Last Rites: We Have a Forklift Xmas Bright Ale

Just when I thought Christmas was well and truly over I was proven wrong.

On a wander through a Hobart shopping mall I was mysteriously called into the local Cellarbrations Bottleshop, I wasn’t sure at the time why I was called in there but after skimming through the stock I found something…

We Have a Forklift Xmas Bright Ale

The last one in stock, a Tasmanian made Christmas beer that I didn’t even know existed.

Of course, I bought it.

Back in the hotel room after it was chilled enough I cracked the can.

It tasted like Christmas had come back for a few more moments.

At 4.2% it was made from a variety of hops including chinook and centennial.

Information on this beer is scarce so I don’t have much to share.          

Rightfully named you would need a forklift to transport your cartons to the car.

Maybe they will make more this Christmas?

Cheers,

Dave

You'll need one of these!

Beerfest 2018 The Hangover

Another Beerfest is over, this year it went way too quick, so I tried to cram in as much in as I could.

I got a new hat!

Typical of Tasmania the weather didn’t know what it was doing with rain, wind and sun all in one afternoon.

I’ve been trying to work out the best beer, the best cider and the best food, the trouble is there was so many good things so I will share them with you.

The Beers

Morrison Pink Fizz: The Raspberry Sour beer I was talking about was a good drink, it has taken some time for me to like sour beers, this one has given me faith to stick by them.

T-Bone Brewing Watermelon Wheat: This was a surprise, previous watermelon beers haven’t been that good but this one with added watermelon juice was amazing, the beer flavour was complemented by the watermelon and wheat.

Soleil Lychee Infused Beer: Another out there beer this one was true to its name, having a cool, refreshing lychee flavour while still having the bite of a beer.

Goose Island IPA: This multi award winning beer lived up to its name, an amazing mainland drop that I hope can make it down to Tasmanian bottleshops.

The Ciders

Red Brick Road Sweet Fanny: Funny name, great cider, Corey has continued his amazing journey of making new ciders and delivered a new favourite.

Lost Pippin The Randall: This cider has killer pythons fermenting in it, the product has a thick head and a thick consistency, the added taste masks the usual sweet cider flavour, a good idea and a good cider.

Coal Valley Strawberry: A great tasting cider made from Tasmanian fruit, Coal Valley are a must every time they come to a festival.

The Food

TORNADO POTATOES: They’re back! Something small but always good with beer.

Eliza’s Vegan BBQ Crumbed Mushrooms: A light snack that helped absorb the alcohol.

Big Smoke BBQ Beef Brisket Burger and Chips: The second time I’ve had beef brisket, the meat melted in my mouth, it hit the spot, the chips also were some of the best I ever tasted, crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, covered in chipotle aioli I was glad I chose Big Smoke BBQ.

A great start to the year, I am planning to get some more beer events throughout the year, stay tuned.

Cheers,

Dave

Beerfest 2018 Preview

We’re only a couple of days away from Beerfest 2018 in Launceston.

This annual event has become one of my favourite times of the year.

The huge gathering of beer, cider and food is a dream come true, unfortunately it only comes for a short time, my hip pocket is probably glad about that.

Reading news articles and following the social media around the event the biggest thing to know is that the location has changed, no longer around the Boag’s Brewery, Beerfest is now over at Royal Park. It is also only on Saturday, in years past it would start on Friday night giving me a chance to warm up and scope out the best stalls to visit.

I'll be studying this

I’m again looking forward to trying beers from around Tasmania and beyond, Devil’s Brewery from the south have become one of my favourite stalls to visit, this time they have a joint stall with the local Morrison Brewery who are trialling a Raspberry Sour beer.

Last year Boag’s made an exclusive beer for the event, I hope they do that again.

Red Brick Road are fresh from the Taste with a wide range of tasty ciders, they will help in between drinks to keep me going.

Coal Valley Cider is from a pristine remote area on the way to Hobart, I drove through there earlier in the week and saw their orchards that span as far as the eye can see. They always have a wide range of different fruit made into cider.

This cheat day for me is hopefully going to be filled with a lot of food too, Tornado Potatoes are back as well as Burger Junkie who recently opened a store after only being a food van, perfect food for Beerfest.

Make sure you wear sunscreen and drink water to keep at your best on the day.

My team of beer, cider and food enthusiasts will share what we liked the best.

Hope to see you there!

Dave

Visit the official page to see the special brews

https://esk.beerfestivals.com.au/highlight-brews/