365 Australian Beers

2010-03-26T17:23:00.003-07:00

3 Ravens Bronze

Info on the bottle:

4.6% ALC/VOL

Brewery: 3 Ravens Brewing Company

Three Ravens Bronze is a classic pale ale in the English tradition. Fuggles hops from the West Midlands offer lusty country flavour, aroma and a stalwart bitterness, whilst floor-malted Maris Otter barley and traditional crystal malts gently underpin this companionable drop. Traditional bottle conditioning naturally carbonates this beer and helps add to its complexity.

Engineered by hand this beer is the product of a craft brewing process in which traditional methods meet exacting standards. We take care to emphasise quality over quantity and to use only the finest natural ingredients. The Three Ravens Brewing Company is dedicated to brewing beers of character which can be savoured for their robust flavours and uniqueness. Cheers!

www.3ravens.com.au

2010-03-26T17:23:00.001-07:00

James Squire Original Amber Ale

Info on the bottle:

5.0% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Malt Shovel Brewery

James Squire Original Amber Ale is a handcrafted blend of Pale and Crystal malts, three distinct hops and 140-year-old top fermenting ale yeast. Deep copper in colour with a creamy head, this beer rewards the appreciative drinker with a long, slightly nutty finish.

We don't bandy the term 'original' around lightly. James Squire Original Amber Ale is so named because it's much the same style of ale James Squire would have brewed here in 1794. So when we call it 'a handcrafted English-style Brown Ale brewed of the finest ingredients', know that it was the truth then as ti is now - and it still goes well with kangaroo.

www.jamessquire.com.au

2010-03-26T17:22:00.001-07:00

3 Ravens 55

American Pale Ale

Info on the bottle:

5.5% ALC/VOL

Brewery: The Little Brewing Company

3 Ravens 55 is an American style pale ale, first brewed on our 5th Birthday. Five assertive hops meet a blend of barley, corn, wheat, oats and rye. Floral aromatics lead to a structured maltiness and clean finish. Traditional bottle conditioning naturally carbonates this beer and helps add to its complexity.

www.3ravens.com.au

2010-03-26T17:21:00.002-07:00

Mad Abbot Dubbel

Info on the bottle:

6.9% ALC/VOL

Brewery: The Little Brewing Company

Inspired by the classic Dubbels of Belgium. Mad Abbot Dubel is rich and luxurious. This is a dark brown, moderately strong, fruity ale with warming alcohol and bitter chocolate notes. Bottle conditioned.

www.thelittlebrewingcompany.com.au

2010-03-26T17:21:00.001-07:00

James Squire I.P.A.

Info on the bottle:

5.6% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Malt Shovel Brewery

IPA is truly a unique drop. Full of character, this beer stands its ground with robust malty flavours and earthy floral aromas from dry hopping with English Fuggles. Rich and golden in colour, it boasts a feisty bitterness with a lingering crisp finish.

Convicts weren't the only thing the English exported. At about the same time James Squire embarked for Australia, this style of beer shipped out for India's shores. Spoilage was offset during the long journey by adding more hops and increasing India Pale Ale's alcohol content - it's unlikely the same kindness was offered to the 'passengers' of the First Fleet.

www.jamessquire.com.au

2010-03-26T17:20:00.004-07:00

Brewboys Hoes Garden

Half Wit Beer

Info on the bottle:

4.9% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Brewboys

This zesty beer is naturally brewed using European malt, hops and wheat with coriander and orange peel.

2010-03-26T17:20:00.003-07:00

3 Ravens White

Witbier

Info on the bottle:

5.2% ALC/VOL

Brewery: 3 Ravens Brewing Company

3 Ravens White is an exotic ale based on traditional Belgian Witbier. Sweet barley malt is balanced with tart wheat and spiced with coriander and citrus peel, resulting in a rich yet quenching brew. Traditional bottle conditioning naturally carbonates this beer and helps add to its complicity.

www.3ravens.com.au

2010-03-26T17:20:00.001-07:00

Holgate Mt Macedon Ale

Info on the bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Holgate Brewhouse

This popular Pale Ale is brewed with a base of Vienna malts and American hops. The moderate bitterness, golden-honey colour and citrus hop experience delivers pure drinking pleasure! Try this ale with tomato and Mediterranean dishes. Contains yeast.

www.holgatebrewhouse.com

2010-03-26T17:19:00.003-07:00

Hargreaves Hill Hefeweizen

Info on the bottle:

