Whats the best beer you've had & why?

[Fatman]

seems satisfactryso far!!!!!

There's the real benefits of bottle conditioned beer, it's still 'live'. Does yours have the little Kangaroo neck label like many export Coopers get?



Just thought I'd add I'm having a bit of a moment here drinking my way through a selection of Weihenstephaner wheat beers, on to number 6 for the evening and my taste buds want to hug me. There isn't a dud amongst them. Oh, if any of you are interested in a significant change of life I hear Phoenix Beers are looking for a new national rep, they distribute Weihenstephaner and Furstenburg in Australia. If you know your beers they are accepting resumes. If I wasn't committed to my degree I'd be shooting a resume off immediately.

[Ryan]

There's the real benefits of bottle conditioned beer, it's still 'live'. Does yours have the little Kangaroo neck label like many export Coopers get?



Just thought I'd add I'm having a bit of a moment here drinking my way through a selection of Weihenstephaner wheat beers, on to number 6 for the evening and my taste buds want to hug me. There isn't a dud amongst them. Oh, if any of you are interested in a significant change of life I hear Phoenix Beers are looking for a new national rep, they distribute Weihenstephaner and Furstenburg in Australia. If you know your beers they are accepting resumes. If I wasn't committed to my degree I'd be shooting a resume off immediately.

I have a particular chubby for their Kristall Weissbier, such a good hot weather beer it makes my mouth water thinking about it.

That said, I'm currently over in the UK so hot weather beers are of dick-all use to me and slowly but surely I'm beginning my introduction to the world of real ales. So far the best I've sampled is Gem, from Bath Breweries and the worst has been Bombadier, from the pits of hell itself.

[Fatman]

:oI have a particular chubby for their Kristall Weissbier, such a good hot weather beer it makes my mouth water thinking about it.

That said, I'm currently over in the UK so hot weather beers are of dick-all use to me and slowly but surely I'm beginning my introduction to the world of real ales. So far the best I've sampled is Gem, from Bath Breweries and the worst has been Bombadier, from the pits of hell itself.

I have tried the Gem, dark and malty with a little sweetness. I have also tried the Wild Hare from Bath breweries, I liked the Wild Hare for its Hoppy character though. As for Bombardier I'm afraid I find it most agreeable, it is dark and rich with complex fruity undertones. Even better in 'The Gun' in London. It took a few to become a bit of a fan of Charles Wells finest but I'm a convert. The family tradition of Artillerymen has nothing to do with it:p. The problem is that I found it served very poorly in many pubs and then I would have to agree with you that it is death itself.

[dcrofty]

There's the real benefits of bottle conditioned beer, it's still 'live'. Does yours have the little Kangaroo neck label like many export Coopers get?

Yep. According to the label its a "Real Aussie Ale"

I'm slightly seedy this morning, I keep forgetting that Coopers Sparkling Ale has that light extra kick to it.

[Fatman]

Well Kids, two new ones today and pretty much poles apart.

First cab off the ranks we have Mad Brewers Raspberry Wheat Beer, Malt Shovel Brewery 5% abv.
Now this one started with a great deal of promise, a limited release from the good people at James Squire. It pours clear crimson like a sparkling Rose and has a pillowy white head. The aroma is quite subdued if poured cold and has a tart raspberry and hints of peppermint aroma. The flavour is quite subtle but dry and a little tart and full bodied. If it warms a little the flavour is more pronounced but it's pretty subtle. It also leaves quite good lacing on the glass.
Overall it was quite drinkable but if you aren't into fruit in your beer then you mightn't go for this at all. It's a limited release so you may find it hard to get but it's worth a bash.

After that little tipple I waited a while and tried the latest offering from Cascade. This one's fresh from the marketing department, not only is it low carb (gee that's original) but it's also supposed to be carbon neutral and uses some recycled material (glass anyone?) and no preservatives. So here's the next offering Cascade Green, Cascade brewery, 4.5% abv
It pours very clear straw with a generous soft white head and has a very light almost imperceptible hoppy aroma. The weight is quite good and has a pleasant mouthfeel but something was missing. Oh yeah, that's it, flavour.
Such an insipid waste of time has not been sampled in a while, Michelob usually takes the cake in that regard but this is ridiculous. As for the low carb bit from memory it has more than any other low carb beer on offer at the moment (I will check those figures and will berate myself if wrong) and it comes in Cascade's new piddly 330ml bottle thay have so sneakily thrust upon us. One bottle contains 5.28 grams of Carbohydrate (if you really care) but as this will be my last Cascade Green I personally don't. If you want a beer that can tackle the Yanks mass market brews for low carb, low flavour, and lack of appeal this is it.

Until next time.

[Christo]

Made from beer (http://www.skytroop.com)

[Fatman]

Ah Carlton, one of the few brands to put a picture of the beer's production facility on their products.

[Christo]

Ah Carlton, one of the few brands to put a picture of the beer's production facility on their products.

[cough] snob [cough/]

Being a true 'strayan I'll keep drinking it;)

Especially when I get it for free!

[bunya djer n dher]

Hammer 'n' Tongs

Not the best beer i have had but its a heavy beer, brewed in Tasmania.

$25 for a carton... Bloody good.

[Fatman]

Trying beers without fear or favour has many ups but there are also a few downs. I dropped into my local and saw an unusual assortment which left me a little intrigued, small bottles of unusally flavoured lager from Cobra.

For those unfamiliar Cobra is yet another insipid lager which originated in Bangalore and through excellent advertising is one of Britain's 'Coolest Brands'. Still my local is selling cases of the regular stuff for $29.99 and I managed to persuede them to give me a case of mixed flavoured stuff for the same price.

So here we go, premium lager mixed with 'natural flavours'.
Cobra Bite, Cobra Beer Ltd, 4.3% abv. (Brewed under license in the EU)
There are four flavours in this little line up, Sweet Lime, Apple, Blood Orange and Lemongrass. I must say I was very keen to try the last one.
They are a very pale beer with a soft pillowy head and a fine bead, on sight alone you wouldn't pick it for a fruit beer. The aroma gives it away with each one being quite sweet and apart from the lemongrass it was fairly apparent which flavour each was.

I can make a blanket summary in saying that apart from the visuals this stuff is not remotely beer like, it is more like an under carbonated soft drink. If it wasn't for the label you would assume this was a tarted up soft drink and it's 250ml bottles are easily drained in one go. Well they would be if it wasn't for the flavour, they are sickly sweet and not very enjoyable at all. I gave one of each to my brothers wife to try and she thought they were great, obviously their target demographic. My missus on the other hand thought they were awful (I have trained her well). These premium lagers with stuff shot into them really aren't on par with the Lambic ales and proper fruit beers.

An interesting experience but not one that I will seek to repeat any time soon, but if you don't try you will never know.

[johnny]

Well, I got around to trying a Guinness the other night. not what I expected. It was a much more watery texture than I had expected. I thought it would have a much syrupy, creamy feel. Was a little disappointed TBH. The flovour was ok, bit too coffee like for a non-coffee drinker. For now I think I'll stick to the Erdinger Darks. I'm also enjoying the Kilkenny's but they're about AUS$8 a schooner in the only place I can buy them. A long neck of crappy Chinese stuff will set you back RMB$6 in a shop, $12 i a restaurant. An Erdinger is about $40 in a restaurant. These kilkenny's are $50 in the only bar that serves them. THe Chinese choke when they find out you are spending their day's wages on one glass of beer.

[Fatman]

Well, I got around to trying a Guinness the other night. not what I expected. It was a much more watery texture than I had expected. I thought it would have a much syrupy, creamy feel. Was a little disappointed TBH. The flovour was ok, bit too coffee like for a non-coffee drinker. For now I think I'll stick to the Erdinger Darks. I'm also enjoying the Kilkenny's but they're about AUS$8 a schooner in the only place I can buy them. A long neck of crappy Chinese stuff will set you back RMB$6 in a shop, $12 i a restaurant. An Erdinger is about $40 in a restaurant. These kilkenny's are $50 in the only bar that serves them. THe Chinese choke when they find out you are spending their day's wages on one glass of beer.

From an article by Dr Evan Evans in Beer and Brewer magazine he explains the 'flat' texture of beers such as Guinness.
"The addition of nitrogen into the beer changes the foam's mouthfeel to a 'creamy' texture, however the lower CO2 content leads to beer with less 'prickle' (acidic feeling from bubble collapse) on the palate making the beer taste flat and watery"

If you can find Weihenstephaner Hefe Dunkel you should give it a lash, it's more light brown than dark and has no discernable coffee to it, just rich toffee and caramel and a little nutty, unless of course you get a nasty oxidised example and that will turn you right off.

[Bacca]

My Cascade Spicy Ghost Draught home brew kicks royal ass :cool: I also love a schooner of Carlton Draught.

[Ryan]

I drank Timothy Taylor Landlord over the Easter weekend by the bucketload and can confirm everything that Fatman tells you about it being one of the very best pale ales going around.

[Fatman]

I drank Timothy Taylor Landlord over the Easter weekend by the bucketload and can confirm everything that Fatman tells you about it being one of the very best pale ales going around.

I am unbelievably jealous of you right now.:(

[orangepeko]

It surely has to be the great belgian beir "Hoogaden"! :p

the pureset and tastiest white beer of them all!! :)

[brisneyland]

I drank Timothy Taylor Landlord over the Easter weekend by the bucketload and can confirm everything that Fatman tells you about it being one of the very best pale ales going around.

Where can I get some?

[gravelclimber]

Where can I get some?

I've seen it in a few decent bottlos of late ($7 a pop though - bastards). I concur - it is the finest of all beers.

[Hungie]

Pure Blonde, cause it's a very clean and fresh tasting beer on a hot day.
(activate "flame suit" now for admitting to drinking low carb beer!):D

[Fatman]

Oh joyous rapture!

Someone must be on drugs in the pricing department at a bottlo I have just visited and I thank them dearly.
I have on a previous occasion paid $80 for a case of my favourite Scottish beer (12 pints) and have not sought it out since. But today I managed to pick up 3 cases for less than that!
So I'll be putting my kilt on and sitting back with 36 bottles of delightful Caledonian Deuchars IPA, they are even well in date. I haven't been this excited since.....????????


It's still not as good as drinking it in Scotland, it's gotten a little harsh in its travels but damn this is good. It's even better when served a little warmer than usual, definately not cold.

[Fatman]

Holy crap, we're hitting two from two now.

Not quite a repeat of yesterday, I called into another bottlo of the same chain and the guy almost shat himself when I asked for more Deuchars at the same price I got it for yesterday. So not more Deuchars but they did have one of my all time favourite 10/10 beers.

Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted. A gorgeous light and hoppy beer with perfect carbonation and weight with beutiful hop bite. Again the distance travelled has taken a little from it but it is fantastic stuff.

