Australian Beer

I just wrapped up a couple of assignments. What better way to kick back and relax then have a few beers? Hell, whats a better way to do assignments then over a few beers? (Answer: Better? None...wiser? A lot of ways...)

During my time here I've tried to drink a variety of beers from Australia. This is for two main reasons. 1) I'm in Australia, might as well see what the locals drink and 2) beer I'm used to is heads expensive. Think 20 bucks for a six pack of Sam Adams.

At first I was a bit scared to try the beer down here (my first six pack was a very, very expensive Guiness) because Lonely Planet says something to the affect that the beer is chilled so cold so its still refreshing regardless of taste. And indeed, the tap at Uni Bar of Toohey's New says that its Super Chilled. And yes, its refreshing and quite good, but once it warms up a bit, its not the greatest beer to drink.


So, here's a crash course on beer in Australia. It might be more extensive had I not taken up a liking to Bourbon and Coke.


Tooheys New.

Part of the Aussie Big Three (their version of Budweiser, Miller and Coors) and, at least in the ACT and New South Wales is the most popular beer. Its a major player in sponsorship, and it has some great ads.



Overall, the beer has got an alright taste to it. Its nothing special, but it can be refreshing after playing some Ultimate or if your on the cheap and still want to get your drunk on.

Carlton Draft

Its fairly popular, but I think more so down in Victoria. Its a good beer, and I prefer it to Toohey's New. Has a nice flavour to it, though its different from American Beers. Ditto the good ads.



**Note to the people on Facebook, as always with YouTube clips, come to the actual blog to view the clips. If you don't, you will regret it and possibly loose sleep.

Not much else to say, its a good beer and I like it. Wanna fight about it?

Victoria Bitter

A proud supprter of the three time defending World Cup Cricket Champions (w00t! Australia...FTW!) Vitoria Bitter is, despite its name, not that bad of a beer. I haven't had a lot of it, because they don't really advertise, and the first time I mentioned that I kind of liked it an Australian guy looked at me as if I had no taste in beer. That and, while enjoyable, it wasn't as good as Carlton Draught. But, they do sponsor the cricket team. That counts for something.

XXXX (Not a porn site, trust me on this)

XXXX is a Queensland Beer, which I bought a six pack of because it was a beer I had heard of while in the States. I opened the six pack during Old Res Wedding, while in a state of absolute blitznitude. Now you know how when you're drunk things taste incredible? Take for example, nachos. Now, everyone loves nachos. They are already amazing. Drunk nachos? INCREDIBLE. That doesn't even describe it. Drunk nachos are amazingly awesomelly, gift-from-God, great. Things taste better whilst drunk.

Upon drinking my first XXXX, I remarked, "This is the worst beer I've ever had." It was like the opposite of drunken nachos. There's still one in my fridge. I'm afraid to drink it.

In other words, I don't reccomend this beer.

Toohey's Old/Carlton Black

Back in the states, I'm a fan over darker beers, such as Amberbock. So, I figured darker beers over here would be great!

Not so much. They have a distinct flavour to them, but its one that isn't quite as refreshing as a dark lager thats American brewed. I didn't find these beers to go down as smooth as I'm used to, and they can be difficult to drink. Though the folks at Beer Advocate disagree with me, I didn't like Carlton Black or its Toohey's cousin.

In a related story, I count Amerbock as one of the things I miss from the states.


Beez Neez

Here's the story. I was at the Lighthouse, a local watering hole. I had been watching the footy, and drinking Carlton Draught. I was having a good time. Then I went to the bar to order another drink, when I saw Beez Neez on tap. the tap said "Honey wheat beer". I thought, "Honey? Beer? Benjamin Franklin was right! I ordered one.

And, from the first sniff (I'm one of those weird people that smells their beer before they drink it) and taste I have loved this beer. Its got a good beer flavor, and then a nice, sweet aftertaste. Its got a microbrewery feel to it, and I like that. Again, I disagree with the fine folks at Beer Advocate who claim Beez Neez is "worth a try". Its beyond that. I would consider it a must drink if you're down here. Got to try it at least once, right?

I will probably count Beez Neez as one of the things I miss when I return home.

A few notes about the post, some of those sites might ask for a birthdate to enter. Drinking age in Australia is 18, so if you're under age...well, feel free to log in anyway. Alan in Oz: Corrupting youth since 2007.

I also linked to Beer Advocate twice. For anyone that enjoys beer, or wants to enjoy beer more its a great site. Reviews of beers, tips on how to enjoy the flavor of beer more, and just all in all its general beer greatness.

Its Sunday, so no absolute blitznitude tonight. Which is to bad, because all this talking about beer has made me thirsty.

Oh, and Happy Mother's Day!!

Alan