January - 31 beers

31 pretty random beers for the month of January.

To begin my journey towards tasting 365 beers in 2010, I thought I would get some of the big names out of the way first up, starting with the country's best selling beer: VB.

I followed this with one of my very favourite beers, the wonderfully aromatic Enterprise Brewery Knappstein Reserve Lager.

From here I drank without a plan, throwing myself to the whim of the local bottleshop.

Limited by choice but keen to try everything once, I was guided by the Australian mainstream. Of the 31 beers tasted 19 were from either Fosters or Lion Nathan owned companies. Their domination of the order books will make my search for the more obscure beers a little difficult. And while they obviously cater to the majority, it would be great to see a wider range of beers available without having to search high and low.

My 10 Fave beers for January, in order of appearance, are as follow:

Enterprise Brewery Knappstein Reserve Lager

Little Creatures Pale Ale

Coopers Pale Ale

Redback Wheat Beer Original

Coopers Brewery Best Extra Stout

Barons Black Wattle Original Ale

James Squire Porter

Mountain Goat Surefoot Stout

New Norcia Abbey Ale

Pigs Fly Pale Ale

Reschs Real Bitter Beer

Brewery: Carlton & United Breweries

Info on the bottle:

4.0% ALC/VOL

Since 1897

James Squire Pilsener

Brewery: Malt Shovel Brewery

Info on the bottle:

5.0% ALC/VOL

James Squire Pilsener is brewed using Pale and Munich malts, Saaz hops and lager yeast. With a cool fermentation and extended maturation, the result is an authentic brew of sparkling golden brilliance, distinctive floral hop aroma and enticing spicy finish.

The finest hops including European Saaz and barley malts from around Australia come together to make this brilliant Pilsener, brewed in honour of James Squire, the first man to successfully grow hops in Australia. Originally created in Bohemia and perfected in the mid 1800s. Pilseners have been enjoyed by Europeans for centuries. So knock the top off and enjoy our retelling of a time-honoured classic.

Pigs Fly Pale Ale

Brewery: Bowral Brewing Company

Info on the bottle:

4.6% ALC/VOL

How much flavour do you want in a beer? If you answered 'plenty'. Then get the top off this one quick! A unique blend of cascade and chinook hops create a distinct pale ale full of flavour and aroma with a brilliant copper colour. Pigs Fly is a top fermented brew that is incredibly drinkable, anywhere, anytime.

New Norcia Abbey Ale

Brewery: Malt Shovel Brewery

Info on the bottle:

7.0% ALC/VOL

Abbey Ale is a traditional ale, it is golden in colour, blessed with scents of fruit and spice, with a delicate champagne-like finish balanced with a hint of bitterness.

The monks of New Norcia Western Australia live a stable and prayerful life. Following the 1500 year old Rule of St Benedict they welcome all visitors to their home. This ale is an expression of their ancient tradition of hospitality.

Mountain Goat Surefoot Stout

Info on the bottle:

5.0% ALC/VOL

The Surefoot Stout is Mountain Goat's third full-flavoured natural ale. A robust stout, it has a smooth mouthfeel and soft, burnt characters derived from crystal and roasted malts. Thanks for supporting independent microbrewed beer.

We avoid all preservatives, additives and filtration to ensure maximum flavour - look for the yeast in the bottom of the bottle!

James Squire Porter

Brewery: Malt Shovel Brewery

Info on the bottle:

5.0% ALC/VOL

James Squire Porter is rich and deep in colour, while offering a far more delicate complexity than a stout. Roasted barley and wheat, subtle hoppings and a long maturation create hints of malt chocolate, a pillowy head and a light creamy finish.

Originally favoured by the street and river porters of 18th century London, Porter was also shipped to Australia following the First Fleet. After six months in a ship's hold it arrived in little better shape than the convicts had themselves. So as you relish this dark and complex beer, we hope you'll feel some of the appreciation they must have felt when James Squire began brewing it fresh.