Now if I go back tomorrow and they have Schehallion it will be a the holy trinity. Oh wait it's meet up for bevvies day tomorrow, Win Win.

[Fatman]

After last Friday's little gathering in Sydney I feel compelled to make an unsolicited comment about one of the venues in which our debaucherous evening took place (began). After receiving loads of positive feedback (read 3) from the other guys who were there and also from the numerous times I have been in attendence I must praise the wonderful brews from the people at Redoak on Clarence street.

I have been visiting for quite a while now and I have my own favourites but for someone like me this establishment is heaven on earth and there is something for everyone. If only I had the bankroll to reside there.
Despite the cost of an evening there being rather high I am putting forward the motion that a return visit is in order. They brew about 40 different varieties and have 20 on hand at any one time, although my goal is to have one of each in one sitting some of the reserve varieties run at $75 a throw which is a little beyond me. Still everyone must have a goal, I'll start saving now. Who's with me?

Favourites-
Baltic Porter
American Double IPA
St Nicholas. Man I want one of these right now.
Martzen Rauch Lager
Special Strong Bitter
Belgian Chocolate Stout
India Pale Ale

[RCOH]

Re RedOak. I will be there for a session for sure. I just need a couple of months to save up...the next 6 weeks are pretty hectic (weddings, parties, everything) so I need a pay day with no obligations.

But f**k me the beer there is nice.

[Nerf Herder]

There is something about needing a bank loan for a bender that I find intriguing. But, since I'm a one pot I'll be right ... use me as an excuse / or scape goat for multiple visits.

[alchemist]

Redoak St Nicholas. Man I want one of these right now.


You are not wrong about this one :D (we were there on Saturday night) - I wonder what the case price is & what time they close tonight....

The Special Reserve is very special (not sure if it's worth $75 a bottle or $15 for 50mL - although it was a very generous 50mL), I was getting very nervous as my glass was getting passed around the table for tasting.

[gravelclimber]

Today I have mostly been drinking:

Two Metres Tall Cleansing Ale - Like Coopers Pale Ale but shitloads better. Bottle fermented and nicely hoped

Schlenkerla Märzen Smokebeer (http://www.schlenkerla.de/rauchbier/sorten/sortene.html) - Bavarian smoked beer! Like beef jerky flavoured beer - farking amazing. Would love to try their dunkel but haven't found it anywhere.

Ruddles County - top class hoppy English ale

[ajay]

I had a red duck ale while in Warnambool a few weeks ago.

Awesomely smooth, full flavoured, similar to a coopers pale but with a bit more zest. Cant quite put my finger on it, nor do I know the lingo.

It also had a cherry aroma about it, the 1st wiff before taking a swig was a fruity/cherry sort of smell, and had a refreshing, non lingering after taste.

I think I have to say its taken the no.1 spot for my favourite Australian beer. A very simple, refreshing ale with great after taste and pre smell (what ever the lingo is...:D).

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

From the local Tesco...

Williams Brothers Joker Ale: I'm pretty sure I wrote about this last time I was back in this neck of the woods (Scotland) but it deserves another write up due to it's sheer loveliness. It's an incredibly crisp pale ale that manages to be quite smooth in terms of aftertaste at the same time.

Williams Brothers 7 Giraffes: It's quite a complicated little ale, Made with 7 types of barley and hops with a touch of lemon zest and wild eiderflower (I have no idea what that is either) thrown in. It's got a real full-bodied taste although you can definitely taste the lemon in the aftertaste. The eiderflower also lurks there in the background giving one the sense that they've just eaten the pot pourri. Quite refreshing but I think I still prefer the Joker.

Finally Cobra Lager seem to have taken leave of their senses and are marketing 'infused' lagers. Now sometimes chucking a bit of fruit in a beer can be quite a good thing (see the belgian fruit beers like kriek or some of the english banana beers) but surely blood orange and thai lemongrass is just taking the piss. To top it all they're sold in tiny 250ml bottles although the ABV is still a respectable 4.3%.

Nonetheless though I had to try some so I grabbed a pack of the Blood Orange and a pack of the Lemongrass.

1st off, the Lemongrass. First taste just appeared WRONG! I could detect the lager in their somewhere but it was overpowered by what I presume is supposed to be lemongrass and what appears to be half a tonne of salt. subsequent sips weren't as bad and towards halfway I actually started enjoying it although it's slightly salty aftertaste reminded me a little of those new Chilada Millers. Mostly though it tasted like cider which leftme thinking why not just buy a bottle of magners that's twice the size for the same price!

2nd up was the Blood Orange flavour. This was a much nicer drop. quite sweet but not overly so. The orange was still the dominant flavour but the lager definitely took the sharp edge off it. It was rather like a 'metro' lager-tops.

Both would make good summer drinks but I can't really seee them catching on. There's a third flavour available as well - apple. But if you're hankering for an apple flavoured alcholic bevvie buy a fucking bottle of cider!

[Fatman]

From the local Tesco...

Williams Brothers Joker Ale: I'm pretty sure I wrote about this last time I was back in this neck of the woods (Scotland) but it deserves another write up due to it's sheer loveliness. It's an incredibly crisp pale ale that manages to be quite smooth in terms of aftertaste at the same time.

Williams Brothers 7 Giraffes: It's quite a complicated little ale, Made with 7 types of barley and hops with a touch of lemon zest and wild eiderflower (I have no idea what that is either) thrown in. It's got a real full-bodied taste although you can definitely taste the lemon in the aftertaste. The eiderflower also lurks there in the background giving one the sense that they've just eaten the pot pourri. Quite refreshing but I think I still prefer the Joker.

Finally Cobra Lager seem to have taken leave of their senses and are marketing 'infused' lagers. Now sometimes chucking a bit of fruit in a beer can be quite a good thing (see the belgian fruit beers like kriek or some of the english banana beers) but surely blood orange and thai lemongrass is just taking the piss. To top it all they're sold in tiny 250ml bottles although the ABV is still a respectable 4.3%.

Nonetheless though I had to try some so I grabbed a pack of the Blood Orange and a pack of the Lemongrass.

1st off, the Lemongrass. First taste just appeared WRONG! I could detect the lager in their somewhere but it was overpowered by what I presume is supposed to be lemongrass and what appears to be half a tonne of salt. subsequent sips weren't as bad and towards halfway I actually started enjoying it although it's slightly salty aftertaste reminded me a little of those new Chilada Millers. Mostly though it tasted like cider which leftme thinking why not just buy a bottle of magners that's twice the size for the same price!

2nd up was the Blood Orange flavour. This was a much nicer drop. quite sweet but not overly so. The orange was still the dominant flavour but the lager definitely took the sharp edge off it. It was rather like a 'metro' lager-tops.

Both would make good summer drinks but I can't really seee them catching on. There's a third flavour available as well - apple. But if you're hankering for an apple flavoured alcholic bevvie buy a fucking bottle of cider!

The Williams Bros. ones have me intrigued but I have unfortuneately sampled all varieties of Cobra Bite. They just taste like a flat soft drink, I found them far too sweet but my brothers missus loves them. Hands down if Magners was the same price I'd be on the Magners. I got a mixed case of Cobra for $29.99 wheras Magners is 6 bucks a bottle but still preferable.
If anyone is considering trying the new 'Zest' beers, for god's sake don't, they are utter tripe.

[PlasticSidetable]

A simple XXXX bitter in Mackay at 6am on a Christmas day!

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

What the hell is it with fruit-beers. I've just encountered another one. Are the brewers paranoid we'll get scurvy?

Anyway it was back down to Tesco yesterday for a couple of bottles of Williams Bros. Grozet. Now this bevvy weighs in at a respectable 5% abv and is yet another beer with citrus fruit thrown in. Having said that it's no sickly Cobra Bite style concoction, rather a decent refreshing ale that tastes halfway between a lager and a bitter. The key ingredient in this one is Gooseberries which give it a bit of a sour taste but if you're like me and you're partial to sour things (mmm, caipirinhas...) this isn't really a bad thing. the ingredients also contain something called Bogmyrtle. Answers on the back of a postcard, please.

Unfortunately its full gutsy flavour starts to wear the tastebuds down towards the end of the bottle (500ml) so it's great as a single drink but I wouldn't have more than one without a spacer pint. I can imagine it being all kinds of awesome on a hot summer day but considering I'm staring out the window into a blizzard it could be a while before I can test it in that kind of environment.

Still not up to the dizzy heights of Williams Bros. Joker this is still a decent drop with a shitload of character.

[Fatman]

Dammit I knew I had tried many a Williams Bros. beer before. They are aka Heather Ale Ltd.

Here's some to keep your eye out for POSM.

Alba- Pine ale, actually very good, tastes like a christmas tree:D
Ebulum- Elderberry. Interesting.
Fraoch- The original heather ale, I really like this stuff but it does get a little sweet after your fourth or fifth pint.
Kelpie- Seaweed ale, a little salty black beer, strange but nice.
and you have tried the Grozet, I quite enjoyed it, sweet and crisp gooseberry wheat beer.

The Belhaven "fruit beer" is an interesting one too, it tastes like a bottle full of Jammy Dodgers. I am so wishing I was where you are right now, I miss real beer.:(

[johnny]

Had an IPA recently, holy maltarooney! That's some malty beer baby! Not a bad one, better on the cooler days though I think.

The Kingfisher here is brewed in India, top drop. Had a Weihenstphan (sp) lately that was quite sweet but nice. Still loving the Kilkenneys but only allow one a week as they are around AUS$8 a schooner here for me.

['Ross]

Didn't know where to put this so:

Has anyone tried a drink called 'birds nest'? I don't even know if its alcoholic (doubt it) but it was one of the most disgusting things Ive ever drank! The ingredients said '100% pure birds nest' :eek::confused:

[Gone_4_A_Ride]

Stones ginger beer! because you can drink a carton and not be hungover :D oh yeah and did i mention that its tastes great!

[Justin Fox]

I love a crispy beer. Asahi and Kirin for me.

[leitch]

I love a crispy beer. Asahi and Kirin for me.

I'm a big big fan of both these beers. Asahi moreso - such a great beer when nice and cold after a ride or just a warm Brissie day.

[Fatman]

I'm a big big fan of both these beers. Asahi moreso - such a great beer when nice and cold after a ride or just a warm Brissie day.

I suppose if you run out of soda water either beer will suffice. I tried tonnes of different beer in Japan but mostly found the breweries neglected to add one essential ingredient, flavour.
Most of the Jap beer you get in Aus is not what you think it is anyway, Kirin is from Australia, Asahi is from Thailand and Sapporo is from Canada. It's just not right.
I drank a disgraceful amount of Kirin from Japan to England but that was mostly due to the lack of a water bottle. If you do like this style check out Cascade Green and Michelob Ultra, they have no flavour too.