4.9% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company

A traditional German style wheat ale, this beer is brewed in the Yarra Valley with 50% wheat and 50% barley. It is lightly bitterer with noble hops grown in the Hallertau region of Bavaria. Conditioning occurs in the bottle, and provides some prominent estuary notes of cloves and vanilla.

www.hargreaveshill.com.au

2010-03-26T17:19:00.001-07:00

Holgate Big Red

Info on the bottle:

5.0% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Holgate Brewhouse

The Vienna style is a malt driven lager brewed with a base of Vienna, Munich and Crystal malts and lightly hopped to allow the caramel and biscuit flavours to flourish. Big Red acquired its moniker after winning the Premier's Trophy for the Best Victorian Beer at the 2008 AIBA, and is an ideal partner for hearty roasts and pork dishes.

www.holgatebrewhouse.com

2010-03-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

3 Ravens Golden Ale

Info on the bottle:

5.0% ALC/VOL

Brewery: The Three Ravens Brewing company

3 Ravens Blond is a Golden Ale. Soft and generously bodied this is a beer that showcases fruity notes and a smooth lingering maltiness. The addition of Saaz hops from Bohemia adds a balancing medium bitterness and spicy aroma. Traditional bottle conditioning naturally carbonates this beer and helps add to its complexity.

www.3ravens.com.au

2010-03-26T17:17:00.001-07:00

Mad Abbot Tripel

Info on the bottle:

9.5% ALC/VOL

Brewery: The Little Brewing Company

Influenced by the classic monastic brews of Belgium, Mad Abbot Tripel is a very strong , golden coloured ale exhibiting aromas and flavours of sweet malt and tropical/white stone fruit characters.

This all is balanced with 'noble' hop bitterness and warming alcohol in the finish. Bottle conditioned.

www.thelittlebrewingcompany.com.au

2010-03-26T17:16:00.001-07:00

Holgate ESB

Info on the bottle:

5.0% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Holgate Brewhouse

Top fermented copper-red bitter ale. Brewed with crystal and roast malts and an abundance of English hops. Try this ale with full flavoured foods, meat and game dishes! Bottle conditioned. Contains yeast.

www.holgatebrewhouse.com

2010-03-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

Mountain Goat Pale Ale

Info on the bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Mountain Goat Brewery

Mountain Goat's Pale Ale is a golden straw-coloured ale with floral honey aromas and spicy hop bitterness. A true pale ale, this beer is best enjoyed cold. Made from 100% Australian Pale Malt and German Hallertau hops, it's a unique small-batch beer microbrewed in Melbourne.

www.goatbeer.com.au

2010-03-06T15:56:00.001-08:00

Wicked Elf Pale Ale

Info on the bottle:

5.4% ALC/VOL

Brewery: The Little Brewing Company

Craft brewed in the American style using Australian and English malted barley and American Cascade hops.

A refreshing ale with a prominent citrus hop note balanced towards hop flavour and bitterness.

www.thelittlebrewingcompany.com.au

2010-03-06T15:53:00.001-08:00

Jamieson Beast IPA

Info on the bottle:

7.0% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Jamieson Brewery

India Pale Ale brewed by Jamieson Brewery

www.jamiesonbrewery.com.au

2010-03-06T15:50:00.001-08:00

Brewboys Maiden Ale

Info on the bottle:

4.9% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Brewboys

A handcrafted bottle conditioned beer brewed by the Brewboys.

2010-02-28T03:33:00.000-08:00

Add another 28 beers to the list brings the total to 59 Aussie beers in 2010.

With another 306 beers to go, I see a major hurdle on the horizon. It will be very hard to buy 365 different Australian beers through the stores around the area where I live. It may be time to hit the road and I may have to start including tap only beers. Time will tell.

My 10 Fave beers for February, in order of appearance:

Barons Lemon Myrtle Witbier

Snowy Mountain Brewery Razorback Red Ale

Tooheys Old Black Ale

Feral White

Lord Nelson Brewery Old Admiral

Beez Neez

James Squire Sundown Lager

Little Creatures Pilsner

Pepperjack Ale

Matilda Bay Alpha Pale Ale

2010-02-28T03:12:00.000-08:00

Billabong Brewing Blonde

Info on the bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Billabong Brewing

This low carb and gluten free beer, created with specialty grains and malts balanced with noble hops and curacao orange peel, allows for a light malt floral and fruity finish that is slightly tart, clean on the palate, goes well with old fashioned fish and chips.

www.billabongbrewing.com.au

2010-02-28T00:15:00.000-08:00

Murray's Craft Brewing Co. Pilsner

Info on the bottle:

4.8% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Murray's Craft Brewing Co.

