According to ACNielsen’s Scantrack, “Last Year’s trend of ‘premiumisation’ has continued. The Australian off premise packaged beer category commands the largest of off premise sales with a 39% percent share. The majority of packaged beer growth is being driven by premium beer (growth of 11.8%), in particular premium imported/international beer (growth of 19.1%).
From my own market research, discounting by major bottle shop chains has been effective but that doesn’t account for even the lower disposable income housing districts also showing significant growth, and specialised beer shops doing a whopping big business with no signs of slowing down. Plus, any respectable up-market club or neighbourhood bar needs a staple internationally recognised premium lager to meet their client’s needs. The new beer unisex elite are now driven by flavour and aroma to an ever discerning Aussie drinker, with the more delicate palates chasing less bitterness and a clean well-rounded taste.
According to the Beer Importers, traditional English brown ale Old Speckled Hen has demonstrated impressive sales figures on tap and in the shops. First brewed in Abington, Oxfordshire to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the MG car factory, the name is derived from the term “owd speckled un” used to describe an old MG used at the factory as a run around covered with various flecks of paint. A rich golden amber ale with warming red tones, Old Speckled Hen is fruity on the nose with rich malty undertones, toffee like flavour with good back bitterness at the back of the gob. The finish is sweet without being cloying and a good dry finish.
Lion Nathan’s flagship brands of Beck’s and Heineken have savoured success with around 20% value growth outstripping the international premium segment in 2006 when compared with a year ago. The success of Beck’s is based on a few important factors, including an emphasis on being a German ‘spitzen Pilsner von Welt’ or ‘world class premium pilsners’, and the inclusion of Hallertau hops of Bavaria, considered by some to be the finest pils hops in the world. The use of these hops may cause a few raised eyebrows due to the lightness in colour and put to question its strength and character, but after a swallow or two you will experience a clean crisp taste with plenty of back bitterness and a full rich flavour.
Talk about beer from Holland and the word Heineken isn’t far behind. G.A. Heineken was so appalled at the depravity and drunkenness caused by gin drinking that he swore to his mother that he would brew for the people if she bought the Haystack Brewery for him. Now enjoyed in over 170 countries, Heineken's global success has been built on a passion for quality, a dedication to innovation and a respect for the world it lives in. Heineken lager contains no additives or preservatives, and only the purest natural ingredients are used in the six week brewing process. And thanks to three generations of the Heineken family, the Heineken lager enjoyed all over the world today is still brewed to the original recipe, perfected in Holland in 1873.
Another great Dutch beer Grolsch is the only fully imported beer here in Oz. Grolsch has been producing superb beers since the early 1600’s when Master brewer Peter Cuper established the brewery in his hometown Grolle (now Groenlo) in Gelderland. Considered a small independent brewery until recent times, Grolsch products have been synonymous with three major factors: extended lagering and fermentation, unpasturised beers, and that infamous swing-stoppered bottle. The swing top dates back to 1897, when other Dutch breweries started phasing them out claiming they were too expensive for mass production. A seemingly useless appendage for modern drinking habits, it provides a distinctive novelty factor and instant recognition for all Grolsch products. Grolsch Premium is a fresh hoppy pilsner style lager with plenty of Herschbruger and Hallbrtauer hops for aromatics and Yakima and Golden Nugget hops for bitterness. All natural and triple cold filtered, the lager is well balanced with rich malty yeasty sweetness and a subtle bitter finish. The extended lagering provides that distinctive European flavour and classic golden colour.
The image of drunken Vikings marauding the countryside is as much a part of Scandinavia as the land itself. They brewed a barley based beer they called aul and handed down the method of top fermenting ales to all of Europe. And similar to Holland, the beers are dominated by two breweries, Carlsberg and Tuborg. Carlsberg has been brewing in Copenhagen since 1847 and remains a popular favorite around the world. Its light hoppiness compliments a dry malty mouth feel, with a sweet malty finish. Carlgerg’s slogan on the side of a building in Copenhagen’s city hall says it all “Probably the best beer in town”.