[tupper]

I bought a pitcher of Bali Hai today..
After i knew it was a stupid decision..

[Fatman]

I bought a pitcher of Bali Hai today..
After i knew it was a stupid decision..

I must admit I have never tried this one, please explain.

[tupper]

I must admit I have never tried this one, please explain.

Weak and tasteless..
I really don't recommend it.

[Fatman]

Weak and tasteless..
I really don't recommend it.

Thankyou tupper, I will avoid it if I ever do come across it. Actually who am I kidding, try all beers without fear or favour. I will consider myself warned though.:D

[alpinestar12]

The beer I've most enjoyed was a Hoegaarden from tap in a glass. I tried it again in a bottle and didn't enjoy it as much. It was probably just me though.

[Fatman]

The beer I've most enjoyed was a Hoegaarden from tap in a glass. I tried it again in a bottle and didn't enjoy it as much. It was probably just me though.

Big fan of Hoegaarden, I've had it all over Sydney at different pubs but on draught in Belgium was pretty damn good. It's a bit misleading about it's heritage though, it was brewed in 1445 but the production stopped and was resurrected in the 70's in the town of Hoegaarden. The Vorboden Vrucht and Hoegaarden Grand Cru are pretty damn good too, I'm a regular partaker of both, actually all. 1 case of Hoegaarden a month is barely enough but now the weather is cooling off I might just have to go for the darker beers, Gouden Carolus Classic anyone?

[sawtell]

Carlton Dry Fusion, Imitation being the nicest form of flattery this stuff is almost identical to the above except it is 25% lower in carbs than regular full strength beer. The flavour is very similar but a little more beery and dry. Still has that briny aftertaste and seems to make you thirsty but is 4.2% 355ml and 14 bucks a six pack.
Don't go looking at Dan Murphy's for this one they have decided not to range it.



where do you get such a beer? i have tried boozle.com.au, but can not seem to find it any where in victoria?

[Fatman]

where do you get such a beer? i have tried boozle.com.au, but can not seem to find it any where in victoria?

It's really not worth tracking down but you might get lucky. I tried my two best online beer sources
www.internationalbeershop.com.au (http://www.internationalbeershop.com.au)

and

www.beerstore.com.au (http://www.beerstore.com.au)

and neither had it on file. It's just like Miller Chill, it really isn't good.

[Pete J]

Anyone for a 1.25L bottle of beer? Just the thing for quenching that hefty thirst...
http://www.uusisuomi.fi/files/kuvat/Iso_Karhu_olut.full.jpg

[Fatman]

Anyone for a 1.25L bottle of beer? Just the thing for quenching that hefty thirst...
http://www.uusisuomi.fi/files/kuvat/Iso_Karhu_olut.full.jpg

Thats a big puppy! The Karhu I had was significantly smaller than that one, I feel cheated.:p
If you were really thirsty you could always go a Darwin stubby or perhaps a mini keg.

[Ryan]

Anyone for a 1.25L bottle of beer? Just the thing for quenching that hefty thirst...
http://www.uusisuomi.fi/files/kuvat/Iso_Karhu_olut.full.jpg

Hideously enough, you can get San Miguel in 1.5L plastic bottles here in the UK.

In a "generally upsetting Fatman" vein - I have discovered in this last week that I live exactly 8 minutes on bike from an excellent real ale house that has Landlord on the pump. Win. Epic, epic, win.

[scblack]

Still loving the Kilkenneys but only allow one a week as they are around AUS$8 a schooner here for me.
I actually had my first Kilkenny on St.Pats Day this year - oh what a lovely drop! Pints of Kilkenny & Guinness were $5.50 and schooners of Carlton Draught was $7.00 - go figure!

I have brewed a number of Irish Red brews, and love them, but for some reason had never had a Kilkenny. Possibly my favoured pub drink now. Not a session beer but my favourite nevertheless.

[johnny]

Oh GOD I miss brewing....

[rgsupergrover]

Im sorry, but Duvel just takes it out on all levels. You should do dome research.
XD, which reminds me, I have to go get fundamentaly marinated by doing some research.

[scottmeister]

I'm no fan of stouts, but Young's Double Chocolate Stout is superb! For all round cheap out with mates no hangover goes down a treat beer, I've been liking Boags Blonde lately. Then I get home and crack open a little creatures and all is well....:)

[leitch]

I've been liking Boags Blonde lately.

Really? The extended prefix notwithstanding, I found it quite tasteless bland and not particularly enjoyable at all when I tried it last...

[johnny]

IPA.

This malty beer is the maltiest beer that malt ever malted.

Malt.

[scottmeister]

Really? The extended prefix notwithstanding, I found it quite tasteless bland and not particularly enjoyable at all when I tried it last...

Sure beats every other cheap, low carb full strength beer I've tried.

Anyway, whens someone going to make scotch connoisseurs thread?? :D

[alpinestar12]

Really? The extended prefix notwithstanding, I found it quite tasteless bland and not particularly enjoyable at all when I tried it last...

Cascade Blonde is quite nice, actually has some flavour. Look for the girl on the label/tap:
http://www.rent-a-keg.com.au/Cascade_Blonde_Large.jpg

My young mate insisted on buying Toohey's Extra Dry Platinums the other night, and I had almost no money, so had to drink them. Damn they taste shit! definetly one for the "worst beer thread"!

[Matt H]

Anyway, whens someone going to make scotch connoisseurs thread?? :D

Only is it after many a beer has been consumed, and supplies are dwindling that I will even consider the stuff. In said example however, anything in a bottle will suffice...

[leitch]

Sure beats every other cheap, low carb full strength beer I've tried.

Anyway, whens someone going to make scotch connoisseurs thread?? :D

Well that'd make sense then, my low-carb consumption has been limited to half a bottle of Pure Blonde and about two mouthfuls of the aforementioned Boags Blonde. Not much a fan of either of them :p

As for scotch, I wouldn't know the first thing about it. Except maybe that I don't particularly like it very much :p I guess it's an acquired taste that I haven't yet persevered with.

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

Anyway, whens someone going to make scotch connoisseurs thread?? :D

When you heathens stop referring to it as Scotch and start calling it by it's proper name 'Whisky'

;)

Stuck on a rig just now so no pints and no drams for me but I'm back on the beach on Monday. I've got a massive thirst on, a giant Tesco (with a stupendous ale selection) near my folks houseand my old man's got a 25yr old bottle of Talisker left over from his birthday. I can't wait!

[sawtell]

fat man, i tired that carlton fusion. im not sure if it was off b eing old, or..... but it was damn right disgusting, it tasted like rotting fruit.

the only 'lime fused' beer i will ever drink is miller chill. but i still dotn like drinking that, if i wanted to drink somthing that tasted like alcholc cordial, i would buy a pack of cruisers.




some one name me a beer to buy tonight, from a normal bottle shop. i want to try somthing different, and i hate choosing.

[Christo]

fat man, i tired that carlton fusion. im not sure if it was off b eing old, or..... but it was damn right disgusting, it tasted like rotting fruit.

the only 'lime fused' beer i will ever drink is miller chill. but i still dotn like drinking that, if i wanted to drink somthing that tasted like alcholc cordial, i would buy a pack of cruisers.




some one name me a beer to buy tonight, from a normal bottle shop. i want to try somthing different, and i hate choosing.

Carlton Fusion is crap, so is that Miller garbage.

Normal bottle shop? Try Boag's St George.

Cascade Green is quite good & it makes you feel all carbony neautrally...

[Joy]

I had this awesome Bacon tasting one at the Brewhouse once. Can't remember the name.

Any fruity flavoured beers should be banned. Yuck

[stoff]

I can still remember my first experience with Miller Chill. I had had a long hard day at work and went over to my parents place for dinner. Walked in, said hi to Mum and headed to the beer fridge. Looked in and all there was was this beer with a strange mexican themed looking label which I had never seen before. I assumed it would be something like Corona, not good, but still a cold beer. Thought fair enough, I'll give it a go. Cracked it open as I walked outside to see my old man, had a sip, gagged, and sprayed the entire mouthful of the stuff across the lawn. Old man just goes, "it got you too eh?" and starts pissing himself laughing. Turns out my sister who manages a pub had got a bunch during a promotion and decided it was too undrinkable to finish off before she left for overseas.

Sawtell - try the Trumer Pils if you haven't yet (it's seems to be fairly readily available now and is not a bad beer).

[Cranx]

Back when I first started drinking beer (25 odd years ago), Hubby and I went on a tour of the Swan Brewery. I must say, even to an unsophisicated palate, their fresh brew off-tap was awesome. I can't say the same for what ends up in the bottle shops.

I do like coronas with a slice of lime.

James Boag's premium is another I enjoy.

The Colonial Brewery at Margaret River has a nice Pale Ale.

I tried Blonde once. That surprised me.

My son has intoduced me to some Belgian and German wheat beers. Weihenstephaner Plisner is the only one I've liked so far.

[bonkers]

Tooths KB Lager......

[RCOH]

Redoak review, in today's SMH (edit: it is an old review but meh)

http://www.smh.com.au/news/bar-reviews/redoak-beer-cafe/2005/10/20/1129401352052.html



Where are we there next, boys?

[Fatman]

Redoak review, in today's SMH (edit: it is an old review but meh)

http://www.smh.com.au/news/bar-reviews/redoak-beer-cafe/2005/10/20/1129401352052.html



Where are we there next, boys?

Sorry Rod, I'm on my way there this arvo,:o should be there about 4ish. I'm meeting up with a few blokes before a fine wine dinner at the intercontinental. Gee working for uncle dan is hard.:D

Next time we have an outing I'll make sure I save up the penny's beforehand, the last one was a blinder and the more farkers the merrier.

[TheBofh]

After my recent trip home & after trying Guinness in many many countries I have to say that this is probably the best Pint I've ever tasted:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c43/thebofh/GuinnessPint.jpg

Why: It was at the Guinness Storehouse at St James's Gate & had to be the freshest pint I've ever had. If I really had to quibble I would say that it was left to settle too long after the initial pour before the top up but that's being really pedantic.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c43/thebofh/guinnessstjamessgate.jpg

PS. It was nice to have a pint of Beamish again, something I've been fancying for some years.

[Cameo]

RedAngus Pils was pretty good I thought, unlike Gulden Draak at $8 a pop, and packing 10.5% it tasted like utter crap. Desperado's with a touch of tequila went down nice, it's good to have something 'odd' every once in a while.

[Joy]

RedAngus Pils was pretty good I thought, unlike Gulden Draak at $8 a pop, and packing 10.5% it tasted like utter crap. Desperado's with a touch of tequila went down nice, it's good to have something 'odd' every once in a while.

Really not a fan of RedAngus....
Picked up a carton of Hahn Super Dry because it was on special. I slammed that badboy faster than any carton I've ever had. Went down very easily and tastes great i thought. I'm a thin dude as it is, so the low carb spin isn't really relevant or important to me.