At Murray's, we handcraft the beers we love to drink. Our Pilsner, with its spicy/citrus hop character and sweet biscuity malt balance, is an intense lager experience. Big on flavour and aroma, enjoy on its own or with your favourite barbecued food.

www.murraysbrewingco.com.au

2010-02-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

Matilda Bay Alpha Pale Ale

Info on the bottle:

5.2% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Matilda Bay Garage

Early and late kettle hopping deliver a complex aroma of citrus and fruity hop characters. Masterfully balanced through the palate to deliver a whack of hop bitterness at the end. Matched perfectly with roast meats. A true hop lover's brew.

Small batch attention is required for our Garage Reserve beers, with this traditional Pale Ale finding its name from high Alpha hop bitterness. A beer for the brave and lovers of hops.

www.matildabay.com

2010-02-28T00:04:00.000-08:00

Pepperjack Ale

Hand Crafted Ale

Info on the bottle:

4.7% ALC/VOL

Pepperjack Ale brings together the best in craft brewing and contemporary Barossa winemaking. This rouge coloured ale has been created using the finest malted barley grains, intensely aromatic hops and Pepperjack's very own Barossa Valley Shriaz. Exhibiting profound fruit driven aromatics that add to the complexity of the unique selection of barley and hops. Pepperjack Ale can be enjoyed on any occasion.

www.saltramestate.com.au

2010-02-28T00:03:00.000-08:00

Little Creatures Pilsner

Info on the bottle:

4.6% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Little Creatures Brewing

2010-02-25T16:31:00.000-08:00

James Squire Sundown Lager

Info on the bottle:

4.4% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Malt Shovel Brewery

James Squire was an industrious man, but he was also a firm believer in marking the end of a long day's work with a decent beer. He set up his legendary Malting Shovel Tavern for this very reason. When the sun got too hot for any sensible work to continue people came from far and wide to relax together during the time they called "sundown". In honour of this fine tradition we've brewed a crisp and refreshing lager. What better way to unwind at the end of the day's end?

A thirst-quenching lager for all occasions, brewed using pale and carapils malts and a unique blend of hops. Crisp and refreshing with hoppy aromas that hint of citrus and freshly cut grass.

www.james-squire.com.au

2010-02-25T16:23:00.001-08:00

Beez Neez

Info on the bottle:

4.7% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Matilda Bay Brewing Company

Hand crafted Honey Wheat Beer

First created as a Christmas surprise for staff at Capilano from the board of directors. This hand crafted wheat beer, with the unique addition of pure light amber honey, proved so popular that we no choice but to offer it to everyone.

A unique hand crafted specialty beer. Pale golden colour with honey aromas., a light malt palate and just a hint of bitterness on the crisp clean and refreshing finish. It is quite simply the Beez Neez of Beers.

www.matildabay.com

2010-02-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

Red Angus Pilsener

Info on the bottle:

4.8% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Pikes William Bull Brewing Company

Red Angus is a pure grain fed Pilsener bred from the best materials the world has to offer. Wrestle the lid off and discover the benefits of 5 malted grains giving a unique and full flavoured profile. No less than 3 classic hops are used, giving a wild profusion of spicy and fruity aromas. A long slow fermentation brings these characters together for a classy and intriguing Pilsener. Enjoy!

www.williambull.com.au

2010-02-19T21:07:00.000-08:00

Pike's Oakbank Beer Pilsener

Info on the bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Independent Brewers Pty Ltd

Henry Pike left Dorset, England in 1878 and sailed into Port Adelaide aboard the HM Oaklands, settling at Oakbank in the Adelaide Hills. He quickly established a reputation for his fine home brewed beer, a craft he learnt as a boy from his mother in Dorset. In 1886 he founded Pikes Oakbank Brewery, producing a range of fine ales, stout and tonic water.

In 1996, Pikes Oakbank beer was re-introduced by fifth generation descendants of Henry Pike, brothers Andrew and Neil Pike of Pike Wines in the Claire Valley of South Australia. By adopting a similar hand crafted philosophy to the original brewery, Pikes Oakbank Pilsener Beer is now available for you enjoyment.

