Tag / Beer

by brandsa2018

Pirate Life’s Port Adelaide brewery open for business

Popular craft brewer Pirate Life will celebrate the completion of its $15 million new Port Adelaide brewery and canning facility this month, coinciding with the business’s fourth birthday.

The new brewery will allow Pirate Life to brew eight million litres of beer at the Port to keep up with national demand, compared to the three million litres at its current Hindmarsh facility.

The original site at Hindmarsh will still operate, dedicated to creating new and innovative beers, while the Port Adelaide brewery will take on the big sellers lager, pale ale, and IPA.

Pirate Life co-founder Michael Cameron says the brewery intends to brew between 40 and 45 new beers this year.

It’s been a big couple of months for Pirate Life, which was bought in November 2018 by Carlton and United Breweries, a subsidiary of Belgium-based Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Pirate Life’s new facility in Port Adelaide will allow for a significant boost in production volumes.

“We’ve been working on Pirate Life at the Port for more than 12 months and we’ve come so far,” says Pirate Life co-founder Michael Cameron.

“While our original Hindmarsh brewery, bar and shop will remain open for business, the Port brewery represents a vital injection of cultural at an exciting time benefitting the area’s resurgence.

“Our new brewhouse in the expansive, proud old 1938 Dalgety Wool Store really is a sight to behold. From the brewery to the bar, the food offerings and our ongoing events schedule, we reckon you’ll love being there as much as we do. We’re just four years old but we’ve got a lot to celebrate.”

Pirate Life will celebrate the completed expansion at a free public event on Saturday, March 9, unveiling the new tap house with a 22-yard main bar, the size of a cricket pitch.

A line of eight new limited release birthday beers will be revealed, complementing old favourites and newer creations.

Pirate Life founders Michael Cameron, left, Jared Proudfoot and Jack Cameron.

Pirate Life was founded four years ago after its three founders Jack Cameron, Jared Proudfoot and Michael Cameron said goodbye to their lives in WA, driving across the Nullarbor to make a new home SA and launch their new venture. All three had built established careers in craft breweries and in the beer market.

Pirate Life CEO John Phinney says SA beer lovers have shown the company a “great deal of respect and support” since its establishment.

“On top of that, we’ve had incredible backing from the State Government, our colleagues at Carlton and United Breweries, and our new neighbours at the Port Adelaide Council, and we’re very appreciative of that,” he says.

“Now it’s time for us to share the love … and we encourage everyone to drop in and stay a while.”

The Pirate Life’s fourth birthday celebrations are on Saturday, March 9, 2–5pm. Grammy nominated brass band Hot 8 Brass Band will perform, touring all the way from New Orleans.

Free buses will depart from the Port Adelaide Train Station, Gilbert Street Hotel and Adelaide Train Station to the brewery. For more details on the event click here.

Visit I Choose SA to meet the people building business and industry in SA, and to find out how your choices make a difference to our state.

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by brandsa2018

Hop on – the ultimate Fleurieu craft beer trail

Hop to it, beer lovers. South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula is the place to be, with a number of well-established brewers and newer, boutique operators calling the region home.

With its outstanding wines, white sandy beaches and alfresco cafés, the Fleurieu has long been appreciated for its delectable food and wine offerings, but it’s time to give the stouts, ales, and pilsners a pour.

So, grab a designated driver and buckle up. Head for McLaren Vale, the heart of brewery territory and further south into Willunga, before visiting a few watering holes on the outskirts and along the coast. Let the ultimate beer trail begin!

1. Victor’s Place
62 Victor Harbor Road, Old Noarlunga

This restaurant, cellar door and brewery is a three-in-one delight set in an old 1870s stone barn, rebuilt with rustic charm. If the sun is shining, head for the outdoor area with a pint in hand and enjoy the views overlooking the Onkaparinga Valley. As far as beer goes, the Sour Cherry Berliner Weisse is a relatively new release and worth a try, as are the rest of its range including the Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Extra Special Bitter, Saison and Summer Session Ale.

Inside Victor’s Place.

2. Swell Brewing Co.
168 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale

This new brewery and taphouse is the newest kid on the block to join the gang of McLaren Vale’s fellow craft brewery hotspots. Swell Brewing Co.’s new McLaren Vale space is the project of winemaker Corrina Wright of Oliver’s Taranga and her brewer husband Dan Wright. Coastal inspirations and a love for surfing are evident in the brand’s name and overall style, with the brewery offering a selection of its own beers, as well as others, and complemented by classic beer-matching eats such as burgers, chicken wings and sweet potato chips.

