Bushfire and Hargreaves Hill Brewery Appeal

On Ttursday night we held the bushfire and Hargreaves Hill Brewery appeal at The Local Taphouse. I have to say that we were absolutely thrilled with the support we received from everyone for this great cause.

The punters, brewers, staff, entertainment and venue managed to raise a whopping ......

$13,764!!! (...and there’s still some more to come)!

Here's where it all came from:

$6,325 – From Auctions, Raffles, Staff Tips, Bar top buckets & Door Charge

$225 – Donations via paypal on our website

$2,500 – pledged by Accenture

$1,000 – raised by Hotel Lincoln

$1,500 – The Local Taphouse

$2,214 – This is the cost price of the kegs donated that we're paying to the appeal

There are also more kegs that have been pledeged and are still on their way, so this figure will no doubt rise!

Everyone involved should be really proud of this fantastic result. While there are so many people to thank, I’d like to make a couple of special mentions....

Thanks to Janet for being such a great MC and for her  super auctioneering and raffle drawing skills! Thanks to Justin Hamilton and Jeff Green for their generous donation of their time and hilarious acts and to The Band Who Knew Too Much for punching out some fantastic tunes.

Thank you also to all our amazing suppliers and friends who contributed the prizes including sensational beers, bed and breakfast retreats, dinners for two and personal training sessions (the single biggest auction item for the night – thanks to Stef Hanson) to name but a few.  You guys really rock!!

Specifically, thank you to: Matilda Bay, Mountain Goat, 2 Brothers, Otway Estate, Red Hill Brewery, 5 Islands Brewery, NSW Brewer's Guild, Little Brewing Co., Trumer, Beer Masons, Temple Brewing, microbrewer.com, Holgate Brewery, Lincoln Hotel, Stef Hanson, Greg Hack & Accenture!

Our awesome staff also grouped together to donate all their tips and collectively raised around $2,500. Finally, a special thanks to all the punters for coming down and supporting the cause and giving up their hard earned when all agree we’re coming up to some tougher times.

All in all a HUGE success. THANK YOU!!!

Photos from Benefit gig

Click here for the slideshow from last Thursday night..

Sydney opening this week (finally!)

Pending final certification from every man and his dog, we expect to be open in Darlinghurst by the end of this week! For those interested, here is what the opening tap list will look like... As usual, there will be new beers coming on tap almost weekly. Hargreaves Hill ESB will feature as soon as next week..

LAGERS
James Squire Pilsner (NSW)
Murrays Pilsner (NSW)
Trumer German Pilsner (Austria)
Hofbrau Munich Helles (Germany)
Kostritzer Munich Dunkel (Germany)

ALES
Coopers Sparkling Ale (SA)
Matilda Bay Fat Yak APA (VIC)
Wicked Elf APA (NSW)
Barons Black Wattle Ale (NSW)
5 Islands Spangled Wheat (NSW)
Wig & Pen ‘Kamberra’ Kölsch (ACT)
Mountain Goat Hightail English Pale Ale (VIC)
Feral Razorback Barley Wine (WA)
Little Creatures U.S Pale Ale (WA)
Leffe Blonde (Belgium)
James Squire Amber Ale (NSW)
Hoegaarden Wit (Belgium)
Franziskaner Hefeweizen (Germany)
Bridge Road ‘Chevalier Saison’ (VIC)
Jamieson ‘Beast IPA’ (VIC)
2 Brothers ‘Growler’ Brown Ale (VIC)

Rebuilding - One Beer at a Time (by the Prof)

I'm busy trying to open in Sydney so I hope the Prof doesn't mind me including this post from his own terrific beer blog. I think Guy will also post his own report!

The Victorian Bushfires which devastated several entire communities on Black Saturday, February 7 could not burn the spirit of the greater community. The generosity shown by so many people in so many ways is as inspirational as it is helpful. From sausage sizzles to street collections, from garage sales to farmers markets, it seems everyone has found a way to raise much needed funds to those who have lost so much.

The crew at The Local Taphouse know the mystical community strengthening powers of beer and it was only logical that a fundraiser should be held to allow the followers of the Amber Nectar to show their support for those affected by and those assisting after the bushfire tragedy. The loss of the brewery at Hargreaves Hill gave the event a local focus and it was decided that half the proceeds would be directed to Simon and Beth to get them back and brewing as soon as possible.

Owners and operators of The Local Taphouse, Steve and Guy got the keg rolling with a first up donation upon announcing the benefit night, along with the proceeds of the door and assorted raffles, auctions and beery prize packs. Before long there was a list as long as a draught horse dray of brewers donating kegs, t-shirts, six-packs and pallets of beery cheer to ensure that the night would be a large one.

