October

What’s On: “Cantina Del Sol” Pop Up to Bring the Spirit of Mexico to Sydney

For just one weekend this October, Sol Beer will be bringing the spirit of Mexico to Sydney through a colourful and vibrant pop up cantina in Potts Point. Dubbed“Cantina del Sol” the pop up will deliver the unexpected to those curious enough to venture into the sights, sounds and flavours of Mexico.

The interior of Potts Point’s Villa Bar & Kitchen will be transformed by interior designer Ally Bercich into a Mexican escape, drawing influence from the style and flair of iconic Mexican artist Frida Khalo – a name synonymous with Mexican arts and culture.

Raul Gonzales, part–owner of popular Kings Cross venue The Backroom and Bondi Canteen part-owner Shane Moran are tasked with bringing Sol’s vision to life. Gonzales says “We’re incredibly excited to get this up and running for Sol. We really want to bring that authentic side of Mexico, from the music to the décor, the drinks and of course the food…”

Al Carbón – Sydney’s famed “Taqueria on Wheels” – will be bringing the authentic tastes of Mexico to the event with a very special menu, inspired by the charcoal BBQ pits of North Mexico.

Al Carbón head chef, Atilla Yilmaz, says “We’re bringing the real tastes of Mexico and its street vendors to the pop up. Think honest, fiery and sharp flavours, the real deal. Just like in Mexico. That’s what you’ll find at Cantina del Sol”

Drawing inspiration from the Mexican spiritual holiday día de los muertos, the venue will be transformed into a side of Mexico that has not been experienced in Sydney before. A fresh fruit stand by one of the bars will allow for guests to garnish their own Sol beers and cocktails and provide a full sensory experience.

Guests to the pop up Cantina will also be able to leave their mark on an interactive wall, writing messages and learning the 115 year history of Sol and its origins.

Gonzales also promises some fantastic entertainment throughout the whole weekend, kicking off with instrumental trio Kallidad at the VIP launch event, alongside a special DJ set from Alyssa McClelland. Depending on when you arrive, you could be greeted by a myriad of special acts, from Mexican character actors, secret performances, a caricaturist to acclaimed artist Skullavera, who hand paints ceramic skulls.

Though “Cantina del Sol” marks the first time that Sol Beer have opened a pop up bar in Sydney, this is just one part of an incredible calendar of events Sol run every year to celebrate the spirit of Mexico. From the Sol Summer of Six to endless secret parties on pirate ships, catamarans, roof tops and in aquariums, Sol have become associated with adventure and discovery; the joy of making the most out of life.

With this reputation behind them, Raul Gonzales says of this venue, “We want to take people away from it all, come and relax and enjoy the authentic world of Mexico in this new pop up bar.”

The Potts Point based venue will open with a special VIP and Media launch on Thursday, October 3rd, before opening to the public for lunch and dinner fromFriday October 4th through to Sunday October 6th.

Sol are also planning to bring “Cantina del Sol” to Melbourne and Adelaide in early 2014, to, as Gonzales appropriately put it, “spread the Sol love”.

What: Cantina Del Sol – Pop Up

Where: 1 Kellet St, Potts Point

When:  

VIP Launch 7pm to Midnight, Thursday October 3rd

General Public Friday October 4th through Sunday October 6th.

Open for lunch 12:30pm to 3:30pm, dinner 5:30pm to 9:30pm.

What’s On: Oktoberfest 2013 at Bavarian Bier Café and Löwenbräu Keller

Prost! Oktoberfest kicks off at Löwenbräu Keller and Bavarian Bier Café

What a great time of year, spring is in the air and Oktoberfest is upon us. Here is an overview of key activities taking place at Bavarian Bier Café and Löwenbräu Keller.

Massive steins filled with bier, dirndl clad women and men wearing lederhosen, Würstl, Schweinshaxe and Sauerkraut? Yep, it’s that time of the year again. Oktoberfest is back this September with a loud, hard German thigh-slap. It’s time to release your lederhosen-wearing, pretzel-loving, stein-swigging, yodeling inner Bavarian.

Oktoberfest gives you the chance to join in the world’s biggest festival – an event that first took place in Munich way back in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

With over 6 million visitors every year it’s the world’s largest fair and has been taking place for over 200 years. The best places to celebrate Oktoberfest this year in Sydney are the true home-away-from-Oktoberfest-home venues – Löwenbräu Keller and Bavarian Bier Café.

