Beer & Brewer - Issue 62 - Spring 2022

78 Pages·2022·30 MB·English

MASTER THE MID-STRENGTH! PRO BREWING TIPS FOR LOW ALC BEERS
INCLUDING
ISSUE 62 SPRING 2022 ALPHA
PRICE $9.95 (NZ $11.95)
137
PALE

CRAFT BEERS
REVIEWED
BREWER JAYNE LEWIS
ON THE AUSSIE PALE’S
ENDURING POPULARITY
THE NOSE
KNOWS
TASTING SECRETS
HOPPING
FORWARD
THE FUTURE
OF HOPS
WWW.BEERANDBREWER.COM
PLUS! BREWING SUSTAINABLY | WIN EPIC PRIZES | 4 DIY RECIPES
It’s your
devotion to
the craft that
inspires us to
be the best.
For over 25 years, family business,
Bintani, have built trusted partnerships
and friendships with some of
Australia and New Zealand’s highest
quality producers. The passion
and craftsmanship that is required
to produce outstanding flavour is
what inspires us to source the finest
ingredients and that’s why you can
trust that our products will shine
in your next creation.
Visit bintani.com.au for more.
bintani.com.au
R
E
T
T
If the return of warmer weather wasn’t reason E
L
enough for celebration, we are, for the first time in S
a year and half, actually running a What’s On page R’
O
this Spring as we’re confident the days of last minute, T
I
heart-breaking beer event cancellations are behind us. D
WE ENCOURAGE And while that by no means indicates the shit show that has E
RESPONSIBLE DRINKING
transpired in the intervening time is over, it is reflective of the human capacity for
Get the facts DrinkWise.org.au
resilience and the desire to just get out and make the most of this one life we lead.
So in the coming months of Spring, beer lovers can get out and about and attend a
PUBLISHED BY multitude of events as the likes of the Australian National Homebrewing Conference
Food and Beverage Media
(see main story page 56) and Oktoberfest celebrations nationwide all re-emerge from
41 Bridge Road GLEBE NSW Australia 2037
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] long COVID hibernations. Hats off to the people behind such events, for ploughing on
PUBLISHER and providing some much-needed normality back into all our lives, and here’s hoping
Paul Wootton | [email protected]
plenty of you can get out and repay the favour.
EDITOR
Keeping with the season, we’re welcoming a return to lighter drinking styles this issue
Gifford Lee | [email protected]
HOMEBREWER EDITOR by looking at the enduring popularity of the Australian-style pale ale that continues to
Jake Brandish | [email protected] sell volume, and attract new palates, despite the heavy onslaught by more de rigueur
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS beers. In our feature from page 8, brewers Jayne Lewis, Paul Holgate, Ryan Nobbs and Pat
Briony Liebich, Jono Outred, Steve Brockman, Adam Carswell
Keeble all discuss the style’s place in our beer culture and how it has been shaped, and in
NATIONAL SALES MANAGERS
turn evolved, to remain meaningful and a benchmark beer for many a brewery.
Joanne Davies – [email protected]
Lachlan Oakley – [email protected] And somewhat continuing that theme on the pale ale’s evolution, brewer Steve
GENERAL MANAGER SALES – LIQUOR & HOSPITALITY GROUP Brockman deep dives (page 24) into mastering the mid-strength. The circa 3.5% beer,
Shane T. Williams
especially in the pale ale category, has become a giant segment of the industry here
GROUP ART DIRECTOR – LIQUOR AND HOSPITALITY
in Australia as many craft breweries nail the category – offering fullness and flavour
Kea Thorburn | [email protected]
PRODUCTION MANAGER when before there was not much of either. Thanks to Steve’s tips, you can have a
Jacqui Cooper | [email protected] decent crack at making a good one for yourself.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Briony Liebich also charges you with good-to-have skills as she nose dives into our
Tel: [phone] | Fax: [phone]
sense of smell (page 20) and how it is vital to the overall sensory experience of beer.
