Our third seasonal beerfest - or SpecTAPular III - was held on a perfect summer's day last Sunday in the middle of the Australia Day long weekend.... While everything went brilliantly, the choice of day was a bit of a mistake we won't make again next year! The city and St Kilda was much, much quieter than normal (down the beach/on holidays still?) and our initial theory that Australia Day eve would bring out the masses was a little off the mark!
Festivalgoer numbers were down on the first two festivals but it was a bloody fun day nevertheless. The theme for the beers was 'summer' styles and we had plenty of exclusives never been on tap in Victoria (or in the case of Knappstein Lager, Australia!) before. My personal faves were the Summer Frenzy Framboise (raspberry wheat beer) from Wig & Pen in Canberra and Murray's Pilsner from NSW. Knappstein was wonderful but didn't quite live up to my enormously high expectations (I'm going to give it another crack tonight though before the kegs run out). I also enjoyed Coldstream Pilsner and Brew Boys Maiden Ale among about 8 others. There was only really one miss in my view (and no, I'm not going to say it!)..
The entertainment was FANTASTIC with the famed Clip Clop Club and The Band Who Knew Too Much playing throughout the day and a couple of comedic acrobats did there thing. The idea of getting entertainment and performers to suit the theme of the SpecTAPular is definitely a winner..
All in all, everyone seemed to have a blast and it was great to see so many Locals/Ale Stars around. Many of the staff dressed up as something Aussie (Claudia won my Best Dressed vote for her Kylie Mole outfit!). Next year, however, the Summer SpecTAPular will take place in February and not on a long weekend!
Thanks to all the breweries for their help and support in getting the beers to us. SpecTAPular IV (Autumn 09) may take place on Anzac Day but watch this space for developments. It will also be the first SpecTAPular at the The Local Taphouse in Darlinghurst, Sydney!
A slideshow of photos will be posted as soon as Guy uploads them..
A great job well done guys and girls,
ReplyDeleteI have just finished a BeerBlokes review of our SpecTAPular experience which will be up in the next couple of days.
Also have some photos for you - some staff pics you may want to keep under wraps until Performance Review time!!
Agree that there were some absolute crackers as well as some that were just a different experience from the bottled version. And, yes, we were a little underwhelmed by only one offering. We shouldn't mention which one, afterall there are no Ten Commandments when it comes to beer appreciation. Hmmm?
Great to hear there are a few still to finish off. I might just wait for a hot day to get out there and help you empty the kegs.
Cheers,
Prof. Pilsner
Are these days not hot enough for you Prof??
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's wise that you email me the photos! You have my address right?
I'm looking forward to your report too (I think!)..
Was great to pop down on Sunday arvo for a beer - was also expecting a bigger crowd but seemed like a good day all the same! Loved the Murray's pilsner and glad to see there was still some left on tap last night.
ReplyDeleteI thought the Knappstein was awesome! The Murray's Pilsner was pretty damn special as was one of my most favourite and sessionable beers...Colonial Kolsch. And while it's not technically a summer style beer, the Growler was perfect as the night started to hit.
ReplyDeleteThe Top Ten of the Hottest 100 were all great choices...I'm looking forward to finding out what 2009's will be already as Australia continues to embrace better beer!