All the fun has kicked off at each Bavarian Bier Café across Sydney, (including CBD favourites O’Connell and York Street, Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter, beachside suburbs Manly and Bondi, the north side’s Crows Nest and Chatswood, and Parramatta in the city’s west) and Löwenbräu Keller, in the heart of Sydney’s The Rocks precinct.

Throughout the festival Löwenbräu Keller and Bavarian Bier Café will be the only venues offering all five official Oktoberfestbiers on tap available in Australia – Löwenbräu, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner and Hofbräu – specially imported from Munich for the occasion, will be served across the venues. There’ll be plenty of steins clinking and a frolicking good time guaranteed!

Special Oktoberfest menus will also be available to hungry Munich style food-lovers, as well as plenty of special events and entertainment sure to see Sydney come alive with Bavarian spirit running high for six fun-filled weeks.

Highlights include:

• Bier education and dining sessions, at all Bavarian Bier Café venues – including bier education sessions run by authentic bier meisters teaching bier lovers everything they need to know about Oktoberfestbier.
• Guests are invited to join in the fun of the Miss Oktoberfest crowning event on Thursday 10 October at Löwenbräu Keller – the final three ‘Miss Oktobers’ battle it out to become the official 2013 Miss Oktoberfest.
• Triple M’s Chris North will host an Oktoberfest Trivia Night at Löwenbräu Keller on Wednesday 23 October, guests are invited to join in the fun and win great prizes.
• ‘Bier o’clock’ at each Bavarian Bier Café from 5pm -7pm will see fantastic bier specials, including a new $10 bier cocktail – oom pah pah!
• Oktoberfest ‘Upgrade Sundays’ at each Bavarian Bier Café sees selected 500mL Oktoberfestbiers for the price of 300mL between 3pm and 6pm every Sunday throughout Oktoberfest.
• Try the Über Mega Oktoberfest Sausage Challenge at Löwenbräu Keller – $49 for a 2-metre sausage with chips and salad (over 2 kilos of food!) – complete the challenge in 30 minutes and you eat for free! Available Wednesday – Sunday from 29 September.

For more information about Oktoberfest 2013 visit http://www.oktoberfest.com.au.

What’ on: AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB GEORGE MAIN STAKES DAY ROYAL RANDWICK SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2013

Group 1 racing returns to Royal Randwick this Spring as the thoroughbred stars step out for George
Main Stakes Day at Royal Randwick. Sydney’s best weight for age horses will compete in the day’s
highlight event, the Group 1 George Main Stakes, against the backdrop of the brand new Grandstand.

This 1600m race draws a strong field every year with $350,000 in prizemoney up for grabs.

WHO: Race Day Ambassadors – Australia’s premier hat maker and the official milliner for the Sydney Spring Carnival, Nerida Winter and celebrated Australian actor Roy Billing will be available for picture opportunities and interviews prior to the event and on the day.

WHEN: Saturday 21 September 2013

Gates Open: 11.00am First Race: 12.45pm Final Race: 5.10pm

WHERE: Royal Randwick

Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031

TICKETING: For all ticketing and hospitality information and purchases please visit http://www.theraces.com.au. Pre-purchase and save $5 on general admission tickets, discount available until 11.59pm the day prior. Alternatively tickets are available at the gates on the day.

RACE DAY HIGHLIGHTS:

 XXXX Gold Retreat: two-level bar with interactive XXXX Gold Island challenge
 Football finals games broadcast around the course
 Themed bars and entertainment
 Clinique Lounge: makeup touch-ups, gift
 Gentlemen here to help: race day essentials, unique race day experience
 Go Racing for Real SMS competition: winners allocated a feature race horse and invited to watch from the
Winning Post. The participant allocated the winning horse wins $2000
 A free bus service will be available to transport guests from Royal Randwick to The Star in the afternoon

What’s on: A FRIDAY NIGHT PLAYGROUND OF MARKETS AND MYSTERY

A vibrant experience and a world of mystery in a buzzing market atmosphere: expect the unexpected at The Rocks Village Bizarre.

Presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority over eight Friday nights from 1 November to 20 December, The Rocks and its enchanting laneways – full of history, mystery and dark secrets – will be transformed into a bazaar of all that is weird, wonderful and… bizarre.