InBev continues exceptional worldwide beer sales and their relationship with Fosters Australia remains prosperous for both. Their ever popular Stella Artois has again shown double digit growth in 2006 behind investment in marketing and off premise promotion. Pacific Regional Director for InBev Sean Prendergast has more to say on the subject. “We have 4 global brands, Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Leffe Blonde and Leffe Brun. We contribute much of the success in Stella Artois to the great partnership we have with Fosters Australia. Hoegaarden, the most successful specialty International beer in Australia, and our Leffe’s have also drawn success from the creative below the line support from places like the Belgian Beer Café’s. It has created a unique position and relevance in the beer market and we are very pleased with their progress.”
A new member of the InBev-Foster’s team is Star Opraman. Star Opraman, a Czech pilsner style would be described as a softer lager style than the famous Pilsner Urquell. The Czech Republic drinks 150 litres per capita compared to us Aussies who down a respectable 85 litres per person so they should know a thing or two about brewing great beer. According to Mr Prendergast “ Star Opramen is not overpowering, a mild bitter but still containing a high 20’s BU (bittering units) which should please a wide range of educated lager drinkers.”
Pilsner Urquell is the flagship of the Czech brewing industry, and has been since 1842.Urquell means “original source” in German, the official language of Bohemia, once part of the Austrian empire. And as it says on the bottle, Pilsner Urquell is the original pilsner from the Pilsen, the birthplace of the pilsner lager style. Adding to its mystique, the beer introduced the now famous conical pilsner style glass when the world was switching over from stoneware and pewter tankards. Pilsner Urquell is golden in colour with a rich, well-compacted creamy head. The flavour and aroma profile is driven by the use of Saaz hops, which provide a floral, spicy aroma and adequate back bitterness without going over the top. Equally important in its structure is the renowned Moravian barley malt, which provides a malty softness and overall balance to the beer.
Brewing transplanted from the Austrian Alps wasn’t introduced until the nineteenth century. It took the youth and fashionable Italians of the 1960’s to re-launch beer into modern times. Wine was their parents and the peasant to drink; they wanted English-styled pubs and Bavarian Beer halls. Market leader Peroni’s main brand Nastro Azzuro is the ‘Blue Ribbon Italian Pilsner’ which includes 20% corn maize to sweeten the brew and then hopped with Saaz to spice it up. At 5.3% A/V Nastro Azzurro is quite a refreshing well balanced lager for its sweetness.
French lager Kronenborg 1664, France’s No. 1 selling beer, No. 2 in the UK, and on fire here in Oz. Dating back more than 300 years, The use of locally grown Alsace hop strisselspalt known as ‘the caviar of hops’ creates a flavour profile of a beer that’s more bitter than sweet with a distinctive tangy citrus taste at mid-palate. Kronenbourg 1664 was launched in the UK in 1952 to mark the Queen’s accession to the throne. According to Gary Hastings, Fosters Australia’s Group Marketing Manager International Beers,”Kronenourg's volume has had excellent growth in both draught & pack formats. Kronenbourg 1664 has strong loyalty and commitment from the 25 - 35 year old males and females in the "Beer Appreciator" or "Beer as Badge" consumer segments, who appreciate the beer's credentials, taste profile and heritage. Many of these consumers have trialled the brand overseas and have positive memories and compared to other international beers. Kronenbourg's highest volume is from inner city "progressive" bars and hotels. To drive carton volume further this year, Kronenbourg will support customers this year through increased promotional frequency, on-premise promotions and a greater in store /merchandising presence.”