[email protected] | www.shop.beerandbrewer.com
Mail: PO Box 55 Glebe NSW 2037 Briony is also part of our tasting panel this issue (page 58) as we make our way through
SUBSCRIPTION RATE 137 craft beer releases – a record number of reviews in our 15-plus year history.
Australia $79.95 3 years (12 issues) savings $39.41 (33%)
You’ll find plenty more besides all that and I hope you enjoy reading it. See you
$54.99 2 years (8 issues) saving $24.61 (31%)
$29.99 1 year (4 issues) saving $9.81 (25%) again in Summer.
New Zealand $88.99 3 years (12 issues) saving $30.41 (25%)
$60.99 2 years (8 issues) saving $18.61 (23%) Cheers,
$32.99 1 year (4 issues) saving $6.81 (17%)
Gifford Lee
International $132.99 3 years (12 issues)
$89.99 2 years (8 issues) Editor, Beer & Brewer
$47.99 1 year (4 issues) [email protected]
Rate in AUD and incl. 10% GST for Australia, @beerandbrewer
excluding GST for NZ and International
PRINTING The Intermedia Group’s
IVE, Sydney
Environmental Responsibility
DISTRIBUTION
D&D Mailing, Are Direct (Aus), Gordon & Gotch (NZ),
ISSN 1834 5115
The Intermedia Group takes its Corporate and Social Responsibilities seriously and is
committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve
DISCLAIMER
our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities.
This publication is published by Food and Beverage Media (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have
been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the
no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and
international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers.
may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication
does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily This magazine has been printed on paper produced from sustainably sourced wood and
represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information
contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make pulp fibre and is accredited under PEFC chain of custody.
independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or
implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially
its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be
implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices beneficial and economically viable management of forests.
Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher
will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but The wrapping used in the delivery process of this magazine is 100% biodegradable.
not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any
kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages.
While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law,
the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that
may appear in this publication.
Copyright © 2022 - Food and Beverage Media Find us on...
Spring 2022 3
C
O
N inside...
T
E
N
T
S
Spring 2022
FEATURES
36
8 Not paling in comparison
The Aussie pale ale clings on as
rivals approach
28 Hopping forward
Pushing beer’s boundaries with
advanced hop products
36 Treading softly
Breweries taking action on
sustainability

REGULARS
18 Style shoot
Pale ales
20 Senses Working Overtime
Sensory analyst Briony Liebich
nose dives into our sense of smell
24 The Deep Dive
Brewer Steve Brockman’s tips for
mastering the mid-strength
58 The Brew Review
137 craft releases with a focus on
Aussie pales
HOMEBREWER
46 Editor’s letters
48 Q&A with John Palmer
Sparkling ale
50 Jake’s Brew Log
“Our gas and electricity bills are one-tenth
Pacific ale
52 Seasonal focus
of what a similar sized brewery
Australian pale ale
55 S how us Yours here in town is,”
Reader’s home brewing set-ups
57 R ecipe Scott Shomer, Helios Brewing
A classic Aussie pale ale
4 www.beerandbrewer.com
A clear
improvement
to rapid
carbonation
Alfa Laval craft brewery centrifuges
with ProCarb inline carbonation
High-quality carbonation can be time-consuming, adding stress to your production
schedule. By integrating carbonation with clarification, we’ve created a groundbreak-
ing solution. What used to take days is done in a couple of hours. Now, you can boost
efficiency while staying true to the craft.
Alfa Laval’s centrifugal separators maximize product recovery, while securing the qual-
ity and character of your beer. By adding CO during centrifugation, ProCarb readily
2
dissolves the gas into tiny bubbles throughout the liquid. Giving you clarified beer
with nothing added but tight, stable carbonation.
You can rely on Alfa Laval’s proven technology to promote quality and sustainability in
your brewery, no matter the size. Oxygen pick-up is eliminated in the centrifuge. And
thanks to exceptional energy-efficiency, environmental impact is kept at a minimum.