Wander down the curious laneways for a world where artists flourish, free-thinkers dominate and pushers of indulgence are given centre stage at the lively Village Bizarre street market. Each evening will encompass new performances so you never know what you’ll discover once you step inside this curious world.

Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority Creative Producer, Michael Cohen says the Village Bizarre will be making a welcome return to The Rocks.

“Last year really demonstrated to us that lots and lots of people are willing to jump into a mischievous embrace of the crazy and the bizarre. This year, we’re going even more adventurous for people, we’ve been tapping into the vein of the curious and fun, and we’ve got a massive program full of unexpected delights,” he says.

The experiences the Foreshore Authority has in store at The Rocks Village Bizarre are as diverse as they are unique. The Rocks Square will be transformed into a world where the quirky run wild, featuring new themes and highlights every week.

One Friday you may find yourself in the Gin Mill Social, where the 1920s will be brought to life at a lively and roaring speakeasy bar hidden behind a rusty, corrugated iron fence. Here you’ll see The Jordan C Thomas Quartet play beat jazz and jump swing while performers mingle and entertain. On another night you’ll find Club Bizarre, where Kiki and Pascal, the Kazadorian Contortionist, will host cabaret, zany music and other shenanigans.

Not everything will be so easy to find, however. Follow clues around The Rocks to discover the secret Village Bizarre pop-up bar, The Hole in the Sky. It follows on from the success of last year’s popular White Rabbit Bar, where masked revellers can escape the busy laneways, and nest over their wine.

For those who prefer to stay on their feet, The Rocks Village Bizarre will offer meandering alleyway investigations of all sorts. In the warming spring weather, a Friday evening stroll will be taken to a whole new level.

Meander through outdoor markets where you can pick up small treasures and munch on delicious food. Or discover a pop-up parlour of oddities at The Rock’s Cleland Bond heritage building, and have your palm or tarot cards read, or a new hairstyle whipped up.

Those brave enough can register to join the gangs of The Rocks in the innovative and unique role-playing experience The Rocks Push and Pull. The game will bring to life the infamous goings on, dodgy antics and shady business dealings of the Push gangs active in The Rocks in the 1880s and 90s.

Not one but two short film competitions will celebrate the peculiar as part of the inaugural Bike Shorts Film Competition. Standard Shorts encourages films that peak into the weird and wonderful, while Micro Shorts filmmakers will be encouraged to submit Instagram videos based on the theme “Cycle”. Shortlisted finalists will have their films projected on a pedal-powered cinema screen thanks to Magnificent Revolution.

Amongst the returning world of the unusual, the city’s most intimate Silent Disco will this year find itself on Atherden Street, where everyone can be a dancing queen for the night.

Wondrous performers will again take over Greenway Lane. Contortionists, magicians, comedians, cabaret… you never know what you’ll see when you step inside. New performances will take place each and every week in the intimate venue and those who attended last year will be enchanted by new artists and shows.

The provoking performance troupe The Glitter Militia will also be returning to perform at The Cabinet of Curiosities, which will tantalise your senses, shock your brain and leave you questioning everything you thought you once knew.

No corner will be left ordinary. Every laneway, nook and cranny of The Rocks will unveil a new performance, a new adventure, a new experience. From kidnappings, treasure hunts and curious cabinets to contortionists and the speakeasy, your very own playground of markets and mystery is waiting for you.

So curious folk, get ready to end your working week in the mysterious world of The Rocks Village Bizarre – every Friday night from 1 November to 20 December.

The Rocks Village Bizarre is curated and presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, proud managers of The Rocks: traditional land of the Cadigal people and the birthplace of European settlement in Australia. While preserving The Rocks’ unique heritage, the Authority’s team of creatives and resident experts produce large scale and intimate quality events, outdoor markets, and educational tours to drive visitors into the precinct and support the precinct’s tenants. The Rocks is a perfect blend of culture, cuisine and myriad experiences worth savouring.

WHAT: The Rocks Village Bizarre
WHERE: The Rocks
WHEN: Every Friday through November and December
6.30pm – 10pm
COST: Free
INFO and BOOKINGS: therocks.com

PLEASE VOTE: Sydney Social 101 selected as a Finalist for the Pedestrian.TV Blogster Awards

Every so often I’ll find myself asking why I run three blogs for no income and work over 75 hours a week… Well it’s times like these that I get such fulfilment and reward for dedciating so much of my time into doing something that I love!