Well travelled, socially aware,well educated, unisex group in trendy spots or at home at dinner parties.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The Smaller the Brewery, The Bigger the Package
According to Llewellyn Communications, there is a global shift to craft beers In the United States, for example, the craft beer industry has grown every year for the last 35 years, with 1368 craft breweries currently operating in the country [1]. In the first half of 2005 alone, the American craft beer industry grew 7.1% by volume. Nearly 7 million barrels of craft beer will be produced in the United States this year, with a total annual dollar volume of A$ 4.9billion. By comparison, the domestic large and traditional regional brewing industry in the United States actually declined by 2.6% during the first quarter of this year.
In Australia there is also a clear trend towards increased consumption of craft beers, although beer consumption overall has been declining. While there is only limited data available on the Australian craft beer industry, largely because there is no association which represents all craft brewers, there are 71 craft breweries [2] operating in the country, which are estimated to account for around 8% of the overall beer market in Australia[3]. The balance of Australia’s A$ 8.5 billion beer market[4] is owned by Australia’s two biggest liquor companies, Lion Nathan and Foster’s Group
For such a small percentage of the market, how do these small breweries draw the attention of the beer drinking public? The key word here is attraction and the success or failure of many small breweries rests on the ability to draw people who want more than just a beer. Here are a few examples of up market beer environments.
Oxford 152 is a classic example of a recipe for success. The ingredients are a run down pub (Balmoral Hotel) in a disadvantaged suburb of Brisbane, or any other major city for that matter, and add a renovation rescue of $ 3 million. What you become is part of a trendy ‘wharfie’ neighbourhood in the hip area on the south side of the river. The stylish restaurant does over a 1500 meals a week and their in house brewed beers have won over 30 major awards.
I asked Brew Master Brennan Fielding what his biggest challenges were in running a successful craft brewery. ”Each follow up brew has to be precise and true to style as the last and that policy is over all 12 beers we make. A well made lager doesn’t have to be bland. I brew twice a week to keep up with demand, as our tanks only hold 800 litres.” Here is their list;
Oxford Cloudy- A German hefe weizen with aromatic clove & citrus, balanced with a generous amount of wheat is unfiltered. ABV 5%
Oxford Premium- An aromatic European lager with pronounced malt aroma and balanced hop profile, light straw in colour leaving no bitter aftertaste. ABV 5.2%
Oxford 152 Full flavoured mid strength lager with a slight floral aroma & pleasant hop bitterness. refreshing and extremely thirst quenching.ABV3.5%
Oxford Pale Ale- a classic Northwest American Pale Ale boasting floral aromatics with hints of Lychee and Grapefruit. Unfiltered for maximum flavour. ABV 4.9%
Oxford Light- brewed with imported Czech hops and German yeast, oxford light is a full-bodied, double hopped lager thatis both light in alcohol and colour but not in flavour. ABV 2.9%
English Brown Porter Ale- the style originated during the 1800’s in London. Subtle chocolate notes and infused with ‘Toby’s Estate’ Colombian coffee blend to provide a mocha flavour. ABV 4.9
Oxford Black- a silky smooth stout with pleasant roasted malt flavours. English hops create the mild bitterness, and a blend of 10 malts makes for a complex but enjoyable blend. ABV 5.4%
The Mid-North Coast (NSW) now has its own local brewing company, following the launch of Murray’s Brewing Co. Its headquarters and onsite brewery have been established at the recently renamed “The Pub with No Beer Brewery”, located at Taylor’s Arm and established sine 1903. Owner Murray Howe, outlined his clear vision: “We’re going to create Australia’s leading craft brewing business, right here from Taylor’s Arm. We’ll be a market leader in terms of beer quality and flavour, as well as market leader as a tourism business via development of The Pub with No Beer hotel into a world-class Brewery. I’m proudly patriotic and want to promote pride in supporting Australian beverage and food producers and, I’m very passionate about my beer. The beer-loving public is increasingly demanding fresh, full flavoured, full aroma beer and are willing to pay for quality, and to try new experiences such as beer and food matching. And that’s what they’ll get when they try a Murray’s branded beer, and visit The Pub with No Beer Brewery. Murray’s strategy for growth is to first build a reputation for world class ales locally, and then take on the world. “We expect to launch a new beer approximately every quarter, and have bottled beer available from February. We will be working hard to get distribution for Murray’s-brand tap and bottled beers across the North Coast region. Key to the future success of Murray’s Brewing Co. is Head Brewer, Graeme Mahy, who relocated from New Zealand, and has more than 22 years’ home brewing experience including 15 years’ in commercial brewing
Sunrise Wheat Beer (4.5% abv)
A Belgian styled Wit beer, spiced with coriander and orange peel and a touch of nativeAustralian Yellow Bohoney. The citrus aroma is backed up in the mouth with coriander and orange peel tartness and a clean, smooth and refreshing finish.