Contact Alfa Laval Australia to find out more.
alfalaval.com.au
WHAT’S ON
Things to do in Spring
PENINSULA VINEHOP FESTIVAL
Mornington Peninsula VIC: November 12 & 13
Celebrating and showcasing the craft beer,
cool-climate wines, cider and spirits produced
on the Mornington Peninsula, this year’s
VineHop takes place across two days in
November. VineHop Saturday features eight MP
venues and celebrates around 30 wine, spirit,
spritzer, craft beer and cider brands. Festival-
goers travel by bus between venues and enjoy
tastings, live music or DJs and food trucks at
each location. Then, coupled with 20-plus craft
beverage bars and food trucks, makers market
and plenty of kid’s entertainment and activities,
VineHop Sunday Sesh, held at The Briars in
Mount Martha, will be a fun, memorable day out
with family or friends. vinehopfestival.com.au
PLUS DON’T MISS
GOLD COAST BEER &
CIDER FESTIVAL
Kangaroo Valley Craft Beer & BBQ
Broadwater Parklands, Southport September 17 & 18 The Friendly Inn
QLD: October 22
kvbbq.com.au
After being rudely interrupted last
year by the pandemic, the inaugural Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
Gold Coast Beer & Cider Festival September 17 – 29 Melbourne
will now take place on Saturday 22
hofbrauhaus.com.au
October. The festival will be staged in
the Broadwater Parklands between
Oktoberfest in the Gardens
11am and 5pm, with over 40 premium
craft beer and cider producers and Various locations and dates in October
five distilleries expected to participate. oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au
The festival is being organised by the
Schwartz Family Company, which has Australian National
operated the Canberra Craft Beer & Homebrewing Conference
Cider Festival for over a decade, and the Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival. Tickets will cost
October 14 & 15 Melbourne
$20 per person for online pre-festival bookings or $30 per person on the day (under-18s are
anhc.com.au
free), giving access to a wide range of premium local and interstate craft breweries, gourmet
food vendors, live music, and other festival activities. Individual tastings will be from $2 per (see our story on page 56 for more details)
100ml tasting. The family-friendly atmosphere will include free activities for children.
Bitter & Twisted
gcbeerciderfestival.com.au
November 5 & 6 Maitland Gaol
bitterandtwisted.com.au
6 www.beerandbrewer.com
PROCESSING / FILLING / LABELLING / PACKAGING & MORE
SPECIALISTS
IN THE
PROCESS
Viniquip is one of Australasia’s leading importers and distributors of
brewing, distilling, bottling, canning and packaging equipment for
the beer, cider and spirits industry.
Established in 1991, our team has the experience, knowledge
and right solution for all your needs.
CALL US NOW FOR YOUR FREE QUOTATION
Viniquip are proud to represent and be associated with these brands
VINIQUIP.COM
Australia Freephone New Zealand Freephone Email
1-800 209 370 0800 284 647 [email protected]
AUSSIE PALE ALES
Not paling in
comparison
THE MODERN AUSTRALIAN PALE ALE HAS BEEN SHAPED
BY DECADES OF INNOVATION AND CULTURE, BOTH ON
A COMMERCIAL AND CRAFT SCALE. FROM CULT-LIKE
INTERPRETATIONS, THAT HAVE WELL AND TRULY STOOD THE
TEST OF TIME, TO THE FRESHEST OF ITERATIONS BOASTING IN
VOGUE “JUICY” OR “HAZY” CHARACTERISTICS, THE HUMBLE
PALE ALE HAS NOT ONLY EVOLVED BUT HAS HELPED SHAPE
WHAT ALL MODERN AUSTRALIAN BEERS LOOK LIKE.
BY JONO OUTRED
8 www.beerandbrewer.com
AUSSIE PALE ALES
T
he Australian pale ale has become
somewhat iconic throughout its
history. From some of the original
Australian craft breweries of the late
80s and early 90s, the uncomplicated
Aussie pale has been a catalyst in
many ways. From beer styles and pale ale derivatives,
through to the brewers and breweries who brewed them,
this once simple style has had immeasurable influence
on the current Australian beer landscape and identity.