[emcgough]

If I really had to quibble I would say that it was left to settle too long after the initial pour before the top up but that's being really pedantic.
I worked at a bar in England in a horse racing/sales town. My god the Irish horse owners that came over during sales time were pedantic about the pour of their Guinness. A pour that would have even the fussiest Pom satisfied could still go down terribly with one of those Irish fellas.

[ajay]

After my recent trip home & after trying Guinness in many many countries I have to say that this is probably the best Pint I've ever tasted:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c43/thebofh/GuinnessPint.jpg

Why: It was at the Guinness Storehouse at St James's Gate & had to be the freshest pint I've ever had. If I really had to quibble I would say that it was left to settle too long after the initial pour before the top up but that's being really pedantic.



Yeah it lives up to expectation!

Definately my best pint too:cool:

Having said that, there are plenty of fine stouts in Ireland apart from Guinness...

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

Having said that, there are plenty of fine stouts in Ireland apart from Guinness...

Yeah when I was working down in West Cork a few years ago, Murphy's was the stout du jour. Beautiful stuff...

[Fatman]

RedAngus Pils was pretty good I thought, unlike Gulden Draak at $8 a pop, and packing 10.5% it tasted like utter crap. Desperado's with a touch of tequila went down nice, it's good to have something 'odd' every once in a while.

I thought it was pretty ordinary myself, perhaps DeBortoli should stick with making goon. Gulden Draak crap? Philistine.;)

After my recent trip home & after trying Guinness in many many countries I have to say that this is probably the best Pint I've ever tasted

Ahh the gravity bar, so many memories. I must admit I got carried away up there, but I still prefer Beamish or Murphy's. I seem to recall a lovely black called Black Opal but as with most of my Irish adventures the memories are very hazy.:p

[TheBofh]

I worked at a bar in England in a horse racing/sales town. My god the Irish horse owners that came over during sales time were pedantic about the pour of their Guinness. A pour that would have even the fussiest Pom satisfied could still go down terribly with one of those Irish fellas.I've always found that attitude bizarre; there are so many great beers in England but a lot of Irish lads go miles out of their way to get a crap Guinness?

Yeah when I was working down in West Cork a few years ago, Murphy's was the stout du jour. Beautiful stuff...Murphy's is a worse traveller than Guinness unfortunately or it would have a better following. It's also a pride thing; the Corkonian won't drink the Dubliner's drink. Beamish is also a really good stout; it's a lot maltier than either Guinness or Murphy's, very reminiscent of a stout called Gillespies that I used to get in Northern Ireland.

[Mattydv]

Picked up a carton of Hahn Super Dry because it was on special. I slammed that badboy faster than any carton I've ever had. Went down very easily and tastes great i thought.
I was surprised with it after the DW too.

[molzy13]

my top 5

1) miller's chill ;)great beer
2) corona
3) coopers pale ale
4) coopers sparkling ale
5) crown larger

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

Beamish is also a really good stout; it's a lot maltier than either Guinness or Murphy's, very reminiscent of a stout called Gillespies that I used to get in Northern Ireland.

Christ, that takes me back. Gillespies, the scottish stout. Was quite a nice drop - more so than the Guinness you'd get in Scotland - but sadly I've not seen it at all for close to 10 years now. I think the might of Guinness (and to a lesser extent Murphy's and Beamish) pushed them out of the market.

Last night I was digging into a bottle of St Peter's Organic Ale. Quite an interesting one. 4.5%, the first thing I noticed was the smell. Not unlike sticking your nose into a bag of hydro. There also seemed to be the slightest hint of weed in the aftertaste as well but sadly I remained quite un-stoned after the bottle. Still, it was a refreshing citrus-y beer and one I'll be picking up again next time I'm at the shops.

[ajay]

my top 5

1) miller's chill ;)great beer
2) corona
3) coopers pale ale
4) coopers sparkling ale
5) crown larger


That just makes no sense whatsoever.:confused:

The 1st isnt beer, the 2nd is hardly beer, the 3rd and 4th are fantastic beers and the 5th is.... yeah whatever...

[C.H.B]

Tui enough said.BLOODY KIWI'S!,no..
....Tui is a nice drop mate,me i like Boags,its that spring water they make it with you know?.......;)

[Spanky_Ham]

I sat in a small pub in Brugge Belgium and worked my way along through a 'beer' list that was ~10 pages long, with each beer having its own glass.

So many were so nice, the trappist and lambic beers varied so much....went back three afternoons.... didnt get too far through the beer menu.

Basically had a beer tour round Europe visiting all the breweries... worked in a pub in the UK that had cask conditioned ale cellar.... anyone got a liver?

best Beer why and when
1) See above story
2) My next beer......

spanky

/I homebrew 'good' beer
// any beer can be good... just depends on the situation. VB's great when all your gunna do is piss it up against the wall and spew it on your dog. Wouldnt do that with JamesSquire though.

[scblack]

Last night I was digging into a bottle of St Peter's Organic Ale. Quite an interesting one. 4.5%, the first thing I noticed was the smell. Not unlike sticking your nose into a bag of hydro. There also seemed to be the slightest hint of weed in the aftertaste as well but sadly I remained quite un-stoned after the bottle. Still, it was a refreshing citrus-y beer and one I'll be picking up again next time I'm at the shops.
Did you know Hops are in the same plant family as marijuana? True.

[lucky13]

well, after some initial scepticism due to the smell, the Matilda Bay Alpha Pale Ale i'm currently sucking on is a damn fine beer.

usually after drinking Tooheys New and goon all night, everything tastes bad.... but these little beauties are going down better than an Islington street walker.

go buy them.(the beer that is, Islington girls are bad for you).

[nizai]

Im going to flip this one and say, the worst beer ive had recently is Stella Artois.

Has anyone else had the pleasure of cracking open a fresh stella only to be greeted by a harsh tasting load of swill? Only to read on the label that its locally brewed now under licence?

At work we had a CUB Stella and a Belgian Stella next to eachother for the taste test, and I can tell ya, the local one is shit.

Reminds me of this....

http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/gallery/screenshots/9f14/9f14_044.jpg

[Fatman]

Im going to flip this one and say, the worst beer ive had recently is Stella Artois.

Has anyone else had the pleasure of cracking open a fresh stella only to be greeted by a harsh tasting load of swill? Only to read on the label that its locally brewed now under licence?

At work we had a CUB Stella and a Belgian Stella next to eachother for the taste test, and I can tell ya, the local one is shit.

Reminds me of this....

http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/gallery/screenshots/9f14/9f14_044.jpg

Agreed to some extent, some of the imported Stella is so oxidised and poorly travelled that it tastes far worse than the local. Freshness again is key, many people who have tried and dislike foreign beers owe it to drinking an old dog of a thing that has been gathering dust under someone's bar for two years.

The stuff brewed under licence is not the same as the original, the biggest problem I have with it is not the taste but the lengths the breweries go to to hide the fact it's made here and the associated price.

Still, as much as I love imports I'm really trying to get through as many local small brews as possible right now, a couple of Fish Rock Red Emperor are going down quite nicely, as is the Murray's Grand Cru and Beechworth 'Bling' IPA.

[nizai]

On a positive note, one of the best beers I have ever had was in New Zealand recently after driving 480km's from Nelson to Franz Josef, I was greeted by a frosty pint glass filled with Mac's Pilsner. Not a bad drop after such a trek.

Also quite enjoyed Montieth's range of beers whilst touring the land of the long white cloud. And pleasantly surprised that my local bottle'o stocks both Macs and Montieths.

N

[leitch]

One I had neglected to mention earlier and which I re-visited with much enthusiasm on Wednesday - The Bowery Ale. It's the house ale of a little cocktail bar in Brisbane, brewed locally. Great flavour with an awesome orange/citrus finish and it goes down so well.

Also tried Duke for the first time - another local from SEQ. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the Bowery, but it is definitely a nice little brew I'll be chasing up.

[Fatman]

One of Fatty's favourite times of the year has come around again, Cacade have released the 2008 First Harvest.
I have been enjoying these for quite a number of years now and I must say there hasn't been a disappointing year. For the uninitiated this green hop brew is made from Guy Fawkes, Mill Line and Strickland Falls hops which are freshly picked and taken straight to the brewery to add to the brew. This is different because hops are usually taken to oast houses to dry out.

This year the dark coppery brew is fresh and full bodied, not as bitter as some years but still enough to keep it interesting. It's a little treacley and the malt sweetness and body is balanced beautifully by the fresh green hops, it's 5.5% abv and a cracker of a beer. It's the complete antithesis of their awful "Green" beer so don't mistake the First Harvest Green Hop brew for their other stuff.

You may have guessed I'm a bit of a fan, the only gripe I have is that it is so expensive. Expect to pay upwards of twenty dollars a six pack and seventy five plus for a case. I have already bought my case and will probably go another.;) It's a limited release so if you miss out this year you will have to wait for the next.

I know it's only 9am but I've just talked myself into having another one.
Cheers.

[KWICKS]

Best local beer

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1216/555689806_917809d6f8.jpg?v=0

Best international bier

http://www.hanszngrietje.nl/custom/Duvel.JPG

[Fatman]

I don't know how many of you are able to get up to the Hornsby area but I have just tried a beautiful stout that is made locally.
Happy Goblin is a tiny brewery located a little north of here, the 'Pale Ale' has been around for a while but tonight I tried their Stout and a gorgeous one it is. Deep and dark with a coppery golden head, the mouthfeel is silky smooth and the rich aromas of sweet molasses and berries with a hint of banana. The finish is intense and a little bitter, best enjoyed at room temperature and perfect for these cold evenings.

Each batch from this brewery is a bit special as they are pretty much all different, the labels have the details hand written on them and the flavour is pretty damn good too, not bitter, plenty for the malt fans.

I ran into the brewer in a shopping centre carpark about a year ago and got talking with him, a really switched on guy who is passionate about his beer. As far as I know it is only sold in Hornsby Heights and in Waitara but I'm sure it's getting around.

If you see it I highly recommend giving a local brewer a go.

[dunndog]

Every year when the white stuff falls and beckons me toward the hotham area, that sweet sweet hellfire ale at the bright brewey lures me in for a few on tap and a slab in the wagon. Beautiful dark ale with a slight fruity aftertaste. Right up there in pure, crisp refreshing ales.

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

A fortnight ago I headed out with some mates for an all-day session in the picturesque wee fishing village of Stonehaven, just south of Aberdeen. There i stumbled upon The Marine Hotel (http://www.britnett-carver.co.uk/stonehaven/marinereopens.html). Quite possibly the greatest pub I've ever come across.