Nirvana Pale Ale (4.5% abv)
Nirvana Pale Ale is a hybrid of an American Pale Ale and classic English Pale Ale style. brilliant golden colour, with a fresh citrusy/spicey aroma and flavour, balanced with biscuity/toffee flavours from the malt, with the bitterness supplied by generous quantities of New Zealand grown Cascade and Hallertau hops.
Swinging Arm Dark Ale (4.5% abv)
Made in the traditional Brown Porter style from selected roasted a deep ruby colour and creamy off-white coloured head, with an aroma of caramel and bittersweet chocolate
Two craft breweries have developed around popular wine growing areas and are making quite an impact in their districts. Potters Hotel & Brewery is a relaxing getaway, home to the HunterValley’s first microbrewery; the heritage listed ‘Brick Beehive Kilns of Nulkaba’; and Australia’s first Destination Spa. Located on 11 acres at the gateway to Hunter Valley Wine Country, Potters Hotel & Brewery was established in 2002. Valley Destination Spa offers the largest range of spa treatments in Australia. The elite Destination Spa is equipped with the latest technology, professional treatment beds, wet rooms and Spa. Every treatment room has its own climate control to ensure maximum guest comfort during spa therapy. The Spa is also proud to be launching an exclusive luxurious skincare range made from caviar. The boutique accommodation features variety of hotel, villa and spa suite options. While maintaining a sense of privacy, guests can enjoy the best of the outdoor and indoor extensive leisure facilities including; swimming pools, kids playground, lollie shop, day/night tennis, spa, massage room, billiards and historic kiln tours. Marketing Manager Daniela Fosci. “The Hunter Beer Company is our unique point of difference. Our boutique microbrewery is the Hunter’s first ever microbrewery. Our beers were Bronze Award Winners at the 2005 Australian International Beer Awards and our beers are brewed on site daily,” Potters Hotel & Brewery features an authentic German Bier Hall, a fine restaurant the Old Brickworks Brasserie – recently named the Lower Hunter’s Best Restaurant for 2005; and a lively beer rendezvous, the Potteries Lounge Bar.
After six long years in the development and planning stages, the first microbrewery ever on the Mornington Peninsula is now open. The Red Hill Brewery is unique, not only do they have their own brewery onsite, but they have also established their own hop yard where they grow all their own hops organically to use in their beers. Now in their fourth season, the Red Hill Brewery hops are a dramatic spectacle, growing over four metres high, and on full display to visitors to the brewery. It is the only brewery in Australia growing and using all their own hops and is also the only property on the Mornington Peninsula growing hops for brewing. Hops can only be grown within specific latitude, Red Hill is located right in the middle of this, and combined with the rich soil and higher rainfall, and they grow beautifully. Five different varieties are grown organically on site providing all the hops for the beers brewed at the brewery.
The Red Hill Brewery is producing three main ale styles, handcrafted to suit the palates of people who love the wine and food of the Peninsula. The flagship beer, the Golden Ale, is based on a German style Kolsch Ale. It is very pale and crisp light bodied ale, fruity with a refreshing tanginess. Scotch Ale is famously known as the “Burgundy of Scotland”, ripe, fruity ale which is a deep red colour and has a caramel sweetness. The caramel flavours often impart a smoky taste to the beer The Wheat Beer is in the famous South German (Barvarian) style. It is a highly aromatic beer with a banana like fruitiness in the palate and soft clove spiciness in the aroma.