Notes

I thought this would be the most appropriate drink to have on Australia Day. As the First Fleet celebrated their safe arrival to this new land, that sat back with a nice Porter and thought 'crikey! this looks alright....'

Redback Cristal

Brewery: Matilda Bay Brewing Company

www.matildabay.com

Info on the Bottle:

4.5%

Notes:

Pouring a cloudy golden yellow with a thin head, this beer had an odd aroma I couldn't pinpoint. It reminded me of a traditional Italian lentil dish…

Initial flavour of hops was short lived and gave way to a murky dry finish. There's a reasonable chance this beer is based on the German Kristallweizen but you couldn't pick it by taste.

Little Creatures Bright Ale

Brewery: Little Creatures Brewing

Info on the bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

Sheaf Stout

Brewery: Carlton United Breweries

Info on the bottle:

5.7% ALC/VOL

Notes:

The classic Aussie stout or a bit of an old timers beer. My days selling beer in the bottleshop have tainted my view about some beers. This is one of those, and having revisited this stout with a slightly broader appreciation for darker beers I can understand why some of the older blokes remained loyal to this brand.

Carlton Draught

Carlton Draught

Info on the bottle:

4.6%

I thought I would try some draught beer, from the bottle. What exactly that means, I'm not sure.

If the definition of draught beer is from the tap or from a keg or a pressurised container then how can

a beer in a bottle be called a draught? I guess it's just a matter of maximising the retail effect of the popular

tap beer which is pretty much just a standard pale lager.

Boag's Draught

Boag's Draught

Info on the bottle:

4.6%

Since 1881 J Boag & Son have been brewing quality beers on the banks of the Esk River Launceston.

Combining pure Tasmanian water and the finest natural ingredients our master brewers are dedicated to producing Australia's best beers.

The legend of St George has been the emblem for J Boag & Son since 1881 representing the courage and determination required to make such fine beers in the uncompromising Tasmanian environment.

Bluetongue Traditional Pilsener

Brewery: Bluetongue Brewry

Info on the bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

Native to the Hunter region

Specially brewed with the finest malted barley & Saaz hops

Brewed without preservatives. Naturally.

Our Plisener is brewed in the traditional Czech style. We've combined authentic Czech Saaz hops with soft Hunter water and premium Australian malted barley. Our full-bodied pilsener has a malty flavour, pleasing bitterness and fruity hop aromas. Think of Bluetongue Pilsener as a first generation Czech-Australian.

www.bluetongue.com.au

Barons Black Wattle Original Ale

Info on the bottle:

5.8% ALC/VOL

Barons Black Wattle Original Ale if the first in a new class of beer - flavoured by native Australian roasted wattle seed. This multi award-winning ale has a rich amber colour and a base malt flavour of toffee and caramel. The wattle seed rounds out the offering with a unique taste that hints of hazelnut, chocolate and mocha. It is a full bodied, full flavoured beer that is surprisingly smooth with an amazingly silky finish. Best enjoyed with beef, lamb or game meats.

Carlton Natural Blonde

Brewery: Carlton United Breweries

Info on the bottle:

4.5%

Full bodied blonde style lager

The finest ingredients brewed longer to deliver a rich full flavoured low carb lager with nothing artificial.

Carlton Natural Blonde is brewed with a high malt content and is double hopped to produce an exceptionally full flavoured lager. The Carlton Brewers have combined their brewing expertise with the finest quality ingredients to make a beer that has a rich finish but is 70% lower in carbohydrates than a regular full strength beer.

Boag's Classic Blonde

Brewery: James Boag's Brewery

Info on the bottle:

4.5%

Full bodied blonde style lager

Classic Blonde has less than a third of the carbohydrates of standard full strength beers. With signature Boag's flavour, this full strength blonde lager is full-bodied with a crisp clean finish.

Pure Blonde Premium Lager

Brewery:

Carlton & United Breweries

www.cub.com.au

Info on the Bottle:

4.6%

Low carbohydrate nothing artificial

Full strength. Full flavoured. Low carbohydrate.