Today, you would be hard-pressed to find a brewer
in Australia who hasn’t brewed or isn’t at least familiar
with the style. Although there are perhaps fewer pale
ales today in lieu of haze bombs, fruited sours and the
like, many modern styles have their roots in pale ale,
not least the obvious sub-styles like the popular XPA
and hazy pale ale.
The Australian pale ale has without a doubt stood
the test of time and has moved with the ebbs and
flows of the craft beer industry. But with modern
interpretations and sub-styles emerging, and
subsequently sustaining its popularity, it seems the
humble Aussie pale has plenty more strings to its bow
as we move into the future.
Spring 2022 9
AUSSIE PALE ALES
“Other styles have
come and gone but
the Australian pale
seems like it will
last forever. The
people buying it
might change, but
the volume of those
buying it doesn’t,”
Jayne Lewis,
Two Birds Brewing
THE BEGINNINGS
“Whether it’s a lager in most markets, or craft world can boast such a diverse, multi-
The Australian pale ale has long been a staple wheat beer in Germany – pale ales in Australia faceted identity among both drinkers and
in the local craft drinker’s diet and whether fit the same spot, where consumers want to brewers alike and the pale ale, despite all it
they’re a current fan or not, it’s likely where drink something not too taxing on the palate has done already, has many more tricks up
most really started to develop their taste for or hip-pocket, so there is always going to be its sleeve.
a simple, climate appropriate beer but with demand for that style of beer, I think there is
BREWING THE MODERN VERSION
flavour. For many, once the likes of light always going to be a market for that.”
lagers had been explored, it was common Jayne Lewis is another early adopter of Despite its long, celebrated history as a staple
in the 2000s to move onto something the Australian pale, having co-founded of local brewing, the Australian pale finds
with a little more character, perhaps Little Melbourne’s Two Birds Brewing in 2011. The itself at the forefront of contemporary craft
Creatures’ Pale Ale, James Squire’s 150 Lashes style has featured within their product range beer. Where many iterations have stood the
or Coopers’ Pale Ale, for example. in one way or another over the last 11 years test of time and offer consumers a safe and
One of those, and celebrating its 21st and Jayne believes it hasn’t had to change repeatable product, many brewers are looking
birthday this year, is Holgate Brewhouse’s Mt too much over, instead becoming a local craft to this style as a firm footing for more
Macedon Pale Ale. beer staple. adventurous offerings, too.
Holgate have released many pales and “I don’t think the pale ale has changed too Although it should be noted that many
pale ale derivatives since founding in 1999 to much, to be honest. I think it’s a bit of a classically styled pales are certainly not
much acclaim, but that original Mt Macedon stalwart in Australian beer and they do still dull, brewers have found ways to elevate the
recipe still stands strong within their core exist, it’s still a healthy category. Other styles simple style into something that walks a fine
range offering. have come and gone but the Australian pale line of offering consumers an approachable
“We haven’t chased trends and evolved the seems like it will last forever. The people product, while also standing out amongst
style (with this one). It’s a well-balanced, lower buying it might change, but the volume of the highly varied shelves and taps of craft
ABV pale with good hop character, but not too those buying it doesn’t.” beer establishments. One such brewery is
bitter or resinous, and using traditional hops For many, the pale ale is merely a gateway Western Australia’s Cheeky Monkey Brewery,
such as Cascade that make it an easy-drinking beer for bigger things and for others it’s their who have been brewing a hugely successful,
crowd-pleaser,” co-founder Paul Holgate said, regular go-to. But for brewers, it’s a catalyst multi-award winning XPA since 2021.
who believes staying true to its original style for expansion, brand recognition, quality and Their head of brewing operations Ryan
has helped to sustain its success. innovation. Not many other beers within the Nobbs believes the pale ale has remained a
10 www.beerandbrewer.com