From the moment you arrive, The Red Duck Brewery and Purrumbete Homestead instantly conveys the grace and grandeur of one of Australia's most impressive and historic private mansions. The size of the homestead means that you can always find somewhere welcoming or secluded. The Great Hall, the large dinning room, the Music Room, the sun room and the many wide verandahs are all for our guests exclusive use The sheltered waters of the lake offer opportunities for bird watching, or fishing for plump Purrumbete trout and salmon. Awarded Victoria's Best B&B/Guesthouse 2003* by Gourmet Traveller magazine.
According to owner and brewer Scott Morgan “Our micro-brewery is just a quack and waddle from Lake Purrumbete located in part of the old stables and coach house, which were originally constructed about 1870.
What about the beer?All natural ingredients, nothing artificial, nothing to get in the way of real flavours and aromas. We start with fresh rainwater; add malt, hops and yeast. Then we fret like a mother duck, until the beer turns out just right.
Red Duck Pale Ale is the beer for you. Highly aromatic and fruity, this beer is packed with hoppy, malty flavour, with just the right amount of bitterness on the finish. A clean, crisp beer that can be enjoyed any time
The Amber Ale is a more serious, complex beer, with caramel, tar, sarsaparilla, orange rind and toasty notes tantalising the taste buds. A very distinctive dark beer.
The Porter is the last in the line-up and without a doubt the best. The last time I tasted anything this good was in London. Dark and intense, the earthy/charcoal, molasses, orange marmalade and cola characters show both power and balance. The combination of creaminess and bitterness is perfect, as is the lingering finish.
> [1] Source: Brewers Association (United States), as of 1 December 2005.
> [2] Murray’s Brewing Co. research, October 2005.
> [3] Source: Business Review Weekly, 8 July 2004.
> [4] Source: Business Review Weekly, 19 February 2004.
> [5] Source: www.theinfoshop.com
In Australia there is also a clear trend towards increased consumption of craft beers, although beer consumption overall has been declining. While there is only limited data available on the Australian craft beer industry, largely because there is no association which represents all craft brewers, there are 71 craft breweries [2] operating in the country, which are estimated to account for around 8% of the overall beer market in Australia[3]. The balance of Australia’s A$ 8.5 billion beer market[4] is owned by Australia’s two biggest liquor companies, Lion Nathan and Foster’s Group
For such a small percentage of the market, how do these small breweries draw the attention of the beer drinking public? The key word here is attraction and the success or failure of many small breweries rests on the ability to draw people who want more than just a beer. Here are a few examples of up market beer environments.
Oxford 152 is a classic example of a recipe for success. The ingredients are a run down pub (Balmoral Hotel) in a disadvantaged suburb of Brisbane, or any other major city for that matter, and add a renovation rescue of $ 3 million. What you become is part of a trendy ‘wharfie’ neighbourhood in the hip area on the south side of the river. The stylish restaurant does over a 1500 meals a week and their in house brewed beers have won over 30 major awards.