On tap they had everything from Timothy Taylor's Landlord, to a weird Belgian peach beers, the obligatory Framboise ale, Dunnoter Ale (a local brew), Chimay, Erdinger Weissbrau, another local 80/ and a few more European lagers. The bottle assortment was fantastic with almost everything you could ask for (with the exception of Bud and Miller, much to the discernment of the most unadventurous guy I know :rolleyes:).

Add to this the fact that you could sit outside on the harbour wall and check out the amazing view.

For the record, I had (as far as I can remember) Timothy Taylors landlord which was great! The Dunnotar ale which was really nice although not astounding, some of the peach beer which was refreshing as an inbetweener, Some erdinger which was it's usual self and a really nice Belgian lager that for the life of me I can't remember the name of. It was about 5.1% (no it wasn't Stella before you ask...)

[Tomas]

It was about 5.1% (no it wasn't Stella before you ask...)

Hardly worth drinking then is it!

[Tomas]

I don't know how many of you are able to get up to the Hornsby area but I have just tried a beautiful stout that is made locally.
Happy Goblin is a tiny brewery located a little north of here, the 'Pale Ale' has been around for a while but tonight I tried their Stout and a gorgeous one it is. Deep and dark with a coppery golden head, the mouthfeel is silky smooth and the rich aromas of sweet molasses and berries with a hint of banana. The finish is intense and a little bitter, best enjoyed at room temperature and perfect for these cold evenings.

Each batch from this brewery is a bit special as they are pretty much all different, the labels have the details hand written on them and the flavour is pretty damn good too, not bitter, plenty for the malt fans.

I ran into the brewer in a shopping centre carpark about a year ago and got talking with him, a really switched on guy who is passionate about his beer. As far as I know it is only sold in Hornsby Heights and in Waitara but I'm sure it's getting around.

If you see it I highly recommend giving a local brewer a go.

I saw they had stockists on their site, but can one turn up and buy a few bottles? How did you aquire said brew?

[Ryan]

Would have to agree with Fatman on the First Harvest range from Cascade, always ridiculously good even if they are ridiculously pricey. If you see it, buy it. Don't even think about the price and the various people in your life who will chastise you for paying $20+ for 6 beers. Do it.

I had a Butcombe Breweries Pale Ale last night. It was brilliant. Now I am having another, which is equally brilliant. A lot richer and more complex in flavour than most Pales and an excellent summer drink.

I've found some sort of super-off licence that's literally at the bottom of one of the exits to my local DH track here in Bristol. I discovered it last week. My liver is in serious jeaporady. Light until 10pm here at the moment so; knock of work, ride out to the woods, punch out 5-10 runs, do cutties down the dirt road to the offy, grab 4-5 new ales from the offy, ride home, drink, pass out, win. Repeat.

[Fatman]

I saw they had stockists on their site, but can one turn up and buy a few bottles? How did you aquire said brew?

Jim's Cellars in Waitara had some in the fridge, $10.50 a pop I think which isn't too bad considering one bottle of this stuff is a "Binge" (3.9std)
I'm not sure if you can just turn up to the brewery and buy it though, you can however have a special brew laid down for you to your own specifications, can be costly though.
A case of the Pale ale is $35 for 12.

Originally Posted by PINT of Stella, mate!
It was about 5.1% (no it wasn't Stella before you ask...)


Wasn't De Koninck was it? Seems to pop up everywhere in the UK.


Ryan I am extremely jealous, I had an offy like that near where I lived. Tried a Thomas Hardy's Ale yet?

[toodles]

Damn.... I've finally found a beer I won't drink. Leffe Blonde... Ergh :( Couldn't even finish the bottle.

[scblack]

Damn.... I've finally found a beer I won't drink. Leffe Blonde... Ergh :( Couldn't even finish the bottle.
I didn't like it either. I did finish the bottle, but won't touch it again.

[KWICKS]

Love a Leffe Blonde! HTFU and gedditintaya!:D

[DunCon]

ok i have a few favourites first off

stella artos
becks
heiniken
carlton draft
melbourne bitter
vic bitter
corona (sometimes)
coopers with a steak
xxxx when i have no money but i still like it
oh and of course i like the good old crown larger

but i will drink any beer aslong as it is beer

as you can tell i like beer

[Graunched]

Not the best beer i have ever had but IMO Tooheys Extra Dry is the best beer for hair of the dog after a massive night..................

[aussieDCLXVI]

ive tried over 40 beers. which might not be alot to some but oh well. Went to a beer festival and thats how i tried about 32 of them. The only bad thing is i had just over an hour to do it so it was rushed, and after the first 10 they all start to taste similar. I found you only remember the odd few you dont like.
From memory, Murrys creek was weird tasting. A weat beer called Red back from W.A was very strong and left a hectic after taste. And some of the stouts were very thick and strong! Guiness is like water compared to a cascade stout.. infact guiness is really weak and shit all together.

After all that i find it hard to pass a tooheys new:rolleyes:

But Amsterdam is a great larger, and cheap! maybe its because we tax our grog too much idk?

That beer festival was awsum, the guys there kept one of each bottle and gave it to me the next day so i could start collecting :D Heaps of world beers.

p.s one to look out for is a bavaria, it was something like 8% alc. Do the job in half the time!! (if your on the binge that is ;))

[Fatman]

Another success from the Happy Goblin, today I gave their Strong ale a lash and I'm impressed. That's three from three for this little brewery, I'm loving their work.

The Strong ale is a deep amber with a complex aroma of asparagus, dried fruit and confectionery. It has a full body, the alcohol content is a generous 6.5 and the finish is dry and lingering. A very nice drop for those not afraid of flavour, it's truly delicious. I will definately be partaking in many more of these and I got some re-enforcements of the stout I had last night.

On a side note, the antithesis of these were the Liquor Legends Lager that I sampled as well. I had a go at the mid-strength and the premium, both were pretty damn ordinary. Both were visually quite appealing but the flavour and aroma were rubbish, almost as bad as that awful Hammer 'n' Tong crap. I have a feeling it will do very well. Strangely enough I think I would rather drink Budweiser or Corona even though they rate a 1 out of 10 in my book.

And to further lengthen a too long post I would love to hear from any of you to recommend a Bottle shop. I have some favourites that I frequent often for unusual beers but my knowledge needs expanding. Help a brother out, tell me who provides a decent selection for the discerning ale drinker.
My fave's are:
Northmead Cellars
Jim's Cellars (Waitara and Crows Nest)
Where I work of course (not telling)
Vintage Cellars St Ives
www.internationalbeershop.com.au (http://www.internationalbeershop.com.au)

Anyone got some more?

[scblack]

And to further lengthen a too long post I would love to hear from any of you to recommend a Bottle shop. I have some favourites that I frequent often for unusual beers but my knowledge needs expanding. Help a brother out, tell me who provides a decent selection for the discerning ale drinker.
My fave's are:
Northmead Cellars
Jim's Cellars (Waitara and Crows Nest)
Where I work of course (not telling)
Vintage Cellars St Ives
www.internationalbeershop.com.au (http://www.internationalbeershop.com.au)

Anyone got some more?
I am heading to Cellarbrations at Baulkham Hills when I have to buy something. They have a pretty decent selection of beers and wines.

[jrewing]

Anyone tried the chimay grand reserve, yum yum. pricy at $18 for a 700ml bottle. 9% when bottled but generally up in the double figures because of bottle conditioning.
cant beat coopers green for the long drinking sessions. fuck it I'm going to the bottleshop now

[scblack]

Anyone tried the chimay grand reserve, yum yum. pricy at $18 for a 700ml bottle. 9% when bottled but generally up in the double figures because of bottle conditioning.
Are you sure of that post bottle conditioning ABV figure?

With home brewing, adding sugars for the carbonation, which essentially is bottle conditioning, adds about 0.5%.

I reckon if you are adding 2.0% or more, that would be creating bottle bombs. Just checking you for the numbers.:)

[jrewing]

9% as quoted on the bottle. Beer and brewer mag reckoned it to be in the tens when they rated it. Certainly lightens the head after one

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

Wasn't De Koninck was it? Seems to pop up everywhere in the UK.
[/I]

That's the badger!

Haven't really seen it anywhere else up in this neck of the woods - it still tends to be yer kronenbourgs, Stellas, Heinekens etc. with the occasional Polish brew for the barstaff.

Quite liked it at the time, although only had a couple as I was trying to get my way through a shiteload of ales as well.

[Fatman]

That's the badger!

Haven't really seen it anywhere else up in this neck of the woods - it still tends to be yer kronenbourgs, Stellas, Heinekens etc. with the occasional Polish brew for the barstaff.

Quite liked it at the time, although only had a couple as I was trying to get my way through a shiteload of ales as well.

Trust your local Fatman to come up with the goods:D

I must have had quite a few at almost every Wetherspoons I came across, the Ambre anyway. I did see it around quite a bit in Belgium too.......unlike Stella.
Have a Landlord for me next-time you are there, I haven't seen the likes of Aberdeen for almost three years now. I do miss it though.

[Tomas]

Damn.... I've finally found a beer I won't drink. Leffe Blonde... Ergh :( Couldn't even finish the bottle.

Im with fatman, i had a bottle of leffe blonde at 10am on the train out of paris. Never again.

[Tomas]

Anyone tried the chimay grand reserve, yum yum. pricy at $18 for a 700ml bottle. 9% when bottled but generally up in the double figures because of bottle conditioning.
cant beat coopers green for the long drinking sessions. fuck it I'm going to the bottleshop now

Chimay is okay. Better than a lot of other stuff, still not the best IMO.

And as far as tripples go, 9.5% is in the low end of the spectrum.

[Fatman]

Im with fatman, i had a bottle of leffe blonde at 10am on the train out of paris. Never again.

???????

I actually enjoy a chalice or seven of the old Leffe Blonde, especially at 10am. It's definately not one of my favourites but I'll never refuse one (not that one's been offered:o).

That's why there are so many beers out there, each has their own limits. Right now I'm going to get more of the sensational local Happy Goblin Stout. (If you're having real trouble getting some of this stuff Tomas I could be persuaded to send you some)

Getting above 10% is getting into Barley Wine territory, not that it's a bad thing. Chimay is great but you must try Unibroue "Terrible".

[Tomas]

???????

I actually enjoy a chalice or seven of the old Leffe Blonde, especially at 10am. It's definately not one of my favourites but I'll never refuse one (not that one's been offered:o).

That's why there are so many beers out there, each has their own limits. Right now I'm going to get more of the sensational local Happy Goblin Stout. (If you're having real trouble getting some of this stuff Tomas I could be persuaded to send you some)

Getting above 10% is getting into Barley Wine territory, not that it's a bad thing. Chimay is great but you must try Unibroue "Terrible".

I am such a fan of the tripples. Since visitng belgium, im such a convert. Cold weather + the extra aftertaste warmth of a nice tripple = to die for. Still have a few sitting on my shelf!