I started Sydney Social 101 in Feb 2012 as a ‘hyper-local’ blog to provide what’s on, behind the scenes, social spy, product/ event/ venue reviews and go-to guides for Sydney.

The blog has since gone from strength to strength and regularly gets over 5,500 UV per month. I’m really excited to say that the hard work has paid off and that Sydney Social 101 has been selected as a finalist in the Pedestrian.TV Blogster awards in the ‘Tech, Media and Design’ category – specifically the ‘media’ section!

Click to vote!

It is especially a great achievement for me as I’ve actually been in the UK since Nov last year due to having to have a serious operation, so have been running this blog remotely for the past 10 months! With the help of a team of amazing contributors, I have been able to continue the growth and success of www.sydneysocial101.com

Click the link and then click ‘Like’ to register your vote

Whilst back in the UK I’ve also launched Manchester Social 101 and London Social 101 too, suffice to say I’m a busy girl, ha!

I would be forever grateful if you could please click on this link and click ‘like’ to share on FB and tweet and +1 to get the word out about Sydney Social 101 having the massive honour of being selected.

The name of the game is to get as many ‘likes’ as possible on the site and I’m game for the challenge!

It is so rewarding to see hard work paying off! I have no advertising on any of the blogs, I don’t do sponsored posts and I have a team of volunteers who attend events and movies for me whilst I’m in the UK!

Fingers crossed that Sydney Social 101 makes an impact and gets lots of likes 🙂

You can check out various Sydney Social media channels here:

Facebook: www.sydneysocial101.com/sydneysocial101

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sydneysocial101

Instagram: LisaMarie_PR

Pinterest: LisaMariePR

Google+: Lisa Hollinshead

Thanks so much in advance!

Lisa x

Travel 101- HIBERNATE IN STYLE THIS WINTER IN THE LUXURIOUS NEW SUITES AT THE SEBEL PIER ONE SYDNEY

With the newly released winter menu at Sebel Pier One Sydney, why not hide from the elements & indulge yourself with our delicious room service menu while relaxing in style in one of the new luxurious suites. Built over the waters of Sydney Harbour at Walsh Bay, you can devour the sensational new menu and awaken your tastebuds while gazing at the unrivalled harbour views. Take in some of the iconic landmarks, such as The Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Sydney Opera House or the famous smile of Luna Park, all while sipping on a glass of champagne in absolute luxury.

Sebel Pier One Executive Chef, John Slaughter, believes he has created a winter menu that will satisfy every diner’s palette. “Every season, I update the menu. I take a lot of time in choosing fresh produce that compliments the season and is readily available at that time of year. It’s important that we only use the highest quality food, sourced both locally and abroad, so that each mouthful is an experience in itself.”

As exquisite as the new suites, the ‘melt in your mouth’ Braised Beef Short Rib, Mirin & Soy on Chili Slaw is a must-have from the new menu. The Pan seared citrus pepper scallops with salted cucumber & sauce verge are the perfect way to start the evening whilst to finish, John Slaughter suggests you must try the Toasted Marshmallow, Strawberries, Lemon Curd, Champagne Chillout with Strawberry Sorbet.

Alternatively, dress for winter and have your room service outside, as four of the suites boast large balcony spaces. A wrap-around balcony for three of the suites, provide generous space with divisions to ensure privacy, while the fourth suite balcony offers an impressive 40 metre squared space jutting over the Pier. The space makes for an ideal setting for your own private alfresco dining and sunset drinks.

All of the new suites feature king size beds, a marble topped wet bar with Nespresso coffee machine, marble topped working desk, two LED flat screen TVs – one of which rises from the bed base, Foxtel, iPod/iPad docking stations and WiFi internet access. The bathrooms have (insert “a”) designer, deep standalone bathtub, soothing rainwater heads with side jets, double brass bowl vanities and deluxe amenity kits from Appelles Apothecary.

Complementing The Sebel Pier One Sydney, is its sister hotel in The Rocks, Harbour Rocks Hotel. This historic 59-room hotel was completely redeveloped in 2012 & delivers outstanding luxury and attention to detail while maintaining respect for the historical and architectural features of the original building. Both hotels are perfectly located to explore Sydney.

