Local brews: Variety, drinkability fuels Victorian brewers’ heady rise
OUR state is in the middle of a craft brewing revolution as operators increasingly break the mould to create some of the best ales in Australia. Here’s where to find the best local beers.
VIC News
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VICTORIA is in the middle of a craft brewing revolution, as boutique operators increasingly break the mould to create some of the best ales anywhere in Australia.
From urban backyards to coastal pubs, a record number of brewers are raising the bar.
Expert Mike Bennie said passion and presentation was really cutting through in the local market.
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“While IPAs and mega hopped beers still hold the gaze of beer cognoscenti, brewers have been broadening their scope and embracing a myriad of styles, and in many cases allowing creativity and invention to be part of their brewing regimes,’’ Mr Bennie said.
“Key in the elevation of Victorian brewing has been the shift away from overt, hop-heavy beer styles into more consumer friendly, ‘sessionable’ styles.”
He said the Victorian industry was a dynamite community that supported innovation. “A loyalty to inner-city breweries is part of the cultural mix of the city, and accessibility to brew houses and tasting bars is encouraging exploration.
“Regional areas are value-adding to the conversation about interesting and good beer with agrarian inspiration, and in some cases complementary offerings to local wineries and wine tourism.
The trend to simpler beer styles was an adjustment away from the ‘appreciation’ culture around more complex beer styles, more akin to the climate and lifestyle of Australia, he said.
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“Likewise, sour beers, wild ferment beers and saisons are also emerging from the brewers of Victoria, and showing that variety and drinkability work hand-in-hand with these styles, despite their wilder edges.”
THE BEST LOCAL BREWS IN VICTORIA
TWO BIRDS BREWING
Taco, Spotswood, single $5, four-pack $19
Fresh and zesty, brewers thought outside the box using corn, coriander and lime to help give this entry an edge.
BAD SHEPHERD
Hazelnut Brown, Cheltenham, single $6, four-pack $21
Considered a cult beer among connoisseurs, this double gold medal winner owes its distinct flavour to roasted hazelnuts and a splash of vanilla and Frangelico.
ST ANDREWS BEACH
6 Furlongs Pale Ale, Fingal, single $4 six-pack $20
An old school mini long neck and stunning contender with a strong malt profile and a sweet caramel kick.
2 BROTHERS
Kung Foo Lager, Moorabbin, single $5 six-pack $24.99
Super light but with more character than the average, still packs a punch with plenty of depth
BLACKMAN’S
Juicy Banger (Torquay), single $6, four-pack $22
All the hop goodness of an IPA but a crisp lager finish ensures it lives up to its name.
BRIDGE ROAD BREWERS
Beechworth Pale Ale, Beechworth, single $4, six-pack $22
Dominated by aromatic hops, this classic American-style craft beer from the gold rush town frequented by outlaw Ned Kelly is crisp and refreshing.
STOMPING GROUND
Gipps St Pale Ale, Collingwood, single $4.50 six-pack $23.99
Named after the street where it’s brewed, another easy drinker with tropical character best enjoyed with your feet up.
3 RAVENS
Juicy IPA, Thornbury, single $6.50, six pack $29
Initially only a one-off release, public demand ensured its return.
Colourful can, colourful flavour.
HOWLER BREWING COMPANY
Love You Long Time Session Pilsner, Lang Lang, single $5, six-pack $22
Stretch out in the sun and enjoy this easy-drinking dry mid-strength, with a lasting after taste of floral and spice.
BLIZZARD BREWING
Bladerunner Belgian Pale Ale, Dinner Plain, single $7.50, six-pack $35
Brewed at a loftier altitude than any other beer in the country, succeeds in setting a high standard with a creamy froth, biscuity malt and aroma of fruit with peppery florals.
TALLBOY & MOOSE
A newcomer to the Melbourne craft scene, this signature beer is subtle and uniquely packaged.
RED HILL BREWERY
Crisp and clean with a restrained hoppy dryness, a perfect dinner partner.
PRICKLY MOSES
Chainsaw, Barongarook, single $5 six-pack $25
Perfect for knock-off drinks, non abrasive despite its name and could just be the perfect cleanser.
ODYSSEY
Calypso Pale Ale, Mt Duneed, single $5 four pack $18
Plenty of hop and malt flavours but with citrus and passionfruit burst perfect for beach weather.
WATTS RIVER
IPA, Healesville, single $5 six-pack $25
Not as confronting to the palette as other IPA’s, this one’s a full-flavoured beer with bready malt, fruit and pine hop tones that still jump off the tongue.
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