Quaffers: Tapping Canberra Beer Week

After teetering close to cancellation just two weeks from commencement, Canberra Beer Week launched successfully on Saturday, November 8, says organiser Anthony Young.

Red tape nearly derailed one of the signature events, says Young. But Beer Day Out, a showcase of 27 Australian and international craft brewers at Kingston markets, went ahead as scheduled, attracting an enthusiastic crowd.

Like similar events now well established in Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra's major beer event caters to growing consumer interest in craft beers.

Canberra brewer BentSpoke, launched two new beers for the event over a "meet the brewers" brunch at the brewpub.

And food and beer matching events included New Zealand craft brews over lunch at Pod Food, Pialligo, and a beer degustation menu at Rubicon restaurant, Griffith.

Organisers expect an even bigger and more varied event next year, so keep an eye on the website (canberrabeerweek.com).

Hills Cider Company Pear Cider 330ml
★★★★
6-pack $16-$18

"We use 100 per cent fresh [Adelaide Hills] fruit – we never add concentrate, sugar, flavour or water", claims the Hills Cider Company. And the claim rings true with every mouthfull of their refreshing pear cider. Delicate acidity balances the fruity sweetness, and a little grip on the palate suggests some skin contact during fermentation.

4 Pines Brewing Company Hefeweizen 330ml
★★★
6-pack $20

Sydney's 4 Pines says it models its wheat ale on the southern German style. It's a fair enough beer, cloudy mid-lemon in colour with a fruity aroma rather than the distinctly banana-like esters we often see in Bavarian versions. The palate is full and fruity but a little flat– suggesting the bottle was not fresh.