Sydney’s Cheap Eats 101

Feeling the purse strings tightening this month? These cheap and delicious eats will have you sorted till pay day, whilst keeping your social life in tact.

These are some of the best cheap eats you’ll find in Sydney – tried and tested by our very own food reviewer, who’s eaten her way through Sydney (Pac-man style).

We have you covered for every day of the week…

Monday

Forresters: Newly revamped with a fresh new menu that’s drool-worthy. Putting up a delicious and juicy $5 steak all day – comes with mash and gravy, just buy a drink!

336 Riley Street Surry Hills
(02) 9212 3035

The Norfolk: Does killer mini burgers for $4 each. Choose from seven mouth-watering options including Cheese Burger, Feelin O Fish, Chicken Katsu, Pork Belly, El Nino and for the vego’s – the almighty “Mac ‘N’ Cheese.”

305 Cleveland St. Surry Hills
(02) 9699 3177

The Dolphin: Do a pretty damn good Grain fed Rump steak Monday-Wednesday. Comes with your Choice of Fries or Mash, 3 Sauces + Green Salad for only $12

412 Crown Street Surry Hills
(02)9331 4800

The Passage: Serves their tender Angus Sirloin Steak with Red Wine Jus and crisp shoe string fries or only $10.

231 Victoria Street Darlinghurst NSW 2010
(02) 9358 6116

They don’t call it tight-arse Tuesday for nothing…..

The Passage: Have a massive 50% off their food menu. This includes crispy golden Zucchini Flowers stuffed with goats cheese and perfectly drizzled with truffle honey…to die for!

The Norfolk: $3 tacos madness – these are positively delish and come in beef, pork, veg, chicken, fish and duck encased in a soft tortilla, garnished with an array of fresh mex favourites and topped off with their famous chipotle mayo…yum!

Wednesday:

The Passage: Is a winner again with $4 sliders and ciders all day long.

‘The Mighty Duck’ w/ Chinese Style Peking Duck, Shallots, Cucumber and Hoisin Sauce

You can choose from the 3 standard options from the a la carte menu as well as a weekly “slider du jour.” Recent additions have included Veal Saltimbocca w/ Sweet Potato Rosti and Cheesy Polenta.

The ‘Pie Float Slider’: w/ Shepherds Pie & Mushy Peas

You can also choose from Slow-Roasted Goose w/ Chestnut Stuffing, Cassis Onion Marmalade and Horseradish Cream….drool!

Johnny Wong’s Dumpling Bar: $1 Dumpling mania. Choose from 4 tantalising options including pork, prawn gow gee, chicken and water chestnut and vegetarian. Sharing is caring so stock up!

Kinselas Building (next to The Standard and half way up the stairs towards Lo-Fi)
Level 1, 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst
(02) 9331 3100

The Carrington: $3 Pintxos – Individual morsels of goodness that are gone in just a couple of bites. These include a potato tortilla stack with jamon and cheese and AMAZING black paella balls. These options change each week so you’ll want to come back and try them all!

563 Bourke Street Surry Hills
(02) 9360 4714

Thursday

Hugo’s: Try its award winning pizza for only $5. The crust is perfectly waif thin with toppings that include all your traditional favourites with a chic twist. Choose from chilli prawn (personal fave), Pork Belly, Ham & Pineapple, Pepperoni and a sensational truffle mushroom one for the vegos.

1/33 Bayswater Road Potts Point
(02) 9332 1227

Don Don: A great little gem in the heart of Oxford St – serving delectable sushi hand rolls from only $2, delicious rice bowls (that come with a side of tasty U-Don soup) as well as all of your favourite Japanese cuisine all week long.

Friday

El Loco: For some fun, post drinking nourishment head to this local haunt – serving up tasty pockets of heaven till the wee hours. Choices include lemongrass beef, spit roasted pork, prawn, chilli marinated tofu, chicken, and (for those who are feeling extra courageous after a few beverages) “The Secret Taco.”

Excelsior Hotel
64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills
(02) 9211 4945

Chat Thai: All your authentic Thai favourites and cheap as chips! Top picks include Pad Si Ew. and Emerald Duck. They also have an insane selection of Thai deserts that come in all sorts of colours, textures and flavours, including do-nut fingers with Pandan custard dip and Mango sticky rice. Open till 2am for those looking for a late night fix.

They also won the SMH Everyday Eats Overall Champion Award this year! They have a more upmarket offering at Westfield Pitt Street Mall, they also really push for the affordable food angle!

