What happened at Darlo's 1st Brewshare of 2013?

On Tuesday 19th February we saw the first Brewshare of 2013 take place with home brewer Dave Gumm at the Helm. The theme on this occasion was anything with an Australian Hop in it. We had around 10 entries in the Aussie hop class and 4 in the open. Winner of the open class was Daniel with a cracking Rye IPA.

There were IPA’s, Wheat Beers, Lagers, Belgians and even a Californian Steam beer all made with Aussie hops. After a long time judging the Aussie Hop beers, there was a tie on one of the tasting tables, the final 2 beers were Bretts Rich Smooth Dark Wheat Beer and Michaels Belgian Golden Strong Ale that tasted as though it had been brewed in Belgium. Brett took home the $100.00 voucher for beer of the night.

The next Brewshare will be on Tuesday 28th May 7pm, and the style of the night will be Sour Beers.

If you think you have what it takes click this link, tickets are $20 and that includes nibbles too. 

SCBW's Brewshare entry!!

Time is running out to get your home brew's ready for judgement this coming Tuesday 18th September. Doors will open at 7pm and the battle ground will be set in the Louvre on the first floor of the Local Taphouse. The theme is "Beer Mimics Food" and the winner get's their recipe pro-brewed and launched during Sydney Craft Beer Week, here at The Local Taphouse on the 23rd October. 

 This is a one off opportunity to join the big dogs of craft beer, to really put your brew on the map and get it the recognition it deserves. If you feel that your brew is ready but you are yet to book in, please follow this link to come and let us taste what you have created! 

 Good luck to all of you.

Bottom fermented Brewers in Sydney!!

Attention all home-brewers. Well it's just over 24 hours before we kick off August's Brewshare. The theme for tomorrow is 'Bottom Fermented' brews, the tickets are only $10 and you have a chance of winning a $100 voucher from Dave's Home brew. If you haven't booked in yet here is the link. If you have booked in but haven't filled out the entry form, then here it is. 

So far the numbers are looking good and it's shaping up to be a very interesting night indeed with only a few spaces left. We've also re-located it to the warm surroundings of the Louvre Room on the first floor. 

 We hope to see you all here! 

Cheers and Beers.

Darlo BrewShare VS Sydney Craft Beer Week

On September 18th, the Darlo Taphouse will play host to an out-of-season BrewShare, the like of which has never been seen before. The beer theme is Beer Mimics Food and this time the winner of the night will get their beer pro brewed and launched at a special Beer Mimics Food event at the Taphouse during Sydney Craft Beer Week in October.

This special Taphouse BrewShare is a great opportunity to compete against some other create brewers, get some fantastic exposure and taste some other magnificent craft beers. Spaces for this are limited so be quick and book here.

For more information, here are the particulars.

'Single Hop' BrewShare report from Darlo

Alex Mesker

 Tuesday 22nd May brought with it the latest installment of the Darlo BrewShare for homebrewers. With the theme 'Single Hop', Sydney's home brewing community gathered in the restaurant level to share and showcase their latest creations. Ever astounded by the standard on show, I had awaited this evening with both excitement and anticipation. Notable standouts included an oak-infused Sarachi hop kellerbier, Imperial licorice stout and too many more inspired creations to mention.

There can only be one 'Best in Show' however and this time it went to serial offender Alex Mesker. One whiff of his 'Victoria's Secret Imperial IPA' had us whisked off to an exotic, tropical dreamland a la Blue Lagoon. With neither Brooke Shields or Christopher Atkins anywhere in sight, Dave (of Dave's Homebrew) and myself had no hesitation in awarding this captivating drop the gold award and the $100 voucher to Dave's store.

It was decided that the next BrewShare will be themed 'bottom fermented beers' (see poster above). Looking forward to sampling the top fermented magic on August 21st.  Lock it in your diaries now!

Jordan

Darlo BrewShare poster out.. get all the info here

The next BrewShare night in Darlo is Tuesday May 22. The style to brew is "Single Hop Beers".

Spread the word, book your spot here and bring at least 3 litres!

Celebrity judges rock in to Feb BrewShare

Who doesn't love summer? Who doesn't love beer?

Anyone who answers 'no' to either question may tune out now...