Sorry Fatman, i meant scblack. At 4 euro for a leffe and a croissant at 10AM, how could i refuse! Im not sure if the dark is any better....?

[Fatman]

I am such a fan of the tripples. Since visitng belgium, im such a convert. Cold weather + the extra aftertaste warmth of a nice tripple = to die for. Still have a few sitting on my shelf!

Sorry Fatman, i meant scblack. At 4 euro for a leffe and a croissant at 10AM, how could i refuse! Im not sure if the dark is any better....?

Leffe Brune is good but the Vielle Cuvee is sensational, purple label. There are sooooo many triples out there you should try, St Nicholas from Redoak is one of them.

[jrewing]

Geez, i can see Farkin beer tasting sessions happening at your local boutique bottleshop.

All this talk of belgium or German beer is seriously depressing me. i just cut our motorhoming trip around Europe short. Wife and i were following WSBK and MOTOGP circuit around until she fell pregges and couldn't keep food or drink down.
I should be drinking loads of dunkel right know...ah well. I just have to look forward to explaining the finer points of beer with my boy/girl.

[Graunched]

Went to a pub in Brugge in Belgium that sold over 300 different types of beer. You know you are in a good place when the choice of beers stretches over +10 pages.....:D

[nikmcc]

Went to a pub in Brugge in Belgium that sold over 300 different types of beer. You know you are in a good place when the choice of beers stretches over +10 pages.....:D

is that "brugges beertje"?

i was there like a month ago, my most favourite place in the world!


Best beer ever "Trappist Rochefort 6"

[Graunched]

is that "brugges beertje"?

i was there like a month ago, my most favourite place in the world!


Best beer ever "Trappist Rochefort 6"

Cant remember the name of the place as it was a few years ago and i have minimal recollection of the night but i can remember how to get back there...:rolleyes:

[Fatman]

Ahhhh Brugge. I wish I could remember more of it;). Fortunately I have plenty of photos, this place was my favourite. There was another little place by a canal (I know everywhere in Brugge in near a canal) that I can't remember the name of.
The brewery Maes was very good too, I had quite a few glasses of Brugge Zot.

http://farkin.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=89579&d=1197505480

[nikmcc]

mmm brugge, so many beers so little time.... I hope to get back there one day

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/taylorndt/DSC00093.jpg

That's just a sample of what's clogging up the fridge at the moment (don't worry, the coor's light is my stepfather's. He's a yank and therefore devoid of a beer palate)

The Deuchars IPA has been covered in depth by Fatman (and I've not started on them yet but it's always a winner) so I'll leave them alone. The two Williams Bros ales (Joker and Golden) have also been praised by myself so I'll concentrate on The Guinness and the Harviestoun bitter and twisted.


First off, Guinness Foreign Extra.
Saw this in Tesco and had a bit of a nostalgia trip. This is the Guinness that's brewed in Nigeria and it's just a wee bit different from it's Irish (and brewed under license) namesake.
For a start it's a punchy 7.5%! There's also no trademark Guinness creamy head. Instead the head is a weird purple/cola hue-almost like snakebite or rasberry ice cream in a coke spider. This is old skool stout for sure. Tastewise it's bloody sweet. Almost alcopop sweet! Quite deceptive really as you're almost tempted to skull it with no regard whatsoever to it's rocket fuel-like ABV. Damn nice and a hell of a lot more suited to a pissy cold Scottish June rather than Nigeria's oppresive humidity. All in all it left me thirsting for more and gave me the desire to start an elaborate 419 scam.

(Can I just head off on a random tangent to say that 'Duelling Banjos' has just come on the radio. How ace is that!:p)

Secondly we have the Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted.
Weighing in at a fairly pedestrian 4.2% this Blond Beer has the taste of something a little bit stronger. Rich in flavour with a zesty citrus aftertaste this ale is almost The Greatest Lager Ever but in disguise. I could probably go on for hours but I've noted that Fatman's already reviewed it and he's a lot better at beer descriptions than I so I'll keep it short by just saying they should serve this on tap in all good pubs.

I've also got a bottle of Caol Ila kicking about for a cheeky chaser (hey, I'm offshore in a few days for a dry month on a boat so I've decided to get to my stash before my mum and stepdad do whilst I'm away :rolleyes:)

Anyways. Lovely, rich, peaty Islay malt. Not quite as spectacular as Ardbeg or Laphroig this is still a whisky that says "Nae f***ing messing!"
It's a bit like pipe tobacco but in a liquid form. If that makes any sense. It probably tastes closest to Talisker but still has that weird initial Islay bite and strange almost viral taste that can only be described as 'Mayhem'

Nice.

[Fatman]

The Deuchars IPA has been covered in depth by Fatman (and I've not started on them yet but it's always a winner) so I'll leave them alone. The two Williams Bros ales (Joker and Golden) have also been praised by myself so I'll concentrate on The Guinness and the Harviestoun bitter and twisted.


For a start it's a punchy 7.5%! There's also no trademark Guinness creamy head. Instead the head is a weird purple/cola hue-almost like snakebite or rasberry ice cream in a coke spider. This is old skool stout for sure. Tastewise it's bloody sweet. Almost alcopop sweet! Quite deceptive really as you're almost tempted to skull it with no regard whatsoever to it's rocket fuel-like ABV. Damn nice and a hell of a lot more suited to a pissy cold Scottish June rather than Nigeria's oppresive humidity. All in all it left me thirsting for more and gave me the desire to start an elaborate 419 scam.

(Can I just head off on a random tangent to say that 'Duelling Banjos' has just come on the radio. How ace is that!:p)

Secondly we have the Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted.
Weighing in at a fairly pedestrian 4.2% this Blond Beer has the taste of something a little bit stronger. Rich in flavour with a zesty citrus aftertaste this ale is almost The Greatest Lager Ever but in disguise. I could probably go on for hours but I've noted that Fatman's already reviewed it and he's a lot better at beer descriptions than I so I'll keep it short by just saying they should serve this on tap in all good pubs.

I've also got a bottle of Caol Ila kicking about for a cheeky chaser (hey, I'm offshore in a few days for a dry month on a boat so I've decided to get to my stash before my mum and stepdad do whilst I'm away :rolleyes:)

Anyways. Lovely, rich, peaty Islay malt. Not quite as spectacular as Ardbeg or Laphroig this is still a whisky that says "Nae f***ing messing!"
It's a bit like pipe tobacco but in a liquid form. If that makes any sense. It probably tastes closest to Talisker but still has that weird initial Islay bite and strange almost viral taste that can only be described as 'Mayhem'

Nice.


I just glossed over the Deuchars and B&T, they are still well up on the favourite beers of all time list. I'm intrigued by the Nigerian Guinness though, I never found it in my local Tesco but then again I probably wasn't looking for it either.

My brother in law brought back a 1litre of Caol Isla recently, there are quite a few varieties of it but again an impeccable malt, I'd be leaving an asp around the bottle while away to discourage samplers.;)

[scblack]

Fatman, how did you go finding bottlo's around? Any decent ones near Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills or is that getting out of your territory so to speak?

[screw loose]

An old mate of mine's stepdad had the whole homebrew thing down PAT.

I love a stout. . the thick, creamy almost chocolatey stuff you can eat with a fork (wouldn't ya, Biff).

This man, livin' in mill park (outer suburb of Melbs) with the rotting toranas, and fifteen dogs and the resulting moonscape of a backyard, would put this filthy looking sludge into old coke bottles.

But I don't know how he did it, but god damn that was the BEST beer I've ever tasted. I was only ever lucky enough to taste it once. And now the legend lives on. . oh to taste that stout again. \
It was as though a boxer had learned to ballet dance and kept his true talent all to himself for fear of getting found out. Though I think his motive was more of greed than ensuing embarrassment. I hope you get my drift.

[Fatman]

Fatman, how did you go finding bottlo's around? Any decent ones near Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills or is that getting out of your territory so to speak?

The search continues, I found a few suggestions in Beer and Brewer magazine that should fit the bill nicely. These days with the price of fuel the way it is I tend to stay close to home but I'll always venture out for the right beer. I might also do a bit more internet shopping too, I haven't scratched the surface of international beer shop.

[Fatman]

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the bottle shop.:D

Taking a page out of Johnny's book and posting a few recent photos of the beer adventures of your friendly local Fatman.

Last week a beer tasting challenge was passed down from a mate, we managed to get through 26 new varieties before the evening got too far out of hand, not all are pictured.

The legendary Schiehallion, POSM has sung its praises but I will go further to say it is a lager that will ruin lager drinkers for anything else, it is just sensational. Please note that the glass has condensation on it creating the cloudy appearance, usually it is as clear as can be with a slight golden straw hue.

And today I found a case of what is usually reserved for those wishing to retain some sense of self respect when purchasing goon, the cleanskin. But cleanskin beer??????:confused: It's not actually all bad, it's $29.99 a case and is made in South Korea, there is however a spelling mistake when it says it's brewed by Hite brewery, an 'S' was left out somewhere. (I know Hite is a brand, don't get upset)

So here are the pics.

The Line-up for the second shot;
James Squire Pepperberry Winter Ale, Liquor Legends Lager, Harviestoun Schiehallion; Harviestoun Old Engine Oil, Estrella 1906; (The God) Timothy Taylor Landlord, Carolus Ambrio, Titje, Kaiserdom, Worthington's White Shield, Abbaye de Forest, Warka Strong, Silly Saison, Red Pig, Murray's Pilsner, Paulaner Organic, Peroni, Fullers Honey Dew, Mexicali Amber, Mexicali, Moretti La Rossa, Cintra, Shanghai.

[flying high dh killer]

Just got back from the UK and had some very nice beers. Picks were Deuchars IPA, Cairngorm's 'Tradewinds' and Black Cuillin Beer (more of a stout).

[Fatman]

Just got back from the UK and had some very nice beers. Picks were Deuchars IPA, Cairngorm's 'Tradewinds' and Black Cuillin Beer (more of a stout).

Nice one, all Scottish beers in there. Where did you have the Black? It's made on Skye, wasn't in the King Haakon Bar was it?
Deuchars is a favourite of mine too, it's probably been mentioned a thousand times on here.:o

[Fatman]

I forgot to add, Dan Murphy's have a new "Blonde" beer coming out for all those addicted to such god awful shite. 'Platinum Blonde' will be hitting stores near YOU! Consider yourselves warned.
These "Blonde" beers are giving real blonde beers a bad name. Death to low carb drinkers.

[screw loose]

I forgot to add, Dan Murphy's have a new "Blonde" beer coming out for all those addicted to such god awful shite. 'Platinum Blonde' will be hitting stores near YOU! Consider yourselves warned.
These "Blonde" beers are giving real blonde beers a bad name. Death to low carb drinkers.


Hear Hear.