In addition to this branch, they also have a branch on Manly Wharf, so you can even get your Chat Thai fix at the beach! It used to be a take-away bar, but now is a fully fledged restaurant with about 50 seats and should receive its liquor licence in mid-December! Woop!

20 Campbell Street, Haymarket (02) 9211 180

So this is the first of many ‘ Cheap Eats’ posts for Sydney Social 101! If you have any specific suburb requests, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

This post was compiled by Sydney Social 101’s roving food reporter, Sasha Tsibulya.

Byron Bay delivers

I’ve been in Byron Bay since Friday and it’s amazing! Here is a snap shot of my travels so far, full post to follow!

Big thanks to Summerhouse, Byron at Byron, Cape Byron Kayacks, Woody’s Surf Shack and The Beach Hotel!

SOCIAL SPY** Tanqueray® master class at Zeta Bar

Last week Sydney Social 101 was invited to Zeta Bar to take part in a Tanqueray® master class at Zeta Bar. We were showed so much, it was so enjoyable and you know what we concluded that we’re a big fan of Tanquery Gin!

We were invited to rediscover Tanqueray®, the bartender’s gin of choice Off the back of the classic cocktail resurgence, as Australian bartenders are pushing the boundaries in their quest to craft the perfect drink. This refreshing philosophy has seen the classic Tanqueray® & Tonic rediscovered as bartenders are creating mixers that are unique to their own drinking establishments.

As the bartender’s gin of choice, Tanqueray’s zesty flavour is the perfect complement to tonic, and fuses botanicals including juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice. Add fresh lime over ice to create a refreshingly classic serve! From November, the Tanqueray & Tonic is set to get even better with the launch of new bespoke glassware in bars across Australia.

Capturing the sleek style and green hues of the iconic Tanqueray bottle, the new glassware has been ergonomically designed to bring out the botanical flavours and keep the drink cooler for longer during warm summer evenings.

Londoner Charles Tanqueray struck gold in 1810 when he developed Tanqueray and to celebrate the drink’s rich British heritage, London black cabs will hit the streets of Sydney from this November. Flag down the Tanqueray Fleet to guarantee you arrive in style for your first drink of the night.

Sydney Social 101’s Best Sydney Beers

Thuis weekend marks the return of Australia’s BIGGEST brew, which is back for two froth-filled days this October, bringing together those who appreciate the tastes and aromas of a frosted glass of golden brown nectar known as BEER.
The 8th Annual Australian Beer Festival, hosted by The Australian Hotel kicks off Saturday 27th from 12 – 8pm and Sunday 28th October from 12 – 6pm. With seven successful festivals under their belt including a record crowd of over 14,000 last year, it’s obvious the heritage listed pub know their beer, shutting down the surrounding streets to house revellers from across the country.

Forget your VB, this is a festival sure to introduce beer enthusiasts to some quality hops produced locally, pulling out all the stops to help advance the Australian amber industry. The festival will showcase the best Australia has to offer from our most established and up and coming boutique brewers.

Festival goers will also help crown the prestigious ‘Best Overall Beer’ which will be renamed the ‘Geoff Scharer Best Overall Beer’ as The Australian’s beloved local and friend Geoff passed away this year. Geoff lived and managed The Australian Hotel in the early 90’s and brewed their famous house beer, Scharers Lager.

The Home Brew Championship will also return, encouraging local brewers to put their beer making skills to the test with the chance to win their very own stall at the festival.

Brewers are expected to blend an ‘Australiana’ themed beer that is symbolic and representative of our nation’s heritage and culture. Winners will be announced 20th August.
With over 100 Australian beers on offer from the top 24 Australian brewers, the Australian Beer Festival is sure to keep the palette of any beer drinker content the whole weekend. So grab a tasting cup, a fistful of beer tickets and discover how Aussies aren’t just pros at drinking beer – They’re finally getting pretty damn good at making it as well.
Pre-purchase tickets available online from 17th September at www.australianheritagehotel.com

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

Free entry to the festival

10 Tasting tickets at $10

Tasting Cups at $5 each

To purchase call (02) 9247 2229 or email info@australianheritagehotel.com

In light of the upcoming festival, Sydney Social 101 has complied a list of our favourite Aussie beers for your review:

4 Pines Brewing Company – Kolsch

AROMA: Aromas of lemon/lime

FLAVOUR: light malty palate, finishing crisp and clean showing hints of spice and citrus.