Inside Swell’s new taphouse. Photo by Kate Elmes Photography.

3. Vale Brewing
Within the Beresford Tasting Pavilion at 252 Blewitt Springs Road, McLaren Flat.

You can find these guys within Beresford Estate (so it’ll please wine lovers) in McLaren Flat. Have a go at the $15 tasting of the refreshing and sessionable lagers including the Vale Mid Coast, Vale Ale, Vale Lager, Vale Knee Slapper and Vale IPA. Vale has a decade-long history of brewing in the region, starting with small run releases of its original Vale Ale before expanding the core range and growing into a craft beer label well-recognised on SA shelves.

Cheese and beer among the vines at Beresford Estate.

4. Goodieson Brewery
194 Sand Road, McLaren Vale

Family owned and operated Goodieson Brewery is run by Jeff and Mary Goodieson whose property overlooks a tree-lined creek, vineyards and the valley. They’re serious about beer, with the pale ale, pilsner, wheat beer, brown ale, red ale, Maiblock, Christmas ale, autumn ale and stout on offer (although some of these are seasonal styles and have limited availability). Feel free to bring your own picnic snacks and nibbles to enjoy in the outdoor space overlooking the big beautiful gum trees and vineyards.

A beautiful setting on a sunny day.

5. Ekhidna
67 Branson Road, McLaren Vale

This cellar door features beers, ciders and wine from winemaker Matt Rechner. Ekhidna’s traditional Aussie ginger beer is highly sought after, with its strong ginger flavour, hit of spice and hint of sweetness. A restaurant is also on site, offering share plates, heartier mains, and desserts for those who need it. A great all-round experience that will tick boxes not only for beer lovers, but wine lovers, foodies and those partial to a crisp cider too.

Try the beer paddle at Ekhidna.

6. South Coast Brewing Co.
1/11 Jay Drive, Willunga

Beers and beaches – the perfect combination. South Coast Brewing Co. recognises this ideal match and brews its beers with the coast in mind. Three blokes Scott, Brett and Mark are behind this independent operation, with a line of Southern Session Ale a crisp, summery beer that’s almost too easy to drink, the Porties Pale Ale, named after Port Noarlunga, and the Maslin’s Red Ale, named after Australia’s first nudie beach. There’s also the Butter Sou’Westerly, a dry hopped brew that pays homage to winter time’s bitter, cold winds, and the Earl of Seaford Bitter, a delight for true beer appreciators.

The South Coast Brewing Co. trio. Photo sourced from Facebook.

7. Shifty Lizard
33 High Street, Willunga

A relatively new kid on the block, Shifty Lizard owners Lee and Danny opened this new venture in an old butcher’s shop in Willunga about a year ago. The beer bottle and can labels alone are impressive, featuring quirky characters and label names by the likes of the Bruce Lee-zard IPA, Stouty McStout Face and the Lizard’s Dinner. This microbrewery features outdoor dining nestled in the heart of Willunga. Definitely a spot for those who appreciate simple yet stylish interiors and something a little quirky.

8. Smiling Samoyed
Hansen Street, Myponga

Recognised not only for its beer, but the brewery’s two white and fluffy Samoyed dogs, Mia and Hoppy, who will greet you upon arrival. Smiling Samoyed, south west of Willunga, like many breweries is laid back in its style and offers much to look at with small, rustic trinkets and memorabilia scattered throughout facility. Beer wise, the brewery offers both award-winning and limited release brews including the Poppet, Kolsch, Dark Ale, IPA and 12 Paws. Rumour has it that they’ve just re-released the popular Hop Bandit, but be quick because it won’t last long! Grazing plates feature local cheeses, smallgoods and other nibbles while wood oven pizzas, some smaller snacks, and desserts are also on offer.

The fluffy Samoyed dogs are a real crowd-puller.