1 Leffe Blonde please.

I don't know what that other stuff is. . or why they've called it blonde. And I am truly, truly amazed at how the low carb shit has taken off in australia. . I'm a little ashamed.

Drink beer or don't. But stay the fark away from that manufactured piss that calls itself a 'blonde' beer. It could be put to better use as toilet water.

[maxybon1234]

My favourite would have to Coopers Pale Ale, very good drop if I don't say so myself, second would have to be home brew. Theres my input. :)

[kammaz]

im a huge fan of sparkling ale, the main reason is because of its delicious flavor, but another equally important reason is because it is brewed and bottled in SA.

other beers that top the list are, the james squire range, fantastically crafted beer, with noticeable flavors!

[flying high dh killer]

Nice one, all Scottish beers in there. Where did you have the Black? It's made on Skye, wasn't in the King Haakon Bar was it?
Deuchars is a favourite of mine too, it's probably been mentioned a thousand times on here.:o

Didn't have it on Skye funnily enough, I had it at the Grog and Gruel in Fort William.

[Fatman]

Didn't have it on Skye funnily enough, I had it at the Grog and Gruel in Fort William.

Fair enough, many have had it at the King Haakon and not known it, the King Haakon Ale is just some of the Cuillin Brewery's finest, given that they aren't far away at Sligachan it's not surprising. Funilly enough I couldn't find it in Portree.:confused:
Fort Bill is a strange place too, excepting the WC it's full of Scotsmen searching for loose change in the hills.;)

On a slightly different tack it's time to mention one of my least favourite locals which has dressed its usual mutton as lamb in the way of a special anniversary brew.

Crown Lager has celebrated with its Crown Ambassador ale which is an interpretation of the regular Crown but with a few differences. The Ambassador is a bottle conditioned luxury ale which tips the scales at 9.8%abv and is reported to cellar for up to ten years. There have only been 5000 bottles produced, for any of you collectors I know the man that has number 5000 of 5000 and is selling it for profit only.

Despite the usual BS that companies come out with before such a release I thought this might be different, not so unfortunately. How much would you expect to pay for a beer like this? They come in a 750ml bottle with a wax seal and each are individually numbered, the box they come in also has a marketing department's wet dream of a blurb on it combined with an easily scuffed satin finished magnetically sealed box.

The Beer is brewed with the deservadly maligned Pride of Ringwood hop but spouts its pedigree as if it is something very special. As you may have guessed I am far from impressed, expect to pay upwards of $55 a bottle for this marketing gimmick, if you believe the blurb you will wait five years to find out it wasn't worth the effort.

Buy a case of something decent and forget this bollocks, fuck you very much goes to the CUB marketing department and an even bigger fuck you for naming it after one of the highest levels in the Amway corporation. Cheers.

[gravelclimber]

Tried a few of the Lobethal Bierhaus's beers recently. The heiferweizen and the IPA are superb. In fact, I reckon the IPA is the best Aussie beer I've tried.

[Raw Toast Man]

Little Creatures Pale Ale. Why? Because its a good beer. :)

[RCOH]

Beers had this weekend, in order from favourite to least favourite:

Whitstable Bay Organic Ale
James Squire Pepperberry Winter Ale
Spitfire Kentish Ale


And of, old faithful, Coopers Green.

[Fatman]

Beers had this weekend, in order from favourite to least favourite:

Whitstable Bay Organic Ale
James Squire Pepperberry Winter Ale
Spitfire Kentish Ale


And of, old faithful, Coopers Green.

NOOOOOOOO!

Oh Rod what happened? The Whitstable is definately the runt of the litter from Shepherd Neame. It was on tap at my local when I lived in England, I'd take a spitty any day. As for the Pepperberry I thought they just refilled the bottles with Coca Cola, far too over carbonated for a winter ale and severely lacking in flavour. If you weren't such a great guy with impeccable judgement I might feel a wrong had been done, I guess that's why there are so many beers in the world.:o

[Raw Toast Man]

Has anyone here heard of a beer called
Browns from Narooma?

[RCOH]

NOOOOOOOO!

Oh Rod what happened? The Whitstable is definately the runt of the litter from Shepherd Neame. It was on tap at my local when I lived in England, I'd take a spitty any day. As for the Pepperberry I thought they just refilled the bottles with Coca Cola, far too over carbonated for a winter ale and severely lacking in flavour. If you weren't such a great guy with impeccable judgement I might feel a wrong had been done, I guess that's why there are so many beers in the world.:o

I drank Whitstable first and it was not overly flavoursome but enjoyable. Then I had the pepperberry and it read nice but in practise tasted 'smoky' and not really appealing at all. Perhaps it deadened my palate because the Spitfire, which was next, could have been tooheys new for all the flavour it had.

I stand by my list :p

Next night out, you are there, we will drunk-tificate more

[Fatman]

Indeed we shall, the gorgeous spicy and bitter copper beer that is Kent's finest deserves defending, as the advertisement goes "Downed all over Kent just like the Luftwaffe". Love the Spitfire, both the beer and the most beautiful aircraft ever.
I have a few special ones for us to try next time, prepare thine liver.:D

[scblack]

I had a surprisingly good beer last week - BareFoot Radler.

As it says "Beer infused with Lemon and Lime."

Sounds a bit different huh - I was surprised that was damn well bloody good. After a hot ride, I think this would be the PERFECT beer. Very refreshing. Very summer style of beer. Only 4.2% so not a session beer for me, but a couple on a hot day would hit the spot.

[bb7 rider]

pabst blue ribbon! you know its good cause it won a blue ribbon.

[Fatman]

While I can keep my eyes open I'll post for this one, I've met a beer which acts like Horlicks and puts you to sleep.
Today I'm taking La Trappe Quadruple for a spin, a real Trappist Ale from Holland, it's expensive and comes in a cool cork sealed ceramic bottle but aesthetics aside how does it taste?

It pours a rather lively deep red/brown with a creamy generous head. The aroma is very rich treacle and sweet malt, it should be due to the amount of malt in this stuff. It's quite smooth with a dry finish but again very rich, the alcohol is very warming at 10% and as I said before it's making me sleepy.
I'm suprised it's not swarming with chunks of sediment but I did leave it for ages and didn't agitate the bottle before pouring it.

This is indeed quite an indulgent ale, If I could stay awake I'd have another.;)

[bodgie]

While I can keep my eyes open I'll post for this one, I've met a beer which acts like Horlicks and puts you to sleep.
Today I'm taking La Trappe Quadruple for a spin, a real Trappist Ale from Holland, it's expensive and comes in a cool cork sealed ceramic bottle but aesthetics aside how does it taste?

It pours a rather lively deep red/brown with a creamy generous head. The aroma is very rich treacle and sweet malt, it should be due to the amount of malt in this stuff. It's quite smooth with a dry finish but again very rich, the alcohol is very warming at 10% and as I said before it's making me sleepy.
I'm suprised it's not swarming with chunks of sediment but I did leave it for ages and didn't agitate the bottle before pouring it.

This is indeed quite an indulgent ale, If I could stay awake I'd have another.;)

Actually as i read that post an empty bottle of La Trappe Quadruple was sitting next to me. Was ok, wasnt an overly huge fan of it but still went down allright. But at 10% i'd like to see the result of a few of them in a row.

[Fatman]

I managed to attend a great beer function on Wednesday for Beer and Brewer magazine, got to meet some Aussie brewers and importers and get some of the goss as to what's happening in the near future.

Of course there were a few samplers available as well which I felt duty bound to try, suffice it to say there are some great new imports and locals about to hit the shelves.

Some interesting ones were;

Schofferhofer grapefruit weissbier
Murrays Porter and Pilsener
McLaren Vale Ale
Phuket Lager
Burragum Billi Organic
Radeburger Pils
Real Belgian Pils
Zatec
Moa 5 hop winter ale
Moa St Joseph
Schwartz Dark and Pale

Some were much better than others but again it's all down to the individual. Bring on Summer, there are some great beers on the way.

[Fatman]

It is indeed an auspicious occasion, I'm now officially 1000 beers old.(1007 to be precise)
I had my birthday over the weekend and finally managed to crack into four figures on my beer list, unofficially it is more but it's only ones I've recorded since 2005.
The barrier was cracked with another exceptional ale from Murray's, if you find one of their 2007 Anniversary ale's I highly recommend picking one up. The stuff is sex in a glass, 10%abv and richly hopped with a beautiful balancing malt. So rich and smooth, a beautiful pillowy head, full bodied and complex, gorgeous. It is $35 a bottle but well worth it, you could let it cellar for ten years if you wanted to.

[rip_it07]

id have to say carlton dry and carlton dry fusions awesome full flavoured beer and it low carb so it good to drink while staying fit for race season

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

It is indeed an auspicious occasion, I'm now officially 1000 beers old.(1007 to be precise)
I had my birthday over the weekend and finally managed to crack into four figures on my beer list, unofficially it is more but it's only ones I've recorded since 2005.
.

Congratulations Dave, here's to another 1000! :p

My most memorable ale of recent is Innis and Gunns oak-aged ale. It's (as it says on the bottle) aged in oak casks for about 3 months to give it a fairly unique flavour that is quite smokey and also very reminiscent of toffee, caramel and vanilla. It's slightly sweet and quite punchy at around 6.5% so you probably wouldn't want more than a couple of bottles (330ml seems to be the standard for this) in a in a sesh but it's damn tasty nonetheless.

[Fatman]

Since this is the trhead for beer lovers I thought I'd pose the question.
Tooheys New White Stag? WTF? All I know is that it will be in a 345ml bottle . I'm assuming it will be yet another awful low carb offering but I can't seem to finfd any info and the reps are tight lipped. Anyone got an inkling as to the next mediocre garbage from lion nathan? My interest is piqued until I actually try it.

[BKMad]

Dunno if you can find it in oz (I'm in the uk at present) but Brew Dog IPA has got to be one of my favourites. Its brewed somewhere in scotland to the american microbrewery style of IPA with heavy bitterness and hop flavour. I can't get enough of it at the moment. My local had it on cask recently and it was lurvely.

[Fatman]

It finally came in and as I suspected the new Tooheys New White Stag is bloody awful. I put it on tasting for the staff and even the regular New drinkers wouldn't touch it. I can't even stand the stink of New (It reminds me of vomit and football games) but this stuff looks and tastes very similar but has a bit of a thinner body. Anyway I'm sure many of you will try it and find out.

[NCR600]

It finally came in and as I suspected the new Tooheys New White Stag is bloody awful. I put it on tasting for the staff and even the regular New drinkers wouldn't touch it. I can't even stand the stink of New (It reminds me of vomit and football games) but this stuff looks and tastes very similar but has a bit of a thinner body. Anyway I'm sure many of you will try it and find out.

I'm sure it won't put me off this Saison DuPont Biologique I'm drinking!

