What do green ants, rainbow ice cream and Spanish chorizo have in common? They’re all at GABS today

A celebrity chef will spice things up as Australia’s biggest beer festival swings into high gear in Brisbane today.

Miguel Maestre with Rubia Pale Ale at the Great Australasian Beer Spectapular at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Picture: Richard Walker

Celebrity chef and TV favourite Miguel Maestre is set to spice things up at the Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular (GABS) this weekend, launching his new Spanish-style beer, Rubia, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Described as Australia’s first authentic Spanish-style brew, Rubia takes its inspiration from the flavours of southern Spain, with refreshing notes of orange and Mediterranean fruitiness. Festival-goers will get the first exclusive taste of the beer at GABS Brisbane, the second stop on the touring festival’s three-city schedule.

Known for his larger-than-life personality on screen and in the kitchen, Maestre won’t just be pouring pints, he’ll also be serving up his famous chicken and chorizo paella and gourmet hot dogs.

GABS Festival tasting plate. Photo: Supplied.

Festival organisers have described GABS as “Disneyland for beer lovers,” with more than 100 new and exclusive brews under one roof, alongside wild flavour combos, food trucks, cocktails and entertainment.

Among the standout offerings this year is a Green Ant and Emu Bush Tucker Beer from Sunshine Coast’s Jarrah Boy Brewing, which uses hand-foraged native ingredients to create a zingy, uniquely Australian flavour.

“This beer brings together the citric acid flavour of green ants with the tartness of green apple — it’s zingy and uniquely Australian,” brewer Dale Vocale said.

“Green ants are hand-foraged by remote Indigenous communities, so for us, it’s about supporting Aboriginal supply chains and telling a story through flavour.”

Hundreds of breweries submit expressions of interest to take part in GABS each year, but only 120 made the cut in 2025, meaning every beer is brewed to impress.

From Vegemite toast to rainbow ice cream-inspired ales, nothing is off-limits when it comes to creativity.

In addition to the drinks, GABS features live bands, beer games, silent discos, and a smorgasbord of food options.

The Brisbane leg of the festival wraps up Saturday at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Originally published as What do green ants, rainbow ice cream and Spanish chorizo have in common? They’re all at GABS today