9. Forktree Brewing
935 Forktree Road, Carrickalinga

With stunning views over the ocean, Forktree Brewing is housed in an old shearing shed – the perfect location for downing a beer, right?! The beers are currently contract brewed, but hopes are to one day have a brewery on site. The froths include the Sunrise Pale Ale, with its citrus and tropical fruit hop aroma, and the Sunset Ale, a fuller bodied, malt driven red ale. The food menu is simple yet satisfying, with burgers enjoying names such as The Ringer beef burger, the Roustabout lamb burger, the Flamin’ Galah chicken burger, the Squeezer pork burger, and the Guesser sweet potato and chickpea burger.

How’s that for a sunset?

10. Meechi Brewery Company
The Wine House, 1509 Langhorne Creek Road, Langhorne Creek

A little out of the way from the other Fleurieu breweries (but still within an hour or so’s drive) is Meechi Brewery Company in wine region Langhorne Creek. Meechi’s winemaker owners proudly launched this small-batch brewery from their backyard shed because “we think every wine region needs a beer label”, and we agree! They were the Creek’s first craft beer label and have been a perfect addition within The Wine House, a wine tasting and dining venue where you’ll also be able to crack open one of Meechi’s handcrafted beers. Meechi is an Aboriginal name for the Bremer River, which runs through the town and then into Lake Alexandrina.

Share your Fleurieu beer trail experience with us on Facebook or instagram by using the #ichoosesa hashtag!

Visit I Choose SA to meet the people building business and industry in SA, and to find out how your choices make a difference to our state.

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by brandsa2018

8 beer gardens you have to sit in this summer

The sun is out, the days are getting longer, and did someone say beer garden?

We went in search of the perfect South Australian outdoor oasis, and we found heaps! Here are eight of the best.

Cathedral Hotel – North Adelaide

Have you been searching for a beautiful heritage listed North Adelaide bar with a renovated rooftop? The search is over! The Cathedral took out SA’s Best Pub Burger in the 2016 SA Pub Burger Challenge, so you can be sure the classic pub fare won’t disappoint.

Here’s their menu, we recommend the beef burger and a glass of Jim Barry Watervale Riesling (Clare Valley).

The sun sets over Adelaide from the Cathedral rooftop garden. Image: Cathedral Hotel via Instagram.

The Cathedral Hotel knows burgers. Image: Cathedral Hotel via Instagram.

Hotel Elliot – Port Elliot

Heading to Middleton for a surf? Or perhaps a beachside getaway is calling your name. Either way, this well-frequented local pub located in picturesque Port Elliot has everything you want, with a sensational beer garden to boot.

A  five-minute stroll from Horseshoe Bay and a short walk to whale spotting favourite Freeman Lookout, you can also catch the Cockle Train or Steam Ranger with the Port Elliot Railway Station situated just outside the hotel.

Here’s their menu, we recommend the Coopers Ale battered garfish fillets, served with the Elliot salad, chips and house aioli. Pair with a Coopers Pale Ale of course!

The Hotel Elliot beer garden is waiting for you! Image: Hotel Elliot via Instagram.

Fish and chips on the Fleurieu at Hotel Elliot. Image: Hotel Elliot via Instagram.

The Republic – Norwood

Built in 1880, the Republic Hotel has undergone extensive renovations with sleek results. This beer garden is perfect for a Saturday arvo with the girls after shopping your new summer look on The Parade.

Here’s their bar menu, we recommend the charcuterie board with cured meats, SA olives, cornichons and ciabatta, and pair with an Espresso Martini (or three).

The only thing better than an espresso martini is three espresso martinis. Image: Republic Norwood via Instagram.

Some of the local produce on offer at Republic Norwood. Image: Republic Hotel via Instagram.

Bridgewater Inn – Bridgewater

Only a 20-minute drive from Adelaide, the Bridgewater Inn is the perfect Adelaide Hills escape. Nestled among lush greenery, relax in the garden with unrivalled views of Cox’s Creek.

Here’s their menu, we recommend the Cox chicken breast schnitzel (500g) with one of their signature toppings such as parmigiana (napolitana sauce, cheese and ham),  Mexican (smashed avocado, bacon, jalapeno, sour cream),  Kilpatrick (bacon, Worcestershire sauce and cheese) or garlic prawns in a cream sauce. Match with a Rockford Alicante Bouchet rosé (Barossa Valley), you know it’s a good idea.

Just in case you didn’t know you were in the Adelaide Hills. Image: Bridgewater Inn via Facebook.

These mega schnitzels will make a return visitor out of you, that’s a promise. Image: Bridgewater Inn via Facebook.