COLOUR & APPEARANCE: Light straw colour

Distinct factor: The 4 Pines Brewing Company creates their craft beers by the brewing laws of Germany. Meaning only hops, water, yeast and malt are used to create the beers. No added nasties!

ALCOHOL: 4.6%

BODY: A medium bodied ale with crisp fresh flavours

McLaren Vale Beer Company – Vale/Drk

AROMA: dark chocolate/coco with solid citrus hops aromas.

FLAVOUR: Flavours of chocolate and cocoa are balanced with citrus hops. With a crisp dry finish. Sydney’s Best Beers

The Balmain Brewing Co – Original Pilsner

AROMA: Herbaceous fruit driven notes balanced with hops aromas
FLAVOUR: The Balmain pilsner uses three different hops and malts to achieve a complex balanced ale that has a clean and extremely crisp finish.

COLOUR & APPEARANCE: A light golden yellow
ALCOHOL: 4.5%
BODY: Light to Medium

Distinct factor: The Balmain Brewing Company original pilsner is a must try larger. The Balmain boys have created a fresh, clean yet tasteful beer that will please any beer enthusiasts tastes. The combination of several different hops and malts has made for a beer of refined gentlemanly aroma and taste.

Two Birds Brewing – Golden Ale

AROMA: Melon, citrus and spice aromas
FLAVOUR: The Two Birds golden ale uses New Zealand Southern Cross hops for bitterness and Motueka and Australian Summer hops for a fresh and clean finish.

COLOUR & APPEARANCE: A dark golden yellow to brown
ALCOHOL: 4.5%
BODY: Medium

Distinct Factor: This award winning golden ale will take drinkers to memories of long summer days and lazy afternoons as the ale is fragrant, aromatic and refreshing but long, smooth and with plenty of depth.  It smells like SUMMER!

Murrays Craft Brewing – Angry Man Brown Ale

AROMA: Dark chocolate and tobacco.

FLAVOUR: Strong brown ale that has plenty of bite with a smooth finish.

COLOUR & APPEARANCE: Dark ruby red.

ALCOHOL: 6.5%

BODY: Full Bodied.

Distinct Factor: Hand one to a mate when he’s feeling a bit moody, and this big ale will set him straight.

ENDEAVOUR  True  Vintage  Beer  offers  a  unique  experience  for  beer  lovers.  By  selecting  the  ‘pick  of  the   crop’  of  hops  and  barley  from  each  year’s  harvest,  their  innovative  brewer  Andy  Stewart  is  able  to  produce  unique  vintage  brews  each  year  that  go  down  well  now  and  develop  over  time.    Only  months  since  several  awards,  including  placing  second  at  both  the  2012  World  Beer  Cup  and  Australian  International  Beer  Awards  in  relevant  classes,  ENDEAVOUR  has  released  the  third  vintage  of  its   True  Vintage  Ales  –  the  2012  Reserve  Amber  Ale  and  2012  Reserve  Pale  Ale.

The  2012  ENDEAVOUR  True  Vintage  Reserve  Pale  Ale  has  a  very  lifted  and  intense  nose  -­‐  a  complex  blend   of  floral  aromatics,  spiced  citrus,  herbs  and  sweet  malt.

The  palate  is  full  bodied,  having  raised  the  alcohol  content  from  4.5%  to  5.0%,  with  a  good  balance  of  malts   and  fresh  bitterness  giving  the  beer  persistence  and  length.  The  hops  add  a  further  dimension  of  flavour   with  lemon/lime  and  grapefruit  from  the  Galaxy,  Spicy  apricot  from  the  Summer  and  spiced  herbs  from  the   Southern  Saaz.

2012  ENDEAVOUR  Reserve  Amber  Ale  330ml  has  an  ABV  of  5.2%  and  a  RRP  of  $18.99/four  pack.  2012

ENDEAVOUR  Reserve  Pale  Ale  330ml  has  an  ABV  of  5.0%  and  a  RRP  of  $18.99/four  pack.    Both  brews  are  widely  available  and  a  full  list  of  stockists  can  be  found  at  www.ENDEAVOURbeer.com

Some other notable mentions: James Squire, Little Creatures and Fat Yak!