Australia
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By Rocky | March 13, 2008
Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state but they have two major beer brands, Cascade and Boag’s Draught. Cascade comes from the Capital Hobart while Boag’s is brewed in Launceston in the states central region and claims to be Tasmania’s most popular beer. The beer was launched nationally in 2004 and had made a bit of an impact, it is brewed from a century old recipe and has smooth hoppy bitterness from locally grown Ringwood hops and the freshest of waters from the pristine Esk River. James Boag took over the Esk Brewery in 1881 to create J. Boag and Son and today the brewery is still one of classic heritage buildings in Launceston. James’ son and grandson also brewed at the brewery and after a few rough periods during the 1980’s and 1990′ is owned by the huge San Miguel company which have ensured it’s future and heritage, with some of Australia’s best beers.
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Red Duck handcrafted beers
By Rocky | March 12, 2008
Every here and there you try a new beer and it’s got something special well the Red Duck is one of them brewed in a microbrewery in Purrumbete in the Western District of Victoria on Australia’s southern coast Red Duck is made from natural ingredients and rain water. They are naturally carbonated in the bottle giving them a rich yeasty and malt flavor. The small brewery operates out of an old dairy stable and coach house which was built in the 1870’s adding to the charm. They brew several beer styles including a pale ale, an amber ale (our favorite), a bright ale, porter and some special varieties including Honey Porter, Imperial Stout, Strong Bitter and Celtic Ale. You will be pushed to find the beer outside of Victoria, but the effort is well worth it- the beer is one of the states best micro brews. If you are in the region look out for it.
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Carlton & United Clydesdales
By Rocky | March 11, 2008
Back before cars, trucks and rail transport in Australia the beautiful Clydesdale was a familiar site working on the land and delivering goods around the towns. They were also used to transport beer from the breweries to the pub. Carlton and United Breweries in Melbourne used Clydesdales from 1864 until just after the Second World War and today still have a magnificent troop of these beautiful horses for marketing purposes which are loved by young and old. Their familiar clip clop and silky boots have become ledged and they are now proudly the symbol of Carlton Draught Australia’s favorite draught beer. The carriage is also protected by a Dalmatian dog who has developed a special relationship with the horses and he sits proudly upon the barrels. This is also part of tradition. There are 10 horses in all, and they take turns of pulling the beer wagon. The horses are always dressed for the occasion in lovely silk beer rugs and silver beer badges. The horses travel Australia visiting many agricultural shows, parades and of course the local pub Today’s photo shows us beautiful horses and carriage in the Pako Festa a multicultural street parade in Geelong Australia. Read the rest of this entry »
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VB Original Ale
By Rocky | March 10, 2008
Victoria Bitter or VB is Australia’s favorite beer and Fosters have gone back to their roots and released a heritage beer called VB Original Ale. This beer is beautifully packaged in retro style bottle and label and has a recipe not too far unlike the original 1894 drop. The beer is more than a bit of nostalgia it is quiet tasty and is sold not only in traditional bottle form but can also be found on specialty taps as a draft. The brewer has said the beer is a tribute to their founder Thomas Aiken and has a touch of roasted barley and traditional kettle hopping methods are used in it’s brewing process. The beer has a 4.6 % alcohol rating and is something different to try next time you are in an Aussie pub.
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Lucky Beer
By Rocky | February 3, 2008
We at Hoppsy reckon all beer is lucky but this one is Lucky by name also. Lucky Beer is brewed in Australia by award winning brewer Brian Watson at Australian Independent Brewers. The beer is a tasty Asian style larger which uses 100% natural ingredients to produce a premium quality beer. The beer is specially fermented at a much cooler temperature than normal beers which allows for a aromatic but mild Asian flavour with the usual light fizzy head you would expect from a Japanese or Chinese pilsner. The beer is only brewed in small quantities and can be a little difficult to find as it is very popular. But other than the great taste the best thing about this beer is the beautiful packaging- the beer features a beautiful Buddha shaped green bottle. It is quiet stunning and is fast becoming a collector’s piece and is a standout in any beer fridge, one bottle which won’t end up in the recycle bin!
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Australians wouldn’t giva a XXXX for anything
By Rocky | January 27, 2008
This is surely one of the worst corny ads I have ever seen. Its for Queensland’s Castlemaine XXXX beer for the UK market. It uses some really bad Australian Stereotyping. You are expecting a crocodile or a dingo to come out and eat here, but sadly not the case. Anyway XXXX is Queensland’s most popular drop, and quiet popular in the northern states of the country and making great inroads into the UK giving good old Fosters a run for it’s money as Australia’s beer. The beer is no where as bad as this ad- Take a look, you are sure to cringe- I am sure it’s set back Australian Culture 20 years, we are going to need Sir Les Patterson our Cultural Ambassador to do some good work to show we Aussies have much more style and sophistication than this.
Topics: Australia, UK & Ireland | No Comments »
If the mrs dosen’t kill you the kebab might
By Rocky | January 26, 2008
VB the true Australian Beer has put out some fantastic advertisements over the year, the recent VB Symphony is a great example. But a few years back they put out a few based on the classic Victoria Bitter ad… ‘matter of fact I’ve got it now’ This one features a big night out on the town with the boys and the classic Aussie nightcap the Kebab- the roasted rotisserie lamb and salad wrapped in a Turkish Bread all smothered in garlic sauce— Mater of fact I could go one now! A perfect way to celebrate Australia Day!
If you have any great nightcap treats, like a kebab, a pizza, a pie floater or hot dog or something even more special drop us a comment http://www.hoppsy.com/send-us-a-tip/
Topics: Australia, YouTube | No Comments »
The Great Aussie Beer Shed
By Rocky | January 25, 2008
With Australia Day tomorrow we thought it would be appropriate to mention the Great Aussie Beer Shed. This great attraction is just out side of the Victorian /
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Arrrh Fosters Lager- its got the flavor
By Rocky | January 24, 2008
I think we have mentioned before on Hoppsy, everyone outside Australia thinks Fosters when we they think of Australian Beer, unlike the Aussies who really don’t care for the stuff. Fosters is the most successful Australian beer brand all around the world being sold just about everywhere. Today it is brewed in several countries Australia, and is a huge seller expecially in the UK. We found this great Hong Kong Fosters ad which dates back to the early 1980’s which is a beauty and well worth a look, maybe enjoy watching it with a refreshing Fosters to celebrate our Australia Day week of beers.
Topics: Australia | 2 Comments »
The best cold beer is Vic, Vic Bitter
By Rocky | January 23, 2008
Well plenty of people would disagree, but half of Australia think the best cold beer is Vic, Victoria Bitter. VB is Australia’s biggest selling draft beer and is available in just about every pub in the continent. Brewed by Carlton and United Breweries now known as The Fosters Group the beer has a reputation of being a beer for everyone especially the Aussie worker. Originating from Melbourne it was really Melbourne Bitter and Carlton Draft which were the beer drinkers choice, but after great advertising like this old You Tube ad, and marketing into new areas, VB has become the Australian favorite. Well a hard earned thirst needs a big cold beer…you know the rest.
Topics: Australia | No Comments »