2010-02-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

Matilda Bay Big Helga

Dry Munich Style Lager

Info on the bottle:

4.7% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Matilda Bay Brewing Company

Engineered at our Garage Brewery and inspired by Munich 'Oktoberfest' lagers, Big Helga is brewed with our own expertly malted barley and Noble hop variety. These produce a golden amber hue and deliver subtle aromas, all capped with a dense and creamy head. Wunderbar!

www.matildabay.com

2010-02-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

Barossa Valley Brewing Organic Ale

Naturally brewed organic beer

Info on the bottle:

5.2% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Barossa Valley Brewing

Excellence, Naturally

We are an independent award-winning producer of the finest, all natural beers.

This ale is brewed with certified organic malt and hops. We involved the best chefs and vintners to create a big, hop driven ale. Enjoy on it's own or with rich, full flavoured meat dishes and with ample spice. Please pour into glass to fully enjoy.

Like this beer? Join 'The Club' at

www.bvbeer.com.au

2010-02-19T20:48:00.002-08:00

Mountain Goat Organic Steam Ale

Info on the bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

Brewery: Mountain Goat Beer Pty Ltd.

Handcrafted by Dave and Cam.

This is a certified organic steam ale.

It's the product of an all-natural brewing process that incorporates cool fermentation and a hint of wheat malt. The result is a crisp, palate cleansing ale.

Bottled but not tamed

www.goatbeer.com.au

2010-02-19T20:48:00.001-08:00

Boag's St. George

Info on the bottle: 4.8% ALC/VOL

Boag's St. George is brewed with a combination of citrus hops, delivering an aromatic premium beer, which is less bitter and highly refreshing.

It's the unique hops that produce the highly refreshing citrus characteristics of Boag's ST George. This award winning, full strength premium beer is brewed to be less filling and more enjoyable for very occasion.

www.boags..com.au/stgeorge

2010-02-19T20:39:00.000-08:00

Lord Nelson Brewery Old Admiral

Info on the bottle:

6.1% ALC/VOL

Brewed from malt, hops, yeast & water.

Sydney's first boutique pub brewery. Sydney's oldest licenced hotel.

www.lordnelson.com.au

2010-02-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

Firefly Beer

Info on the bottle: 4.5% ALC/VOL

Fusion Brewing, the moment; the food; the beer.

Firefly is made for spicy food. We designed it this way.

A bold use of aromatic hops has delivered Pilsener style beer exhibiting gentle bitterness and fine bead carbonation with an understated sweetness.

The perfect compliment to a spicy dining occasion - in fact, the perfect complement to any occasion.

Australia's premier food and brewing experts have made sure of it.

www.fireflybeer.com.au

2010-02-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Pigs Fly Pilsner

Brewery: Bowral Brewing Company

Info on the bottle:

4.6% ALC/VOL

When it comes to beer it's what's inside that counts. A combination of Amarillo, Saaz and Hallertau hops produce a Bohemian style Pilsner with citrus aromas and a long smooth finish. Typically Australian, this dry and witty character is crisp and refreshing. Pigs Fly, what are you waiting for?

www.pigsfly.com.au

2010-02-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

Feral White

Brewery: Feral Brewing Co. Swan Valley W.A.

Info on the bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

Our White Beer is handcrafted in the true Belgian style with 50% Barley, 50% Wheat and an authentic Belgian yeast strain.Coriander and orange peel are added during the boil to contribute a spicy citrus flavour.

Ingredients: Water, wheat, barley, hops, yeast, coriander, and orange peel.

www.feralbrewing.com.au

2010-02-19T20:23:00.001-08:00

Lord Nelson Brewery Three Sheets

Info on the bottle:

4.9% ALC/VOL

Brewed from malt, hops and yeast.

Sydney's first boutique pub brewery. Sydney's oldest licenced hotel.

www.lordnelson.com.au

2010-02-08T02:08:00.001-08:00

Tooheys New

Info on the bottle:

4.6% ALC/VOL

It's not a moose you goose it's a stag! The story of the Tooheys stag is as mysterious as the proud beast itself. Some say a family coat of arms, others say the name of a popular watering hole of the Tooheys Brothers. No one knows for sure, but For the Love of Beer we're keeping him.

No Artificial additives. No preservatives.