With a theme such as 'summer', we knew that this instalment of BrewShare would produce some inspired elixirs. We could not, however, have predicted just how inspired. The scale of imagination, ingenuity and practical application exhibited by our 25 brave home brewers made me think 'Geez this is a progressive city!'.

With beers ranging from raspberry pale ales to golden rye I.P.A.'s, Tuesday night at the Taphouse felt more like a picnic at Palm Beach. Fifty odd homebrew enthusiasts gathered into teams to taste, talk, counsel, coach and critique each others D.I.Y. offerings. In line with tradition, the enlightened mob filtered through the collective body of work down to a top three.

This is the part where Dave (of Dave's Home Brew) and myself labour over the arduous task of deciding on a first, second and third place. Men of great nobility, charm (and flawless good looks) we decided on this occasion to pass on the responsibility. As luck would have it, in town to judge at the Royal Easter Show Beer Comp, were Brad Rogers of Stone & Wood and Richard Watkins of Wig and Pen fame took to the challenge with the kind of poise possessed by only the truest pro's.

Sam Haldane came out on top with his InnerWest Berlinerweisse (winning the $100 voucher from Dave's homebrew). Runners up were Jack McIntyre with his RyeIPA, Sam Fletcher with his
Jabberwock Hoppy Pilsner and an amazingly drinkable Fennel Wit from Glen.

Much thanks also to Richard Adamson from Young Henry (previously from Barons Brewing) and Brian Watson for hanging out to talk beer with Sydney's up n' comers of the scene.

The next Brewshare is set for 22/05/2012 with the theme 'single hop'.

So come on Sydney, get brewin'!

Bring plenty of thirst for next Tuesday in Darlo. It could be a full house on all levels!

Just a quick reminder that next Tuesday will we have an action packed Local Taphouse in Darlo.

Ladies, to book and join the Barley's Angel follow this link. For all those independent homebrewers that have something tasty to share at BrewShare follow this link to book. And for those who are loyal fans of the genius director, Guy Ritchie, and want to have the pleasure of watching Rock N Rolla at Silent Cinema Under the Stars, follow this link to book.

First Darlo BrewShare of 2012 next Tuesday

G'day brothers & sisters

It's only a week away before we host the first Brewshare of 2012 and kids are we excited!?If you are new to Brewshare, it's a great chance to come and experience individual techniques and styles of creating and brewing some great beers. It's the perfect chance to learn some fantastic ways to perfecting something so personal and unique. To book the $10 tickets for Tuesday Feb 21st, please click here.

Here's how BrewShare generally work.

BrewShare in Darlo - beetroot pale ale anyone??

Here is an edited version of what Dave Gumm* had to report about Tuesday night's BrewShare for homebrewers in Darlo. A great crowd turned up and many fully got into the theme of Obscure Beers!

Had BrewShare here in Sydney again last night and a great time was had by all. As always the staff were fantastic making sure everything worked like clockwork and all were well looked after. I often think of the analogy of “herding cats” whenever I see people trying to organise a group of home brewers but your guys do it brilliantly.

The evening's theme was obscure styles and that was what we got. Doc won with a funky sour Baltic Porter aged in a port barrel for 2 years and the runners-up were a Bacon and Oat stout and an orange Wit beer using orange juice as part of the fermentables. As well as that we had a beetroot pale ale, a Smokey Japanese IPA and many other obscure beers.

The next BrewShare will be on in February and the theme is "summer beers". We will post the date here as soon as we finalise it.

Dave's Home Brew shop is the sponsor of the night. Photo robbed from Dan Ox's Flickr page.

Obscure BrewShare for homebrewers in Darlo Nov 15

Here's a reminder to homebrewers that as per our last Darlo BrewShare, it was decided that the brew style for the next BrewShare would be 'obscure beers'.

Please bring along 3 litres of your homebrew so we have a little more to share around! The online survey will be sent out in the days before the meet so if you are bringing a brew along make sure you fill this in before the night.

When : Tuesday 15th November
Time : 7pm
Cost : $10 (this is still necessary if you are just coming along to the evening)

Whether you are bringing a brew of not, you MUST book in advance here.

Here's how BrewShares generally work.