I asked Brew Master Brennan Fielding what his biggest challenges were in running a successful craft brewery. ”Each follow up brew has to be precise and true to style as the last and that policy is over all 12 beers we make. A well made lager doesn’t have to be bland. I brew twice a week to keep up with demand, as our tanks only hold 800 litres.” Here is their list;
Oxford Cloudy- A German hefe weizen with aromatic clove & citrus, balanced with a generous amount of wheat is unfiltered. ABV 5%
Oxford Premium- An aromatic European lager with pronounced malt aroma and balanced hop profile, light straw in colour leaving no bitter aftertaste. ABV 5.2%
Oxford 152 Full flavoured mid strength lager with a slight floral aroma & pleasant hop bitterness. refreshing and extremely thirst quenching.ABV3.5%
Oxford Pale Ale- a classic Northwest American Pale Ale boasting floral aromatics with hints of Lychee and Grapefruit. Unfiltered for maximum flavour. ABV 4.9%
Oxford Light- brewed with imported Czech hops and German yeast, oxford light is a full-bodied, double hopped lager thatis both light in alcohol and colour but not in flavour. ABV 2.9%
English Brown Porter Ale- the style originated during the 1800’s in London. Subtle chocolate notes and infused with ‘Toby’s Estate’ Colombian coffee blend to provide a mocha flavour. ABV 4.9
Oxford Black- a silky smooth stout with pleasant roasted malt flavours. English hops create the mild bitterness, and a blend of 10 malts makes for a complex but enjoyable blend. ABV 5.4%
The Mid-North Coast (NSW) now has its own local brewing company, following the launch of Murray’s Brewing Co. Its headquarters and onsite brewery have been established at the recently renamed “The Pub with No Beer Brewery”, located at Taylor’s Arm and established sine 1903. Owner Murray Howe, outlined his clear vision: “We’re going to create Australia’s leading craft brewing business, right here from Taylor’s Arm. We’ll be a market leader in terms of beer quality and flavour, as well as market leader as a tourism business via development of The Pub with No Beer hotel into a world-class Brewery. I’m proudly patriotic and want to promote pride in supporting Australian beverage and food producers and, I’m very passionate about my beer. The beer-loving public is increasingly demanding fresh, full flavoured, full aroma beer and are willing to pay for quality, and to try new experiences such as beer and food matching. And that’s what they’ll get when they try a Murray’s branded beer, and visit The Pub with No Beer Brewery. Murray’s strategy for growth is to first build a reputation for world class ales locally, and then take on the world. “We expect to launch a new beer approximately every quarter, and have bottled beer available from February. We will be working hard to get distribution for Murray’s-brand tap and bottled beers across the North Coast region. Key to the future success of Murray’s Brewing Co. is Head Brewer, Graeme Mahy, who relocated from New Zealand, and has more than 22 years’ home brewing experience including 15 years’ in commercial brewing
Sunrise Wheat Beer (4.5% abv)
A Belgian styled Wit beer, spiced with coriander and orange peel and a touch of nativeAustralian Yellow Bohoney. The citrus aroma is backed up in the mouth with coriander and orange peel tartness and a clean, smooth and refreshing finish.
Nirvana Pale Ale (4.5% abv)
Nirvana Pale Ale is a hybrid of an American Pale Ale and classic English Pale Ale style. brilliant golden colour, with a fresh citrusy/spicey aroma and flavour, balanced with biscuity/toffee flavours from the malt, with the bitterness supplied by generous quantities of New Zealand grown Cascade and Hallertau hops.
Swinging Arm Dark Ale (4.5% abv)
Made in the traditional Brown Porter style from selected roasted a deep ruby colour and creamy off-white coloured head, with an aroma of caramel and bittersweet chocolate
Two craft breweries have developed around popular wine growing areas and are making quite an impact in their districts. Potters Hotel & Brewery is a relaxing getaway, home to the HunterValley’s first microbrewery; the heritage listed ‘Brick Beehive Kilns of Nulkaba’; and Australia’s first Destination Spa. Located on 11 acres at the gateway to Hunter Valley Wine Country, Potters Hotel & Brewery was established in 2002. Valley Destination Spa offers the largest range of spa treatments in Australia. The elite Destination Spa is equipped with the latest technology, professional treatment beds, wet rooms and Spa. Every treatment room has its own climate control to ensure maximum guest comfort during spa therapy. The Spa is also proud to be launching an exclusive luxurious skincare range made from caviar. The boutique accommodation features variety of hotel, villa and spa suite options. While maintaining a sense of privacy, guests can enjoy the best of the outdoor and indoor extensive leisure facilities including; swimming pools, kids playground, lollie shop, day/night tennis, spa, massage room, billiards and historic kiln tours. Marketing Manager Daniela Fosci. “The Hunter Beer Company is our unique point of difference. Our boutique microbrewery is the Hunter’s first ever microbrewery. Our beers were Bronze Award Winners at the 2005 Australian International Beer Awards and our beers are brewed on site daily,” Potters Hotel & Brewery features an authentic German Bier Hall, a fine restaurant the Old Brickworks Brasserie – recently named the Lower Hunter’s Best Restaurant for 2005; and a lively beer rendezvous, the Potteries Lounge Bar.
