinkman. And truthfully, when I drank this beer it's exactly what I had imagined.

The use of gin-distilled organic oranges in an Imperial Witbier is something only a crazy person would come up with. The joy I had in this, and it being the first taster on my first paddle for GABS 2016, makes this very unique indeed.

It was one of the few favourites that you could easily have a six-pack or more of. Nothing offensive, clean drinking and lots of character that, for me, beat the rest. I really liked this beer immensely.

A couple of special mentions:

• #29 from Australian Beer Co, Beyond The Black Stump. It's a 6% Wild Specialty Beer that is "an Australian take on a classic Strong Ale as native black wattle seeds have been added. Full boded with a gentle sourness that offsets the sweet hazelnut flavours". 
• #58 from James Squire, Thaibock. It's a 6.5% Bock. It's a "straw coloured strong lager with a malty and a dry finish. Sorachi Ace and Motueka hops give pleasant herbal aromas while lemongrass gives an exotic touch to this classic German style. 

So, there you have it. My top 10 list. 

Agree? Maybe you do, maybe you don't. The important thing is to go out there and experience it for yourself. Go checkout GABS in 2017. You will love it!

Email: dannbrew@gmail.com

For the record, this is what the GABS Festival were quoted as saying on their Facebook page:

"While Bacchus Brewing Co won the Beer & Brewer People's Choice Best Festival Beer of GABS 2016 (Australia), here is the complete top ten:

1 Peanut Brittle Gose (Bacchus Brewing, QLD)
2 Loose Lips Sink Ships (Pirate Life Brewing, SA)
3 Beery Ripe Porter (Big Shed Brewing Concern, SA)
4 Tiramibru (Wolf of the Willows Brewing, VIC)
5 Bière Henri (La Sirène Brewing, VIC)
6 Compendium (KAIJU Beer, VIC)
7 Jam Donut (Two Birds Brewing, VIC)
8 Choc Banana Split (Bad Shepherd Brewing Co., VIC)
9 Assault Trifle (Black Hops Brewing, QLD)

10 Project #21: The Reuben Sandwich (Colonial Brewing Co Margaret River, WA)"

Bangers & Brews: Akasha Brewing Sausage Queen Tour

Bangers + Brews: Sausage Queen Tour, Aksaha Brewery

Scott and Charlene

Bangers + Brews: Sausage Queen Tour, Akasha Brewing. This had to be the most anticipated event since Charlene and Scott got married on Neighbours. With the event kicking off at 1pm, you could tell this was going to be an awesomely fun day. 

And what more fun can you ask for than notice sausages on a barbecue? Oh, that wafting aroma of cooking meat permeating across the whole brewery. Would you prefer beef or pork sausages? Maybe both!

Master Cook

Even the condiments were mouthwatering. There were pickles, spicy tomato or mustard sauce, used with Akasha's Tradewind Lager. Try one at a time or all three at once. The choice was yours.

The sausage queen herself was in good swing, and so was the live entertainment. The atmosphere was friendly and the beers were rocking. To our surprise, Akasha gave us the opportunity to try their new craft beer teaser: American Brown ale.

With a limited supply of one 19 litre keg, the American Brown ale was a very hot item. Despite my best efforts to obtain several samples (yes, it was that good) I could only manage two. What I can tell you though is that both samples were extremely delicious.

Sausage Queen

So delicious that I am sure Akasha will brew this again. It had very subtle chocolate notes, its malt profile was solid and the hops were subdued but still apparent. Personally, I really enjoyed it.

Lots of other beers were on tap to enjoy, too. The Hopsmith IPA, Freshwater Pale Ale, Tradewind Lager and even a cider. For me, the Hopsmith IPA is the pinnacle of IPAs here in Australia. I have no doubt that the craft beer lovers out there will agree.

Akasha Brewing: A great, fun day

And all of the craft beer-loving people turned out in their droves. The day started off slowly but the Five Dock brewery was soon full. So many people attended that there was a waiting line at the taproom! Both the main entry area and inside the brewery were jam-packed.

The Akasha Brewing team should be proud. The turnout certainly would have put Charlene and Scott's wedding to shame! Great beers, great food and great music can only mean one thing: it was an awesomely fun day. Congrats to Akasha Brewing.  

Akasha's dynamic duo: Ben and Dave

Until the next blog.....
dannbrew@gmail.com