BrewShare Darlo - November - 'Obscure Brews'

How time flies when you are having fun. It only felt like a few days ago that we had the last BrewShare here in Darlo with a strong crew of 50 rocking up on the night.

Well it is that time again to get your brew on. At our last meet it was decided that the brew style would be 'obscure beers'. Feedback from the last meet and from an outstanding turnout has made us lift the 2 litre necessary to now 3 litres. So if you are bringing brews along make sure you bring a little more along this time to share around!

The online survey will be sent out a week before the meet so if you are bringing a brew along make sure you fill this in before the night.

When : Tuesday 15th November
Time : 7pm
Cost : $10 (this is still necessary if you are just coming along to the evening)

Bookings must be made here.

Next Darlo BrewShare date announced and more beer needed

At the last Darlo BrewShare it was voted that 'obscure styles' would be the style of choice next time around on November 15th (mark the date in your diary).

Free of the stylistic restraints of commercial brewing, we ask all brave homebrewers to venture into the 'obscure' and join us for the next installment of the Taphouse BrewShare.

To learn how BrewShares generally work, click here.

DUE TO THE HIGHER NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING ALONG, PLEASE NOTE WE NOW ASK HOMEBREWERS TO BRING 2.5 - 3 LITRES (INCREASED FROM 1.5 - 2 LITRES).

Darlo Brewshare - Beer is the new Black

Tuesday night in Darlo we had our quarterly BrewShare gathering for homebrewers. Here is the wrap up of 'Anything Black' BrewShare by the mistro himself - Jordan:

Well we asked for it, and we got it. Homebrewers from around Sydney (and some interstate) gathered at large last night in the downstairs bar of The Local Taphouse Darlinghurst. This BrewShare saw no less than fifty people show off their deepest, darkest DIY offerings - a great indicator that the Sydney homebrewing scene is not merely growing but thriving.

The first brews cracked came accompanied by healthy doses of pizza and fries. With 28 odd brews to criticise and applaud ahead, a small feast off the bat proved a key strategy in the night's success.


Despite the theme 'Anything Black', a few maverick brewers broke the mould with some lighter elixirs, necessitating the 'open class' division. For the most part it was a stout fest - Oatmeal Stout, Choc-Cherry Stout, Coffee infused Milk Stout, Imperial Bourbon Stout, traditional stout, bizarre stout, and everything in between (did I mention the Black Pilsner? Thanks Doc). Wow, what a creative bunch! The vibe in the room was both competitive and encouraging, fun and remarkably inspiring for all involved.


At night's end, it came down to Ben, Jez, Jack and Orion's beers. Four great brews, but only one could take the title of best beer in BrewShare and the prize pack from Dave's Homebrew in North Sydney. So Dave and myself, characters of high discernment that we are, sniffed, swirled, quaffed and critiqued until deciding on a winner.


Orion's 'Intergalactic Voyager West Coast IPA' took out the open class division, while the big win went to Jez Fletcher's ironically titled 'Jabberwock Midstrength', an imperial stout of the richest order. Vivacious yet smooth, weighty yet balanced, this winner was clear cut.

As tradition goes, this BrewShare closed with a vote to determine the style to showcase next time around. The greatest applause went to the mention of 'obscure styles'. Free of the stylistic restraints of commercial brewing, we ask all brave homebrewers to venture into the 'obscure' and join us for the next installment of BrewShare at The Local Taphouse. The date will be announced shortly.

Jordan

Darlo BrewShare - Next Tuesday night

Holla at you all

Just another reminder that BrewShare is on next Tuesday night up here in Darlo. If you haven't gotten your beer brewed already then make sure you steal your mates so that you can come along and join in the festivites.

Reminder - Darlo BrewShare for homebrewers on Aug 16

Here's a reminder that the next BrewShare night for homebrewers will be held on Tuesday August 16th with the featured beer style as “Anything Black”. There is also an open class as usual..

$10 will get you a ticket and you must book on our website's Event Diary.

To learn how BrewShare's generally work, click here.

Darlo Brewshare on Belgian Ales - belated report!

The Winter months are here and Belgian ales were the challenge for our dedicated home brewers. In the weeks leading up to BrewShare in Darlo we had some keen interest from home brewers and while there was a strong roll up of 31 people, a reduced total of 14 beers were entered for the BrewShare event.