The Edinburgh Hotel – Mitcham

Ask anyone in the foothills of Southern Adelaide if they know The Ed, and not only will they know it, they’re probably sitting in its garden as you speak.

The famed Ed garden (renowned colloquially as one of Adelaide’s best) is bordered by pergolas, vines and lush gardens. The fellas love it here (and so do the kids).

Here’s their menu, we recommend The Ed signature flatbreads with heirloom and semi-dried tomato salsa with buffalo mozzarella, basil and pine nut pesto and smoked salmon with capers, feta, avocado, rocket and fresh lemon. Pair with a refreshing local gin and tonic served with citrus.

A family friendly atmosphere that will have you settling in from day to night. Image: The Edinburgh Hotel website.

What’s more refreshing in summer than a gin and tonic? It’s ok, we’ll wait. Image: The Ed via Instagram.

The Feathers Hotel – Burnside 

They won Best Beer Garden in Australia in 2017. Enough said.

Here’s their Terrace menu, we recommend any of the sociable plates, especially where cheese is involved. Match with a Howard Vineyard “Clover” sparkling wine (Adelaide Hills) and welcome, you’ve arrived in paradise.

Weekend goals. Image: supplied.

You had us at sociable plates. Image: supplied.

Parkside Hotel – Parkside

It’s impossible not to salute the Parkside Hotel at how different it is from it’s former state. The recently renovated venue is turning heads as one of the main hangs for South Aussies this coming summer.

And not only is there current beer garden greatness, there is also future beer garden greatness to come! A family friendly outdoor area (separate from main beer garden) on its way with completion due in the next couple of days. There is also another outdoor area which is in the construction phase, due for opening in the coming months.

So make sure you check it out.

Here’s their menu, we recommend the prawn and heirloom tomato pizza with SA king prawns, chilli, rocket and basil paired with an Aperol Spritz.

Your summer hideaway in bustling Parkside. Image: supplied.

What’s a pizza between friends? Image: Parkside Hotel via Facebook.

Port Admiral Hotel – Port Adelaide

This Port Adelaide pub, with its nautical vibes and bustling atmosphere, is quickly gaining a reputation as a bucket list must-see.

Adelaide’s oldest building (established in 1849 on Black Diamond Corner), the Port Admiral is a tip-of-the-hat to SA history and it’s really, really cool.

Here’s their menu, we recommend the Port Admiral fried chicken wings (500g or 1kg) with buffalo, Thai, sweet and sour or barbecue dressing. Pair with an Applewood Distillery whiskey or a Port Local house brew – a collaboration between the Port Admiral and Pirate Life.

The Port Admiral Hotel, Adelaide’s oldest building. Image: Port Admiral Hotel website.

Warning: these wings are addictive. Image: Port Admiral Hotel via Instagram.

Header image features The Feathers Hotel.

Visit I Choose SA to meet the people building business and industry in SA, and to find out how your choices make a difference to our state.

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by brandsa2018

Coopers pops top off this year’s Royal Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards

The largest Australian-owned brewery Coopers has good reason to enjoy a pint or two this weekend – it’s taken a swag of awards at this year’s Royal Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards (RABCA).

The 156-year-old South Australian-based brewery’s Sparkling Ale won the Champion South Australian Beer, Most Outstanding Beer in Show, and Champion Traditional Australian Style Pale Ale.

Coopers was also named Champion Large Brewery, while its Mild Ale won Champion Reduced Alcohol Beer and its Sapporo took Champion Other Lager.

A strong field of regional SA breweries also took home awards.

The awards were presented at the Adelaide Showground on July 6 at the Adelaide Beer and BBQ Festival, which plays host to the largest gathering of brewers in the country.

RABCA chief judge Tony Jones says the awards, run by the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA, recognise the importance of Australia’s $7 billion beer and cider industry.

“This year’s awards attracted 252 entries from 54 brewers of all sizes from across Australia and New Zealand, with all entries judged blind by an expert industry panel,” he says.

Myponga beer lovers Smiling Samoyed Brewery and Mismatch Brewing Company in Adelaide won the Small and Medium Brewery Awards respectively.

The Adelaide Hills’ Lobethal Bierhaus took home both the Champion Pilsener and Champion Stout Beer Awards with Bohemian Pilsner and winter-perfect Chocolate Oatmeal Stout.