Stand-up comedy and plenty of good beer on tap kicked the night off after which the zany Janet (host of Sunday Night Trivia) conducted auctions and raffle draws. A full list of sponsors, supporters and suppliers is printed below. Look after them when you can. Fast and furious bidding saw the Beermasons' supplied beer gift packs go for a tidy sum and some of the Taphouse staff might be handy people to know in the next few weeks! Seriously, with all the six-packs, gift packs, t-shirts and stuff flying around you’d be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a beer merchandise convention. Or maybe the set of the Price Is Right if it was run by Les Patterson rather than Reg Grundy.

The night stepped up a gear with The Band Who Knew Too Much – some seriously good noise – who had the crowd dancing and working up a thirst. Two very worthy pursuits. As the night wound down and the last of the punters sauntered off into the warm Melbourne evening, there was time to reflect on the success of the night both socially and fundraising-ly - a feeling of satisfaction for the result, tinged with sadness for the reason.

The Local Taphouse managed to raise around $13,000 on the night from a tenner for entry, management donations, a hefty dollar match between Greg Hack and Accenture, raffles, auctions and, of course, beer sales. I helped out a bit in this department. Plus I ended up going in on my own and I gave Stephan a twenty at the door and just pretended I was there with a mate.

A special mention must go to the bar staff of The Local Taphouse who made the decision to donate all their tips from time of the bushfires to the benefit night two weeks later in a gesture that was as inspirational as it was generous. $2500 was no small contribution to the cause.

Congratulations to all involved and all those who drank so generously – but let’s hope we don’t have to do it ever again.

Cheers,
Prof. Pilsner

... and a huge, pallet-o-slabs sized thank you to:
Matilda Bay Brewing (Fosters), Malt Shovel Brewery, Mountain Goat Brewery, 2 Brothers, Little Brewing Company, Otway Estate Brewery, NSW Brewers Guild, Little Creatures Brewery, Red Hill Brewery, Trumer, Temple Brewing, Jamieson Brewery, St Arnou Brewing Company, Holgate Brewhouse, Beermasons, Stef Hanson Personal Training, Greg Hack – Accenture, Dave Andrews – Innspire, The Hotel Lincoln, Jeff Green, Justin Hamilton, and The Band Who Knew Too Much.

And finally, to Steve, Guy, Justin and the crew at The Local Taphouse, thanks for all your generosity at a time when I know you must all be as flat out as Oprah at a sticky bun eating competition.

Ale Stars - The Professor's Report

As per normal, it's over to the Prof. for the wrap up of this week's Ale Stars session. You can (and should!) read his brilliantly written blog.

The seventh instalment of Ale Stars at The Local Taphouse could easily have slid into a scene of organised chaos had it not been for the quick thinking of the affable host and the beer skills and ingenuity of the assembled drinkers.

Blame the Global Financial Crisis, John Howard, Kevin Rudd or Global Warming - whatever – you’d think that it would be a straightforward task to get enough of four different beers to slake the thirst of thirty odd Ale Stars. Apparently not. Before the night kicked off the line up had changed more times than a Bride’s mind.

Some of the original choices were held up in port or on a ship or was drunk on the way over by the Drunken Sailor – I don’t know – and another proved a bit too popular in the lead up and the keg could not guarantee that it could keep up with demand. Another was out of stock. But Ale Stars being what it is – a bunch of like-minded beer drinkers who like to drink beer and have a bit of a chat about beer (usually while drinking beer) - the show would certainly go on. Some swift commercial shenanigans and Shandy and Ben had managed to cobble together a fine selection of beers to suit the category.

Summer pale ales is a loosely categorised collection of beers which are linked by a few common factors. These beers are not restricted to a specific style, rather they are easy drinking, lively and refreshing. Some are seasonal and some are quite sessional but they are all fine summer beers.

Sunner Kolsch is a bright, clear pale straw coloured ale from the German city of Cologne. Goes down very neatly and a great first up thirst quencher. Well balanced malt and mild bitterness each sip prepares the mouth for the next.

Our second beer came not with Shandy’s usually informative and colourful tasting notes but with a message informing us that we were to refer to ‘our panel’ for details. Our questions were answered when five unsuspecting Ale Stars were seconded from the crowd to give a live action, made-upon-the-spot review and dissection of the very handy James Squire Golden Ale. The ‘panel’ dealt with the elements of appearance, flavour, aroma, body and mouthfeel without anybody being ‘gonged’ by the Tech-Foul Bell used to alert the speaker to the fact that they are being ‘too’nerdy’. Shandy will often preface his own remarks by ringing the bell himself.

