Celebrate 140 years of XXXX with the ‘XXX Sparkling’

THERE are few Queensland institutions as readily recognisable as the XXXX Brewery and this week beer enthusiasts get a chance to sample some of its history as it celebrates a major milestone.

XXXX Technical Brewer Simon Rowe recreating the Sparkling Ale which was the first top shelf brew they made 140 years ago. Picture: Tara Croser

THERE are few Queensland institutions as readily recognisable as the XXXX Brewery and this week beer enthusiasts get a chance to sample some of its history as the iconic brewer celebrates its 140th birthday with a limited batch of its original recipe.

XXXX, and that little man in a boater hat giving the world a wink, has become as much part of the Queensland landscape as the Story Bridge and the red and yellow cap of a lifesaver on a beach in summer.

The brewery’s first beer, “XXX Sparkling’’, was introduced to thirsty drinkers in Brisbane pubs 140 years ago this Thursday as the Castlemaine Perkins Brewery opened its doors next to what was then the Milton Distillery, and began a relationship with the state now entering its third century.

The XXX, briefly brought back to life in a limited batch expected to be available at the brewery’s Alehouse by Friday, was Queensland’s first popular beer.

It was usurped by the XXXX we drink today when a German brewer named Bill Leitner refined the brew in 1924, and added an X.

The famous XXXX brewery in Milton.

Leitner, from a country which knows its beer, added Queensland-grown sugar then fermented the sugar out of the brew, leaving a crisper taste which was best served cold, better suiting our tropical environment.

XXXX spokesman Pat Donohue says the love affair between XXXX and Queensland which began in September 1878 had been sustained over the years with a combination of new product launches and a longstanding commitment to all that Queensland stands for.

“If you look back at the last 140 years of XXXX, there are some incredible yarns about our people, our pubs, our teams, and our beers,” Mr Donohue said.

“The common thread in all these stories is mateship and loyalty, and we know XXXX wouldn’t still be kicking today if it weren’t for all of the support we have had from the entire Sunshine State.’’

Amanda Docksey out in front of the iconic wheel of the XXXX Brewery.

A sponsor of the state’s favourite sporting teams, events, and community activities, XXXX has also been a provider of relief support during times of natural disaster.

“From our ongoing sponsorship of the mighty Maroons, to local regional events like the Gympie Muster, Ekka, and Rockhampton Beef Week, we’ve also sponsored Queensland’s first Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, and its second on the Gold Coast earlier this year,’’ Mr Donohue said.

“We’ve sent beer to Aussie troops fighting in both World War I and World War II and written off bad customer debts to keep publicans in business during the Great Depression.

“And in 2011, XXXX donated more than $250,000 to flood relief.’’

For much of the last century, a jovial man in a boater hat proudly towering over the brewery has been giving motorists in Milton a wink as the official mascot of XXXX.

The origins of Mr Fourex as he is known are uncertain, but there have been suggestions the sign was inspired by Paddy Fitzgerald, a former director of the company.

Beer lovers have a chance to taste the original XXXX brew as part of their 140th anniversary. Picture: Tara Croser

Former XXX director Paddy Fitzgerald could be the inspiration for Mr Fourex, but no one is sure. Picture: Bruce Long

Commemorative activity for the 140th birthday will include free brewery tours for The Courier-Mail readers on Thursday, September 13.

There will also be a prize promotion and birthday broadcast from the Milton Brewery, with Triple M Rush Hour and special appearances from a number of famous Queenslanders including Pete Murray, Kevin Walters, The McClymonts and more.

As for the XXX Sparking Ale, The Courier-Mail’s beer reviewer, Rory Gibson, has already sampled it and given the thumbs up.

Mr Gibson described it as a “refreshing, sessionable pale ale”.

“The beer is unfiltered, so it’s pale in colour, but has a good head and five per cent alcohol,’’ Mr Gibson said.

“It’s such an aromatic beer, it balances out the alcohol content really well.

“If I was running XXXX I’d make it a regular summer session beer to rival the likes of Stone & Wood’s Pacific Ale.”

Don’t miss your free XXXX brewery tour and beer tasting coupon in Thursday’s The Courier-Mail.