[wagon boy]

Just finished a can of sapporo (Japanese beer brewed in Canada. wtf?) and chased it with a coopers extra strong vintage ale. I cannot get enough of the stuff, sure you can't have as many before you are unable to drive but hey, that's a price I'm more than willing to pay!

[kembro]

Pale Ale for it's wholesomeness.

Redback for it's clean taste.

Carlton Black for a full bodied cheapo.

[shirtz]

Knappstein Reserve Larger

best beer ive ever tasted, only found it at dan murpheys. made in SA by a wine maker. its off the hook. PLEASE buy some and then email me to tell me how i changed your life :)

[dcrofty]

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l174/dcrofty/FunnyUtahBeer002.jpg

[RCOH]

ewwwww Cannondale

:p

[Tomas]

Ahhhh Brugge. I wish I could remember more of it;). Fortunately I have plenty of photos, this place was my favourite. There was another little place by a canal (I know everywhere in Brugge in near a canal) that I can't remember the name of.
The brewery Maes was very good too, I had quite a few glasses of Brugge Zot.


I loved the 3 nights in Brugges. Had some stupidly large number of different beers and smuggled a stack of harder-to-find ones back into Australia... mmmm zot.

[RCOH]

Recently I have tried:

Murrays Pale Ale - Nice but expensive
Dos Equis XX - really nice but I was eating mexican
El Cantina - It is from El Slavador!

Currently on Barons Lager - pretty dirty but on sale.

[Raw Toast Man]

I had a surprisingly good beer last week - BareFoot Radler.

As it says "Beer infused with Lemon and Lime."

Sounds a bit different huh - I was surprised that was damn well bloody good. After a hot ride, I think this would be the PERFECT beer. Very refreshing. Very summer style of beer. Only 4.2% so not a session beer for me, but a couple on a hot day would hit the spot.


Yes! A good beer, a few mates and I polished a carton off last weekend. As you said a great beer after a hot ride.

[Lemontime]

Have to say me ale of choice is definitely carlton draught. Plenty of blokes don't like it, but it works for me.. And when mates are shouting it for you it tastes so much better..

[Fatman]

Another great many to add to the list from todays tastings;

Phoenix Beverages Ltd; Phoenix 5%
Barossa Valley Brewing; Organic Ale 5%
Northern Rivers; Gold Ale 3.5%
Brewboys; Hoes Garden 4.9%
Konig Ludwig Schlossbrauerei; Royal Bavarian Hefe-Weissen 5.5%
Northern Rivers; Pale Ale 4.6%
Brewboys; Ace of Spades 5.9%
Brasserie du Bocq; Blanche de Namur 4.5%
Mountain Goat; IPA 5%
Malt Shovel Brewery; Abbey Ale 7%
Brasserie du Bocq; La Gauloise Ambree 5.5%
Northern Rivers; Stout 4.6%
Orkney Brewery; Skull Splitter 8.5%
Weihenstephaner; Vitus 7.7%

Some of these were very good, as you all know I love the dark stuff so the Ace of Spades and Skull Splitter went down a treat, the Abbey beer was also pretty full on. I'll have to expand upon this when I sober up a little. It's getting harder and harder to find stuff that hasn't been tasted before, anyone knows where some hard to get stuff is hiding please let me know.

[Fatman]

Johnny, I just tried Kingway Premium Lager from Shenzhen (formerly Guangdong) brewery. I still don't know what to make of it really, I looked on their website and it wasn't there. It's a little unusual but apparently they don't use formaldehyde like other Chinese breweries. It smells of fennel and it's a little strange, any thoughts from our correspondent in the PRC? It burns my throat a little.


The more I drink it it tastes like arak with soda, somehow I doubt I'll be revisiting this stuff. It's an unusual thing but breweries are popping up all over China because they don't class barley as an edible grain and are quite okay with brewing beer. If only it tasted good.

[Fatman]

Okay I realise that this is my third post in a row but bear with me. I'm also a cider lover and this locally made Bulmers is just Bullshit. I get people asking for this all the time but I will say go for Magners every time. Depending on where you live in Ireland it's branded differently but this is just a waste of time, even my Mrs said to get rid of it and not get it again.

On a side note the Three Oaks cider, especially the Original is quite drinkable for a mainstream quaffer. It's not well developed or complex but it does the job far better than strongbow. I really wish I could get real scrumpy over here, Scrumpy Jack?, don't make me laugh.

[BUSHPIG]

cascade.
fuck your ten characters

[BUSHPIG]

Okay I realise that this is my third post in a row but beer with me.

:p
Fuck your 10 characters

[Fatman]

:p
Fuck your 10 characters

Oh how very droll, nice work.

Yes I am a little obsessive about beer, is that a bad thing?
I've just frozen some Kingway and it's almost drinkable, just like most local beer.

[Ryan]

Okay I realise that this is my third post in a row but bear with me. I'm also a cider lover and this locally made Bulmers is just Bullshit. I get people asking for this all the time but I will say go for Magners every time. Depending on where you live in Ireland it's branded differently but this is just a waste of time, even my Mrs said to get rid of it and not get it again.

On a side note the Three Oaks cider, especially the Original is quite drinkable for a mainstream quaffer. It's not well developed or complex but it does the job far better than strongbow. I really wish I could get real scrumpy over here, Scrumpy Jack?, don't make me laugh.

Mate, I'm living in Bristol at the moment and am pretty much in "Cyyyduuuurr 'eaven". 3 dedicated cider pubs around the town and some really good (and unspeakably horrible) stuff to try. Unfortunately being that most of them start at around 6.5% and keep heading north on the ABV scale the only useful tasting notes I'm able to produce the next day usually go somewhere along the lines of "Errrrohhfarrrkkiiinglearrggghh"

Went from being massively skeptical the first time I was convinced by my flatmate to try a pint of what's considered a poofs/girls drink in Australia to a near instant convert. Such an unbelievably good hot weather drink. I constantly find myself asking "Why don't we have this in Australia?" Even the Strongbow over here is leagues better than the crap they serve in Aussie pubs.

Australia needs cider. Good cider. Stat. Strongbow can eat a dick. Someone brew me some kick-ass Somerset cider so I don't have to import this shit at great personal expense when I get home.

Ahem. Excuse the proselytising. Just glad that I'm not the only "serious" beer drinker who's been turned to the stuff.

On another note; scblack mentioned radler. Seemed to be a big push from smaller Aussie brewers last summer to produce radlers that almost universally sucked balls. Having been in Germany/Austria recently I've got to say that real, properly brewed radler is actually a very good thing after a long ride. If anyone brings them into Australia this year, definitely try one; Stiegl is excellent as is Augustiner, being the only 2 I've sampled. I'd hazard a guesss that much like proper beer, any radler from an established name in Austria or Germany will actually be pretty palatable.. Please don't allow Aussie breweries to cloud your perception of the radler with the hideous dickwater they try to pass off.

Summary: You lucky punks are just getting into hot weather. Try a real cider and a real radler this spring/summer and report on your findings.

[Breaka]

Tooheys Red. I drink a carton of Red tallies a night.


El Cantina - It is from El Slavador!


My work supervisor was picking that up for $25 a carton for a while. He likens it to Corona...so I probably wouldn't like.

[Fatman]

Mate, I'm living in Bristol at the moment and am pretty much in "Cyyyduuuurr 'eaven". 3 dedicated cider pubs around the town and some really good (and unspeakably horrible) stuff to try. Unfortunately being that most of them start at around 6.5% and keep heading north on the ABV scale the only useful tasting notes I'm able to produce the next day usually go somewhere along the lines of "Errrrohhfarrrkkiiinglearrggghh"

Went from being massively skeptical the first time I was convinced by my flatmate to try a pint of what's considered a poofs/girls drink in Australia to a near instant convert. Such an unbelievably good hot weather drink. I constantly find myself asking "Why don't we have this in Australia?" Even the Strongbow over here is leagues better than the crap they serve in Aussie pubs.

Australia needs cider. Good cider. Stat. Strongbow can eat a dick. Someone brew me some kick-ass Somerset cider so I don't have to import this shit at great personal expense when I get home.

Ahem. Excuse the proselytising. Just glad that I'm not the only "serious" beer drinker who's been turned to the stuff.

On another note; scblack mentioned radler. Seemed to be a big push from smaller Aussie brewers last summer to produce radlers that almost universally sucked balls. Having been in Germany/Austria recently I've got to say that real, properly brewed radler is actually a very good thing after a long ride. If anyone brings them into Australia this year, definitely try one; Stiegl is excellent as is Augustiner, being the only 2 I've sampled. I'd hazard a guesss that much like proper beer, any radler from an established name in Austria or Germany will actually be pretty palatable.. Please don't allow Aussie breweries to cloud your perception of the radler with the hideous dickwater they try to pass off.

Summary: You lucky punks are just getting into hot weather. Try a real cider and a real radler this spring/summer and report on your findings.

I'm glad someone shares my sentiments for real cider, dark orange stuff with chunks in. It's actually more hardcore than many beers but I won't openly admit to it, 'still' cider as opposed to sparkling is some of the meanest stuff I've ever come across. I really miss the stuff in brown kegs, cheddar valley nectar from Zommerzet.
There are a few locals that are good but not anywhere near the real thing, I'm quite partial to a bit of Artisan or Pipsqueak. Still if there is anyone making a real Scrumpy in Oz let me know, maybe we can have a few and listen to some Wurzels tunes.


I am writing all this stuff while having Cuba Libre's with beer chasers, what story is that from? Props to those who know. Clue Dr Gonzo

[Blas4me]

God, if only real cider was made in Australia! I was based in Wells when I was in the UK a few years ago. So many ciders to choose from. I took home a litre bottle of extra extra dry still cider...

"I am the zyder drinker, I drinks it all of ze day"

I am writing all this stuff while having Cuba Libre's with beer chasers, what story is that from? Props to those who know. Clue Dr Gonzo

Rum Diaries

[Fatman]

God, if only real cider was made in Australia! I was based in Wells when I was in the UK a few years ago. So many ciders to choose from. I took home a litre bottle of extra extra dry still cider...

"I am the zyder drinker, I drinks it all of ze day"



Rum Diaries

http://forums.farkin.net/%3Cobject%20width=%22425%22%20height=%22344%22%3E% 3Cparam%20name=%22movie%22%20value=%22http://www.youtube.com/v/2zwwqEm5YhQ&hl=en&fs=1%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowFullScreen%22%20va lue=%22true%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cembed%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/v/2zwwqEm5YhQ&hl=en&fs=1%22%20type=%22application/x-shockwave-flash%22%20allowfullscreen=%22true%22%20width=%224 25%22%20height=%22344%22%3E%3C/embed%3E%3C/object%3E

I was actually thinking more 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'.

I'm onto some French Cab Merlot now anyway.

[Blas4me]

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