Cooper’s Original Pale Ale was our next offering and much discussion of the various ways of serving this beer highlighted just how many variations are acceptable, from rolling or inverting the unopened bottle to swirling and shaking it to pouring the beer off the top of the settled yeast.

The Beer Trivia quiz was back and a good mix of tricky and reasonably easy questions kept the assembled teams guessing. Wait, that’s the point of a trivia quiz, isn’t it? Anyway, again, I can’t recall the winning team or the impressive winning margin or even the fact that the final score was just two points off a perfect score – it’s all about the fun and the friendships and the drinking of good beer, really. Hands up if you have never been on a losing team at Ale Stars Beer Trivia?

And a very good beer was exactly what we needed. Good and special. Hargreaves Hill ESB is a beautifully crafted APA style ESB with character, balance and all the things that make a good refreshing ale. The kegs from which we drank were also two of the few remaining since the Hargreaves Hill Brewery was lost in the Victorian bushfires of Saturday February 7. A cracking beer to finish with and to savour until Simon and Beth can get the brewery up and running again. Simon has been down at Red Hill with David and Karen Golding this week getting some product out through Red Hill’s equipment and hopefully it won’t be long before we can tap some fresh kegs. More on the Local’s Bushfire benefit later.

Special thanks to Sean and Ben who ran around all night like one-armed Beirut bricklayers to keep up with the thirst of the crowd and the clearing of the empties and the feeding of the hungry as the ‘brains trust’ of the Local were all away in Sydney preparing for the opening – which may (or may not) be somewhere around next Tuesday for all you Harbour Habitants waiting for the perfect beer bar.

And, if you are stopped in the street by a confused salty sea Captain who says he has a ship-load of English Pale Ales for some bloke called Shandy, point him in the right direction, would you?

Cheers, Prof. Pilsner

Home Brew winner - what's it to be?

I know nothing............ except it MAY be either a US Pale Ale or a Spiced Ale! I hold little sway but I vote for the latter.

Should be on tap in Melbourne & Sydney mid year.

Ale Star Session photos - Euro Pale Ales

As per previous post, I'm in Sydney so wasn't at tonight's Ale Star session but I have been sent some photos by Ben to post.

You'll have to wait for Prof's imminent report for an objective viewpoint!

Transport Hotel - launch of Beer & Brewer's latest edition and online beer club

If you're at a loose end tonight, head down to Transport as Beer & Brewer magazine are launching their latest edition as well as their association with a new online beer club (i'm sorry I forgot the name!). They have decided to also rattle the can for Hargreaves Hill and the Red Cross and have asked if they can pool it with what we raise tomorrow night at the Benefit Gig. Thanks to B&B Publishe, David Lipman, Transport and all involved for their generosity.

B&B are also donating a year's subscription to their mag plus a beer pack to tomorrow nights raffle/auction. It promises to be a cracker of a night at this rate but unfortunately I'll have to stay in Sydney as we count down the hours there. Guy will be representing us, along with JJ of course!

People’s choice

Nice article in the West Australian, Feb 12:

By Vic Crossland

AUSTRALIA’S TOP 10
1. Little Creatures Pale Ale (WA)
2. Murray's Icon 2IPA (NSW)
3. Mountain Goat Hightail Ale (VIC)
4. Knappstein Reserve Lager (SA)
5 Little Creatures Bright Ale (WA)
6. James Squire Golden Ale (NSW)
7. Coopers Sparkling Ale (SA)
8. Coopers Pale Ale (SA)
9. Holgate Mt Macedon Pale Ale (VIC)
10. James Squire Amber Ale (SA)

Little Creatures Pale Ale has been named Australia’s favourite craft beer. The US-style, hoppy, 5.2 per cent ale, which has been copied by most microbreweries in recent years, came out top in the inaugural poll to find the “Hottest 100 Aussie Brews”.

The Fremantle brewery can be doubly proud because Little Creatures Bright – its 4.5 per cent summery ale - was the only other WA beer to make the top 10 of the voters’ choice.

The on-line poll run by Melbourne’s The Local Taphouse was open for almost three months and, while Melbourne’s cosmopolitan aficionados probably provided a majority of informed responses, hundreds of craft beer lovers from elsewhere in Australia were able to vote for their favourite tipple.

Some small-brewery beers don’t get much beyond their neighbourhood while bigger brands enjoy inter-state exposure, and this must be factored in when considering the poll results.

“Obviously, the most widely distributed craft beers would be more familiar to many of the people who voted,” The Local Taphouse’s Steve Jeffares admitted. “Still, all we wanted to do was get a feel for what people prefer to drink across Australia.