Pure Blonde uses pure ingredients with nothing artificial to deliver a full, crisp, aromatic lager. Specially brewed longer to create a full flavoured beer with 70% less carbohydrates than a standard full strength bee, enjoy the smooth taste of Pure Blonde served ice cold.

Hahn Super Dry

Premium Low Carb

Brewery: Hahn Brewery

Info on the bottle:

4.6% ALC/VOL

No artificial additives or preservatives.

Passionately brewed for taste without compromise.

Brewed using the finest ingredients with no artificial additives or preservatives.

An enhanced brewing process breaks down more of the natural sugars to deliver a genuine Super Dry taste, with only a third of the carbs of standard full strength beer.

Cascade Premium Lager

Info on the bottle

5.0%

Established in 1824, when the Tasmanian Tiger was still roaming the Wellington foothills, Cascade is Australia's oldest brewery. Cascade Premium Lager combines traditional brewing skills and pure water with superior barley, malt nag hops. A longer than usual maturation period ensures a smoother, crisper finish. The result is a clean, full flavoured beer of exceptional quality and taste.

www.cascadebrewery.com.au

Coopers Brewery Best Extra Stout

Info from the bottle

6.3%

No Additives, no preservatives, Australian made, Australian owned.

Coopers Best Extra Stout is brewed and fermented using a unique method of top fermentation and natural bottle conditioning. Maturation in the bottle enhances the flavour of the finest barley malt, roasted malt and aromatic hops to produce this stout of rare excellence.

www.coopers.com.au

James Squire Golden Ale

Info on the bottle:

4.5%

Golden Ale's rich orange-amber colour comes from toasted grains of wheat and barley, while new season Amarillo hops create a tropical fruit aroma with restrained bitterness. Mild carbonation and a dry finish make this an ideal thirst-slaking beer.

Much like its namesake James Squire, this English style summer beer is far better suited to Aussie conditions. Ale yeast fermentation at cooler lager temperatures creates this thoroughly quenching ale, made all the ore drinkable for its lighter texture. As Golden Ale is best enjoyed fresh, this beer arrives in your hand promptly after brewing. The rest leave to you.

Notes:

Pouring a deep gold colour, almost copper this Golden Ale has a fruity aroma but is more malty in flavour. A very easy drinking beer, the flavours overall are a well balanced mix of malt, fruits and bitter hops.

Carlton Dry Fusion

Brewery: Carlton United Breweries

Info on the bottle:

4.2% ALC/VOL

Brewed with natural lime and salt for a refreshingly crisp taste with 25% less carbohydrates than a full strength regular beer.

Melbourne Bitter

Brewery:

Carlton & United Breweries

www.cub.com.au

Info on the Bottle:

4.6%

Redback Wheat Beer Original

Brewery: Matilda Bay Brewing Company

Info on the bottle:

The original hand crafted wheat beer

4.7% ALC/VOL

Brewed in small, craft batches, creating a beer with more flavour and character.

Notes:

From a pale golden glassful, a strong yeast aroma gives way eventually to a more fruity and spicy overtone. That's how the Redback Original Wheat Beer introduces itself. Memories of drinking wheat beer at the old Redback pub in North Melbourne don't come flooding back but it's great to see Matilda Bay keeping Redback on the shelves. The first sip is a fizzy and wheat flavoured sweetness that really hangs around in your mouth for a while.

Crown Lager

Brewery: Carlton & United Breweries

Info on the bottle:

4.9% ALC/VOL

Brewed with Australia's finest malt and hops true to traditional premium brewing heritage.

Crown has represented the best of Australian beer since it was exported exclusively for our diplomats in 1919. As brewers we are proud to maintain the integrity and standard of Crown.

www.crownbeverages.com.au

James Boag's Premium Lager

Brewery: James Boag's Brewery

Info on the bottle:

5.0% ALC/VOL

Tasmania - isolated, wild, pure. Since 1881, this land has been our brewers' inspiration to perfect their craft. The result is James Boag's Premium - a perfect balance of brewing passion and the finest natural ingredients delivering a world renowned, smooth and subtle lager - Tasmania's finest.

