The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement

Fear tap will drain patrons

Chris Shanahan

<i></i>
Supplied

Lion isn't saying much, but according to liquor industry newsletter The Shout, the company plans to release a beer dispenser, to be named the Tap King, and a range of draft beers for home consumption later this year. Australian Brews News says Lion revealed its plans to members of the Australian Hotels Association, some of whom fear the move could take business from them.

Lion's plans are doubtless in response to weak beer sales and a continuing trend to drinking at home. The problem for hotels could be exacerbated by intense competition among retailers offering Tap King refills. This could further consolidate the market power of Coles and Woolworths, who could smoothly fit the new products in with their existing beer ranges.

Viking

330ml six-pack $19

Advertisement

The latest starter in Australia's exploding so-called ''premium'' beer market uses ''glacial water from Iceland'', the press release declares. The brewers do seem to have taken great care not to overwhelm the pristine water with hops and malt flavour - nor with body, as it's a modest 4.4 per cent alcohol.

2/5

Fuller's Golden Pride Superior Strength Ale

500ml $8.40

Fuller's luxurious ale carries its 8.5 per cent alcohol with grace and style. High alcohol tends to dominate beer flavour, but here it's absorbed by the plush maltiness (pale-ale and crystal malts) and balanced by richly flavoured, bitter Northdown, Challenger and Harvest hop varieties. Sumptuous ale with food.

5/5

From our partners

Advertisement
Advertisement