After six long years in the development and planning stages, the first microbrewery ever on the Mornington Peninsula is now open. The Red Hill Brewery is unique, not only do they have their own brewery onsite, but they have also established their own hop yard where they grow all their own hops organically to use in their beers. Now in their fourth season, the Red Hill Brewery hops are a dramatic spectacle, growing over four metres high, and on full display to visitors to the brewery. It is the only brewery in Australia growing and using all their own hops and is also the only property on the Mornington Peninsula growing hops for brewing. Hops can only be grown within specific latitude, Red Hill is located right in the middle of this, and combined with the rich soil and higher rainfall, and they grow beautifully. Five different varieties are grown organically on site providing all the hops for the beers brewed at the brewery.
The Red Hill Brewery is producing three main ale styles, handcrafted to suit the palates of people who love the wine and food of the Peninsula. The flagship beer, the Golden Ale, is based on a German style Kolsch Ale. It is very pale and crisp light bodied ale, fruity with a refreshing tanginess. Scotch Ale is famously known as the “Burgundy of Scotland”, ripe, fruity ale which is a deep red colour and has a caramel sweetness. The caramel flavours often impart a smoky taste to the beer The Wheat Beer is in the famous South German (Barvarian) style. It is a highly aromatic beer with a banana like fruitiness in the palate and soft clove spiciness in the aroma.
From the moment you arrive, The Red Duck Brewery and Purrumbete Homestead instantly conveys the grace and grandeur of one of Australia's most impressive and historic private mansions. The size of the homestead means that you can always find somewhere welcoming or secluded. The Great Hall, the large dinning room, the Music Room, the sun room and the many wide verandahs are all for our guests exclusive use The sheltered waters of the lake offer opportunities for bird watching, or fishing for plump Purrumbete trout and salmon. Awarded Victoria's Best B&B/Guesthouse 2003* by Gourmet Traveller magazine.
According to owner and brewer Scott Morgan “Our micro-brewery is just a quack and waddle from Lake Purrumbete located in part of the old stables and coach house, which were originally constructed about 1870.
What about the beer?All natural ingredients, nothing artificial, nothing to get in the way of real flavours and aromas. We start with fresh rainwater; add malt, hops and yeast. Then we fret like a mother duck, until the beer turns out just right.
Red Duck Pale Ale is the beer for you. Highly aromatic and fruity, this beer is packed with hoppy, malty flavour, with just the right amount of bitterness on the finish. A clean, crisp beer that can be enjoyed any time
The Amber Ale is a more serious, complex beer, with caramel, tar, sarsaparilla, orange rind and toasty notes tantalising the taste buds. A very distinctive dark beer.
The Porter is the last in the line-up and without a doubt the best. The last time I tasted anything this good was in London. Dark and intense, the earthy/charcoal, molasses, orange marmalade and cola characters show both power and balance. The combination of creaminess and bitterness is perfect, as is the lingering finish.
> [1] Source: Brewers Association (United States), as of 1 December 2005.
> [2] Murray’s Brewing Co. research, October 2005.
> [3] Source: Business Review Weekly, 8 July 2004.
> [4] Source: Business Review Weekly, 19 February 2004.
> [5] Source: www.theinfoshop.com
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