Port Lincoln’s Beer Garden Brewing also found success with its Cage Diver IPA (Champion India Pale Ale) and Section 49 Wheat Beer (Champion Wheat Beer).

Thousands of people will gather at the Adelaide Beer and BBQ Festival this weekend.

The craft brewers recently made headlines with their new release of a stout beer made with native Coffin Bay oysters.

Local Cider makers didn’t go home empty handed, with Kangaroo Island Ciders winning both the Best Cider in Show and the Best SA Cider exhibit with their Colony Cove Draught Cider.

Hahndorf microbrewery won Champion Hybrid Beer with its SmokeStack Rauchbier.

“Many of the entrants will be exhibiting their beers and ciders at the festival which will provide a great opportunity for the public to discover a range of styles from many different brewers,” Tony says.

Visit I Choose SA to meet the people building business and industry in SA, and to find out how your choices make a difference to our state.

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by brandsa2018

Eyre Peninsula craft brewery has a crack at oyster stout

An Eyre Peninsula craft brewing company has incorporated a Coffin Bay delicacy into its latest creation – an oyster stout which is believed to be the first for South Australia.

Port Lincoln’s Beer Garden Brewing is preparing to officially launch Angasi, which creator Mark Butterworth says will help showcase the region’s seafood industry.

Mark, a former chemical engineer, says oyster stout has been around for centuries but he believes he’s the first South Australian craft brewer to release the seafood-inspired beverage.

He describes the latest brew as a “relatively smooth, full bodied, English-style stout” with a “pleasant depth of flavour”.

The first batch was made from about 40 dozen Coffin Bay native Angasi and Pacific oysters.

The Angasi stout showcases Coffin Bay’s most renowned seafood – oysters.

Mark says the oyster stout doesn’t have an overbearing fishy taste and that “you won’t be picking oyster meat out of your beer”.

“The process is not too different to a normal brew that we do,” he says.

“When we boil the batch to sterilise the beer, that’s when we add the shucked oysters in a muslin bag, resulting in a smooth flavour.”

“It’s not meant to be drunk cold, but at about 5C-10C. As it warms up it releases a bit of the oyster flavour.”

Mark recently took four kegs of the Angasi to a beer festival in Melbourne and is preparing to launch it officially in Coffin Bay soon.

Beer Garden Brewing owners Janie, left, and Mark Butterworth with brewer Dan Treagus.

He says craft brewers are increasingly experimenting with interesting ingredients.

“There were beers (at the Melbourne festival) that had crushed up snails in it, there was one that tasted like bubblegum and another like Bertie Beetles,” Mark says.

“There are a few extreme ones out there and I guess ours is lumped in that category.”

Mark has been experimenting with oyster stout for some years, and in 2015 “gave it a crack” when he home brewed a batch with half-a-dozen oysters.

In December 2016, he and chemist wife Janie launched Beer Garden Brewing, a brewery that prides itself on sustainable practices and sourcing local products, including Eyre Peninsula grain.

The brewery began with just two beers on offer, and now the oyster stout is one of 10 soon to be slurped up by seafood lovers and craft beer aficionados.

While some might find a seafood-inspired brew unappealing, Mark says those who otherwise enjoy stout would take to the oyster variety.

“We have a coffee stout (brewed with local Eyre Roasted coffee) and people really enjoy that,” he says.

“We’re seeing tastes change on the Eyre Peninsula, people were mainly drinking mainstream beer but in the last 18 months we are seeing people take a liking to craft beer.”

Mark and wife Janie moved to Port Lincoln after working at the Olympic Dam mine near Roxby Downs in the state’s Far North.

Longing for a sea change, the pair had family in Port Lincoln (Mark’s brother works in the oyster industry) and decided the coastal town was the perfect place to raise their three children and pursue their interests in craft brewing.

Visitors can take a tour of the brewery before relaxing with a pint in the beer garden.

The Butterworths are passionate about showcasing the seafood and tourism offerings of their region, and are also dedicated to remaining as environmentally sustainable.

“We have solar panels, we reuse all wastewater from the brewing processes on the garden and the spent grain goes to our head brewer’s cows,” Mark says.

“We want to have as low of an impact as possible.”

Beer Garden Brewing is facing a period of growth, with upgrades to the kitchen to accommodate for greater food offerings for visitors.

It is also upgrading the manual bottling equipment with a packaging line to allow for greater efficiency.

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