Quirky beers bring all the boys to the yard

From dirty chai-infused IPAs to ice-cream sundae-inspired stouts, Aussie beers are breaking all the rules and drinkers are loving it with the kooky craft market booming.

From dirty chai-infused IPAs to ice-cream sundae-inspired stouts, Aussie beers are breaking all the rules and drinkers are loving it with the kooky craft market booming.

Craft beer sales at BWS and Dan Murphy’s have grown by more the 20 per cent in the past year as brewers continue to push new flavour frontiers.

“We are seeing the exciting use of new hop varieties and brewing techniques that deliver an increasing broad spectrum of complexity and flavour to appeal to craft beer enthusiasts who are constantly on the lookout for their next flavour adventure,” said Harriet Wischer from Endeavour Drinks Group, behind Dan Murphy’s and BWS.

Scenic Rim Brewery in Mount Alford, about 90 minutes drive south west of Brisbane, experiments with different styles of beer from a Belgian Abby ale to a spiced pumpkin number and head brewer Mike Webster said his customer base had doubled with drinkers chasing “complex flavour”.

Scenic Rim Brewery head brewer Mike Webster (left) with locals Matt Whaley and Kate Creasey enjoying a beer for Eat Local Week in the Scenic Rim.

“For too many years we were led to believe that beer was a very bland amber liquid with limited flavour or ability to excite all your tastebuds,” Mr Webster said. “By experimenting and using old recipes I can make beer more flavoursome, complex and enjoyable.”

His beers will be on show as part of this year’s Eat Local Week festival happening right now across the Scenic Rim, with the public able to learn the craft of brewing at various demonstrations and masterclasses.

“The Festival gives the punters a taste of the diversity of producers in the region and they realise they need to come back to absorb it all,” Mr Webster said.

EATLOCALWEEK.COM.AU