Stories flowed thick and fast on the night about the latest trials and tribulations, including “supposed to be a strong Ale (9-10%), but we didn't get the conversion in the mash..... not sure why........ Anyway it's Belgian and tastes great!”

Teams were separated into 4 groups each with 4 beers with some interesting names for the beers “Mother of Coco “and “Jabberwocky” and some interesting recipes (racked onto fresh vanilla beans, toasted coconut & American oak after fermentation).

The call was "let the tasting begin".

Jordan helped cast the final votes with Dave and, in what can only be described as a photo finish, Doc won a $100 gift voucher from our illustrious event sponsor Dave from Dave's Homebrew. A big thanks for your continued support Dave (you are a champion).


The next BrewShare will be held on Tuesday August 16th with the vote for chosen beer style as “Anything Black”. $10 will get you a ticket and you can book on our website's Event Diary.

To learn how BrewShare's generally work, click here.

Darlo Brewshare - heat troubles some homebrewers

The summer heat in Sydney wasn't kind to a few backyard brews over the past few weeks and while there was a strong roll up of 23 people, a reduced total of 12 beers were entered for the BrewShare event Tuesday night at Darlo.

Stories flowed thick and fast about the latest trials and tribulations, including Josh who is experimenting catching his own yeast from under a lime tree in his backyard...watch this space for the results (if you dare)!

At this event there was no specified beer styles so there was a broad range of brews and fluctuating ABV's (thanks for the 12.8%er Doc). Teams were separated into two groups each with 6 beers. The top two from each group - Sam's Hibiscus Ale, Mike's Amber Ale, Alex's Hotside IPA and Jack's Honey Wheat - made it through to the next round.

Cam stepped into Jordan's shoes to help cast the final votes with Dave between Michael's Amber Ale and Alex's US style IPA, and in what can only be described as a photo finish, Alex's IPA's considerable hoppiness and expressive malt character just pushed it over line to win.

Alex won a $100 gift voucher from our illustrious event sponsor Dave from Dave's Home Brew. Big thanks for your continued support Dave.

The next Brewshare will be held on 24th May with the vote for chosen beer style as ' Belgian Ales'. $10 will get you a ticket and you book on our website's Event Diary.

Darlo Brewshare another ripper

Another huge BrewShare homebrewer night was held at Darlo on Tuesday night. 34 people were on hand to sample and discuss their most recent home brewing success.

Home brewers came from far and wide, including first timer Danny who came in from the Hills District - two weeks after having surgery on both his knees! Needless to say the walk back to Central Station was easier after tasting some of the 27 home brews on offer. Danny has been home brewing since 1968 and has won prizes for his brews every year at various competitions.

The chosen style for the night was wheat beers with 19 entries split into two groups and 8 varieties in the Open Class. The winner selected in the Open Class was Regan whose Raspberry Sour Framboise was a run away winner. Two winners from the wheat groups on the night that made the final were Doc's Sonic Youth Dunkelweizen and Jon's Husky Hefe.

Dave and Jordan were left with the difficult task of voting on the two wheat beers. Doc's Sonic Youth Dunkelweizen was the Peoples Choice winner and took out the major prize of $100 voucher from Dave's Home Brew. Dave also provided $30 vouchers to Regan and Jon for their beers.

The date for the next event was set as 22 February with an all Open Class decided, so everyone can bring their favourite best of the best brews. Book via the Event Diary on our website.

Once again thanks to Dave's Home Brew for being a great sponsor and contributor for the BrewShare event.

Click below for the slideshow.

BrewShare dates (and corrections) for homebrewers out there!

There has been some confusion about the BrewShare dates with some mixed messages emanating from us. Apologies for that.

So to clarify, BrewShares in both venues this time around are on Tuesday November 23. It is not tomorrow night in Darlo and we have emailed those people who have booked already online to notify them.

While homebrewers can bring Wheat Beers along to the Darlo BrewShare, people can still bring whichever beer you happen to have in the fridge ready to go!

To find out more about BrewShares, click here.

To book for next week at either venue, visit the Event Diaries of our website.