2010-02-08T01:57:00.001-08:00

James Boag's Pure

Info on the bottle:

Tasmanian Lager

4.5%

No preservatives

Water

Barley

Hops

Yeast

All Tasmanian products

2010-02-08T01:56:00.001-08:00

Gage Roads Premium Lager

Info on the bottle:

4.7% ALC/VOL

Gage Roads Premium Lager is craft brewed in small batches from Australian barley and noble Hallertau hops. Authentically lagered for enhanced smoothness and superior flavour.

Naturally brewed from premium ingredients.

www.gageroads.com.au

2010-02-08T01:49:00.000-08:00

Hahn Premium

Info on the bottle:

5.0% ALC/VOL

Brewed with pale pilsener malt and a late gift of imported Hersbrucker hops this multi-awarded lager has an outstanding aroma with a unique hoppy finish.

2010-02-08T00:48:00.000-08:00

Tooheys Old Black Ale

Info on the bottle:

4.4% ALC/VOL

Smooth Australian Ale

2010-02-06T15:33:00.001-08:00

Snowy Mountain Brewery Razorback Red Ale

Brewery: Snowy Mountain Brewery

Info on the bottle:

4.8% ALC/VOL

For us, like you it's all about the beer. That's why we use only natural ingredients. No additives, preservatives and definitely no sugar. We use 100% grain, hops yeast & water. And better still, Snowy Mountains Brewery is 100% Australian owned.

Razorback Red Ale is an impeccably balanced beer (some say as balanced as those who seek out this fine drop!) With a medium body, four malts in combination provide its rich malty sweetness along with its nutty and biscuit characteristics… and its's the roasted malts used in the brew which give Razorback its deep copper-red hue. It is perfectly by the unique hop flavour of premium American Simcoe, with a citrus aroma and a hint of taste of citrus. Forget the woolies, this is a wonderful winter warmer!

No, our red was not named after the classic Australian cult movie, Razorback… instead it's namesake is the pristine Razorback ridge located in the Kosciuszko National Park near Yarrangobilly Caves and Talbingo.

www.snowymountainsbrewery.com.au

2010-02-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

Jarrah Jacks Pemberton Ale

Brewery: Pemberton Brewing Company

Info on the bottle:

4.9% ALC/VOL

2010-02-04T21:50:00.001-08:00

South Seas Brewing Co. Pale Ale

Info on the bottle:

4.6% ALC/VOL

No preservatives No Additives

2010-02-04T21:47:00.001-08:00

Cold Filtered

Info on the bottle:

4.0% ALC/VOL

Clean Crisp Refreshing

2010-02-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

Barons Lemon Myrtle Witbier

Info on the bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

Barons Witbier is the real Australian version of Belgian style white beer.

Flavoured by native Australian Lemon Myrtle, this beer is a perfect balance of zesty lemon rind and ripe citrus fruit flavours. Being bottle conditioned , this is a cloudy ale that is lively on the palate yet surprisingly smooth. Enjoy this easy drinking, genuinely refreshing beer with seafood, by the water or as the perfect starter to a summer afternoon session.

January - 31 beers

2010-01-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-30T14:23:00.000-08:00

Reschs Real Bitter Beer

Brewery: Carlton & United Breweries

Info on the bottle:

4.0% ALC/VOL

Since 1897

2010-01-29T23:47:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-01-29T21:15:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-01-29T21:14:00.002-08:00

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.

2010-01-29T21:14:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-01-29T21:11:00.000-08:00

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....'

2010-01-29T21:10:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-01-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

Little Creatures Bright Ale

Brewery: Little Creatures Brewing

Info on the bottle:

4.5% ALC/VOL

2010-01-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-29T20:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-29T20:55:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-01-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-18T02:38:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-18T02:35:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-01-18T02:34:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-01-18T02:33:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-01-18T02:31:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-18T02:30:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-18T02:26:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-18T02:25:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-18T02:22:00.000-08:00

Melbourne Bitter

Brewery:

Carlton & United Breweries

www.cub.com.au

Info on the Bottle:

4.6%

2010-01-18T02:21:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-01-18T02:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-18T02:17:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-18T02:14:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-18T02:13:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-09T14:11:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-01-05T22:34:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-03T21:56:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-03T21:50:00.000-08:00

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.

365 days of Australian Beer

2009-12-23T19:24:00.000-08:00

I have set myself a challenge for 2010.

Drink a different Australian Beer everyday for 365 days.

Things to be gained from this:

A better understanding of Australian beers.

A more refined palate - hopefully...

Learn something new - I'll be researching as much as information on each beer as I can.

2010, the year of Australian beer!

Tilo