Bluetongue Premium Lager

Brewery: Bluetongue Brewery

Info on the Bottle:

4.9%

Crafted using Hersbrucker & Tasmanian bittering hops.

Brewed without preservatives, naturally.

Flat out like a lizard drinking. That's us. Busy taking the time needed to brew an exceptional lager in the traditional method. Bluetongue Premium Lager's fresh, full flavour comes from soft Hunter water and the finest local malted barley. Tasmanian bittering hops combine with the late addition of German Hersbrucker hops to create a deliciously crisp bitterness and a tantalising floral aroma.

XXXX Bitter

Brewery: Castlemaine Perkins Brewery

Info on the bottle:

4.6% ALC/VOL

Only natural ingredients

No preservatives

Notes:

The quintessential Queensland thirst quencher. XXXX has a die hard following in the top end. Designed to be consumed extra cold XXXX Bitter is light on flavour but delivers a dousing of carbonated, mild hoppy bitterness that keeps the locals very happy.

Little Creatures Pale Ale

Brewery: Little Creatures Brewing

Info on the bottle:

5.2% ALC/VOL

Notes:

A fresh fruity flavoured Pale Ale that pours a deep golden amber colour with a good size head that falls away quickly. A floral aroma adds to the balanced characteristics of this American stylePale Ale. A mild citrus flavour is also noticeable and blends in well. A great brew by Little Creatures has become an Australian staple.

Coopers Brewery Original Pale Ale

Brewery: Coopers Brewery

www.coopers.com.au

Info on the Bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

No Additives

No Preservatives

Australian Made, Australian Owned

Coopers Original Pale Ale is brewed and fermented using a unique method of top fermentation and natural bottle conditioning. Coopers are famous for this process which leaves a natural residue of yeast during maturation and gives a cloudy appearance with an enhanced flavour.

Notes:

A cloudy yellow, almost a mustard type of yellow pours into the glass with a massive head. An overriding yeast aroma hints at something fruity. Through the fizzy and slightly bitter mouthfeel, a sharp yeast flavour cuts through with a citrus after taste. The citrusy finish is refreshing but a little fizzy. Lots of sediment at the bottom of the glass; flavour you can see.

Enterprise Brewery Knappstein Reserve Lager

Brewery: The Enterprise Brewery. South Australia

The original 19th century Enterprise Brewery building is located on the grounds of the multi award winning Knappstein winery. The major landmark of the Clare township has had its heritage restored with the opening of a fully functioning microbrewery.

Info on the bottle:

Bavarian Style Lager

5.6% ALC/VOL

Carefully crafted using Sauvin hops to produce a distinctly fruity and floral beer. The exquisite Reserve Lager has a distinctive wine-like balance. Brewed using only the finest quality ingredients and a minimal intervention brewing process. Brewed locally by a master winemaker so that each drop bears the imprint of the unique Clare Valley, South Australia.

Notes:

A beautiful fruity and floral aroma floats out of the bottle before a drop has even been poured. Pours a cloudy pale yellow colour with a good head that stays with you for a while. The flavour picks up where the aroma leaves off, a light fruity, floral taste feels sharp and fresh on the palate - it's actually quite refined and compares well with European lagers.

VB - Victoria Bitter

Brewery:

Carlton & United Breweries

www.vb.com.au

Info on the Bottle:

4.6% ALC/VOL

The best cold beer.

Proudly Australian

Notes:

Australia's best selling beer is a reflection of our past. Limited consumer choices led to the acceptance of a handful of massed produced lagers as the representative beers of our nation. A lot has changed since the first batch of VB was brewed in 1894 and while there's a surge in the sales of craft beers in Australia, there's no doubting the popularity of the 'working man's beer'. A clear golden yellow colour with a strong white head is instantly recognisable due to the millions of dollars invested in the advertising campaigns over the last few decades. Though the flavour is not as bitter as an ESB or even an English Bitter, there's a slight bitterness to round off a grainy, hops flavour. Best served extra cold, VB is an iconic part of Australian culture.