“The idea of the poll came when I was having a few drinks with friends on Australia Day eve in 2007. We were listening to The Top 100 songs on the radio and I thought it would be nice to get the public to vote for a similar list of their favourite beers. We have 20 craft beers on tap at any one time, and as it turns out we’ve already served more than 70 of the top 100.”

The top 10 “hottest” line-up reveals some interesting indicators. Most noticeable is the dominance by South Australian rather than WA craft breweries – helped by the popularity of the big Coopers’ brewery in SA and the presence there of a Lion Nathan brewery which makes some James Squire beers. Then, considering the poll was centred on Victoria, that State has only two representatives.

A nation awash with lagers may be astonished that nine of the 10 favourite brews are ales. Only one lager makes the elite list – the unique Knappstein Reserve, from the revived Enterprise brewery at a South Australian winery. Regular readers will recognise it as the one I’ve repeatedly named as the best domestic lager by far. Perth’s most savvy retailers agree and report that Knappstein’s reputation has grown so much that customers no longer need nudging towards it.

The poll results were announced at Melbourne’s Summer SpecTAPular beer festival late last month. Among the rest of WA’s brews, Nail Stout at No.16 and Nail Ale at 25 led the way, with Feral faring next best with White at 27th and Hophog IPA joint 72nd.. Colonial IPA (53), Gage Roads IPA (55), Little Creatures Rogers (57) and Little Creatures Pilsner (joint 82nd) were the others to register with voters. For the full 100 hottest beers list, visit www.thelocal.com.au

Bushfire Benefit - get in early

We can't be sure but it seems the Bushfire Benefit next Thursday night could be bigger than expected so get in early to avoid disappointment.

We have great music and comedy lined up as well as plenty of things to auction so bring your wallet (and go to the ATM before you arrive)!

Give generously

Baron's new beers on tap in Feb - in Sydney and Melbourne

Barons' Master Brewer, Richard has developed three sensational small batch brews and we're bringing them to you first. Events listed below may be the only chance you get to enjoy these fabulous creations. Thirsty yet?

Barons Honey Bock (7%) - This full flavoured Maibock style lager is moderately hopped with richness in colour and flavour from generous amounts of Munich malt combining with spicy honey notes. Dangerously drinkable!

Barons Hop Mother (5.8%) -Bitterness, tropical fruit, lychee and pine flavour and aroma explode from this ale. This is a beer for hop heads and not for the faint hearted.

Barons Summer Ale (4.2%) - Easy drinking does not have to mean lack of flavour as this English style session beer shows. A perfectly balanced beer.

All three will be launched officially at a Barons function in Sydney on March 12 at the new Local Taphouse in Darlinghurst. Scott and Richard and the Barons Squadron will be there..

All 3 beers will be on tap in St Kilda in early March as part our new monthly Brewery Showcases.

I think there are only 16 kegs of each beer produced so it's a v limited run...

Happy Birthday & Sydney update

With everything that's been going on, and with our thoughts focused on the bushfire benefit as well as trying to open Sydney, we had a very low key first birthday of The Local Taphouse in St Kilda on Feb 7th.  It's 8 years this December since The Local first opened so that's what we'll call our real BD to keep it simple!  Thanks to all who have made the first year so much fun..

Regarding Sydney, we should be open within 10 days!!!!  The kegs and cases are ordered, the staff are being trained on Monday and Tuesday evenings and we're tired and exhausted, sustained only by the excitement of opening the doors..

  

Bushfire Appeal (& Hargreaves Hill Brewery) Benefit Gig

Please pass this on to anyone who you think may want to receive this information.

As a result of the tragic events in the Victorian bushfires, The Local Taphouse is hosting a fundraising Benefit Gig for bushfire victims on Thursday Feb 19th. 50% of all money raised will be donated to the official Red Cross Appeal and their efforts to help those devastated by these fires. One of Victoria’s best microbreweries, Hargreaves Hill Brewery, was also completely destroyed by fire so we have decided to donate the other 50% to Simon and Beth Walkenhorst to help a little with their rebuilding.

Thanks to Little Creatures, Matilda Bay, James Squire and Coopers for their kind donation of a keg each for the evening. These donated beers, along with Hargreaves Hill’s exquisite ESB, will be the only beers served on the night. Thanks also to Beermasons for offering mixed packs for a raffle we intend to have.

If you would like to help in any way, please let us know .

