St Kilda Bonza vs Darlo Black & Tannin - - Fight!

Last Wednesday, the Darlinghurst Ale Stars descended upon the Local Taphouse for the highly anticipated launch of the Ale Stars brews.
This was the first time that anyone in Sydney got a chance to taste the beer that the Sydney Ale Stars went up to Hunter Beer Co to brew (Black & Tannin), as well as the St Kilda offering (brewed at Mornington Peninsula Brewery), the BONZA IPA.

To start off the night, we invited Hunter Beer Head Brewer Keith Grice up to talk about one of his favourite beers; his own Hunter Bock. A beautiful bock, with rich caramel and toffee notes, this one was the perfect start to a very boozy evening. Keith talked us through the recipe, and how he's changed it recently, tweaking it to deliver the flavours that you'd expect from a bock.

We then moved onto a delicious Black Imperial Pilsner brewed by our very own 'Ale Stars Czar' Doc from Doctor's Orders Brewing. A beautifully balanced, yet very extreme beer, this found a really nice middle ground between getting dark flavours without being too thick or roasty, and being very hoppy without being aggressive.

We then sampled the competition, the BONZA IPA that the St Kilda Ale Stars brewed at Mornington. Named BONZA for its mix of Belgian yeast and Aussie, New Zealand and American hops, this one was very fruity and spicy, coming from both the Belgian yeast and the pacific hops.

Finally, we got to the moment we were all waiting for. The tension in the room was palpable as the final beer was brought out. The Black & Tannin, a huge, rich Baltic Porter aged in Hunter Valley Shiraz Barrels. Needless to say, the crowd loved this beer, enjoying its layers and complexities. The Ale Stars had wanted to make a big, bold, ambitious beer, and in that, they succeeded.

The interstate fight continues... say tuned.

Join the Darlo Ale Stars Road Trip to brew a beer at Hunter Brewing Co

Feel like getting out of town? Feel like escaping for the day with like minded folk and getting involved with the brewing of a special one-off beer? Well, we have the answer. 

On Saturday 9th February we have organized a coach to collect us from Darlo Taphouse at 9:30am and take us to the Hunter Valley's Hunter Beer Co. for the day. 

The Ale Stars Tsar, Darren 'Doc' Robinson, will be heading the tour with the Taphouse crew, Hugh and Cellar Manager Ossie.

Hunter Brewing Co Head Brewer, Keith Grice, will be there upon arrival to take us around and show off a few of his own creations. There will be beer tasting and a delicious lunch organised for everyone, a small tour and a Q&A as well. A special Ale Star brew is also being brewed that day too which will be great to observe. The beer will be tapped at the March Ale Star session on March 19 alongside the Ale Star brew from the Melbourne Ale Stars.

We will arrive back at the Taphouse around 6:30pm. Tickets are $75 which includes return travel, lunch, a tasting paddle of beer and a rollicking great time.

It's looking to be a great day not to miss, so book in here.  This could be a sell out event so don't hesitate!

For more information email dom@thelocal.com.au 

Sydney's Ale Stars say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013...

The last Ale Stars of 2012 was amazing, great beers, great hosts and great guests, the perfect way to end a great year. 

As per usual, our Ale Stars Tzar Darren 'Doc' Robinson led the way with Taphouse Co-Founder Guy 'The Gun' Greenstone and Taphouse GM Daniel 'likes a rant' Leroy by his side to compliment his unique hosting style. 

The Local Taphouse staff picked their favourite brews from the year's sessions and focused on them again; the crowd were not disappointed. 

We started off with a Doctors Orders Zephyr, a delicious favorite amongst our regulars, its ability to remain smooth yet release gentle zingy characteristics makes this a very clean beer! 

Next we moved on to the Bear Republic Racer #5, This hoppy American IPA is a full bodied beer brewed with American pale and crystal malts and heavily hopped with Chinook, Cascade, Columbus and Centennial. Another great pick which was received very well indeed. 

Leroy then took the mic to break up the tasting with some topical and challenging beer trivia, there were about 7 groups battling for the title of trivia king and the prize of their choice of beer... 

Next we had a surprise visit from Ben at Bridgeroad Brewery live via Skype to help us introduce our very own collaboration from the bar series, beer number 6, which we aptly named '13 hours on a bus'. Our first beer was a pleasant hit of 'red wine gums' and even 'purple candy' on the nose and a dry Saison funky finish on the palette. 

At this point we thought it only appropriate to bring out our 13 hour slow cooked pulled pork sliders for everyone, chef David Thackray does not disappoint when it comes to our award winning burgers, everyone agreed, delicious! 

It was then time to vote on a much anticipated decision, the Ale Star brew. There had been some truly  great suggestions during the weeks before this night but in the end, the vote was in and Hunter Shiraz Barrel aged Baltic Porter, a great choice. 

It was then time to bring out what our guests thought would be the last beer, the Nogne O #500, this big and bold creation does not mess about, with 10% ABV it's an assault an the senses packing in 5 different hops, it's always a winner!! 

It was now time for Christmas surprise number 2, Scott from Moo Brew had been lurking in the back, biding his time to strike with his 2010 Barrel aged Imperial Stout. The crowd were delighted with the complex taste with hints of red wine, spices and even coconut. Scott had a few words to say about this marvelous beer, plus a few Christmas gifts to give away, a great way top bring the evening to a merry end! 

As per usual there were many announcements on the night, but most of the guests wanted to know what the first Ale Stars of 2013 would be.... It will be 'The Blend is Near' giving our Ale Stars and other guests the chance to blend their own beers on the night to achieve their own unique taste. 

As per usual tickets are only $40 which includes the wonderful beers and a delicious meal. 

Click here to join the fun, hope to see you all here. 

Less than a week until the Last AleStars in Darlinghurst for 2012

With less than a week to go, and with the last Ale Stars of 2012 really taking shape, you can see that our Cellar Manager David Osgood is not only model material, but he is also now in possession of the beers you want and need!

The line up for next Wednesday's Ale Stars is looking something like this...

Local Taphouse & Bridge Road Bar Series presents "13 Hours on a Bus"
Bear Republic's "Racer 5"
Doctors Orders "Zephyr"
Nogne O "#500"

As Christmas is lurking around the corner like one of Santa's drunken little elves we thought it would only be right if we had a few prezzies and surprises for you as well but you'll have to wait until Wednesday night to see what they are...Okay we'll give you a clue, could they be a special guest? Another beer perhaps? Some cool merchandise or Miranda Kerr filling up your glass on the night? You'll just have to wait. (Please note: Miranda Kerr odds are at 10:1)

We've also taken our theme and come up with a delicious dinner for everyone as well so don't fear. 

Trivia will be focused on this years events regarding The Local Taphouse, Beer news in Australia and a few other cheeky ones too. 

Tickets are a mere $40, doors open at 7pm and the good times will no doubt go till late. 

If you haven't booked yet, please click here. 

Hope to see you all here!