When: Thursday 19th Feb

Where: The Local Taphouse, 184 Carlisle Street, East St Kilda

Time: From 6pm

Cost: $10 on the door (The Local Taphouse will donate $1000 plus door take & other donations we receive in kind or in cash)

Featuring: Live music (The Band Who Knew Too Much), standup comedy and great beer...

We are limited to only 150 people so it’ll be first in, best dressed. If you can’t attend but would like to help us help Hargreaves Hill Brewery, you can donate to our efforts via our PayPal account link at the top of this blog. 100% of funds raised via the Paypal account will be donated to Hargreaves Hill Brewery.

Hargreaves Hill Brewery lost in the Victorian fires

We've just learnt the horrible news that our good friends at Hargreaves Hill Brewery have lost their brewery in the Victorian bushfires. Our thoughts go out to all bushfire victims and especially Simon and Beth and their families.

Bridge Road Brewery in Beechworth is currently not under immediate threat..

Watch this space for a Local Taphouse bushfire victims fundraiser night coming up on Thursday week.

Taphouse Tippers - AFL Tipping Comp

Join the AFL Taphouse Tippers Comp to win! The prizes are:

1st = 60% of total prize pool

2nd = 30% of pool

3rd = 10% pool

It's only a $20 one-off entry fee and the weekly round winner gets a $20 drink card (conditions apply).

To pay:
Pay either at the bar (and grab your receipt). Alternatively, you can pay with credit card or Paypal below. All payments must be received before the commencement of Round 4 to remain in the competition!

To Join:

After payment, visit here to create your own profile. 

Beer-marinated steak healthier barbecue option

From the Courier Mail:

THERE'S now another reason why beer and a barbie go together so well: using the beverage as a marinade makes your red meat much healthier.

New Scientist magazine reports a simple marinade of beer or red wine dramatically reduces a fried or barbecued steak's cancer-causing properties.

It's long been established the high temperatures of a barbecue, frying or grilling morph the sugars and amino acids in meat's muscle tissue into a compound called heterocyclic amines, which can cause cancer.

Isabel Ferreira, of the University of Porto in Portugal, marinated steak in beer or red wine for six hours and it cut the levels of two types of HA by 90 per cent.

Beer was more effective than red wine in reducing a third type of HA.

The test steaks weren't wasted, ending up on the plate, and tasters preferred the taste, smell and appearance of the steak marinaded in beer more than red wine, New Scientist reports.

You could have used a better beer Warney!!

The ‘six o’clock swill’ and video clip

In researching the former (and enormous) old island bar in the Taphouse in Sydney, I came across a video clip from the Australian film CADDIE which illustrates what a frenzy the 'Six O Clock' swill was!

During the First World War (1914–18), Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia introduced laws requiring pubs to close at 6 pm. While Australian men were away fighting it was seen as morally corrupt for those at home to spend their evenings in public houses. In addition, there were concerns that extended hotel opening hours kept men from their families and caused them to squander household money.

Instead of encouraging moderate drinking habits, the early closing time led to what became known as the ‘six o’clock swill’ in which men rushed to pubs after work and often drank too much, on empty stomachs and in a short period of time.

See the clip here.

Colonial Brewing Showcase has begun...

All the way from Margaret River WA comes our February Brewery Showcase - Colonial Brewing. Following on from the hugely popular Kolsch, we have the Colonial Porter, IPA and Witbier on tap now. See current showcase taps above for more info on Colonial Brewing.

Colonial Brewing Showcase in Feb

Following on from our successful first Brewery Showcase in Jan (Murrays Brewery from NSW), we've gone west to profile WA's Colonial Brewing Co. We've had the popular Kolsch on a couple of times now so the Showcase will see the Wheat, IPA, Pale and Porter on tap for a limited run AT THE SAME TIME..

We'll send out an SMS when it starts...

Australian Homebrewer of the Year 2008 - beer update

As per a previous post, the 2008 Australian Homebrewer of the Year has won the opportunity to brew a one-off seasonal beer with Mountain Goat Brewery and then have it sold on tap at The Local Taphouses. Well, Goat brewer, Dave, is meeting home brewer, Ross Mitchel, next Wednesday at the brewery to discuss what will be brewed and when. Expect the ale before mid year..

More updates as they come to hand..

Another perspective on SpecTAPular III - by the Prof

As is becoming a wonderful tradition, Prof Pilsner, Ale Star and Beer Blokes blogger, has put his own slant on a Local Taphouse event.  This time, it's last Sunday's Summer SpecTAPular...

Read it all here at his blog..

PS.  That's Ale Star Tsar Shandy in the bottom photo.

Summer Spec photos (and vids)

As promised, here you go, here's the photos and vids slideshow of SpecTAPular III.