Cheers to many beers

Brewmanity's Claire Harwood and David Neitz. Photos: JAMES TAYLOR

CLOSE to 5,000 people flocked to Johnstone Park in Geelong to whet their palate at the Geelong Beer Festival.

Fergal O’Sullivan stands in the doorway of The Snug – a mobile Irish pub.

Australian brewers, distillers and winemakers were cast into the limelight at the popular community event on Saturday.

The Anther Distillery team whip up another cocktail.

The beverage spectacular showcased the best new releases, pairings and masterclasses from more than 30 well-known producers including Blackmans Brewery, Flowstate Brewing, Anther Distillery, Great Ocean Road Brewing, Little Creatures, Mountain Goat Beer, and White Rabbit.

L-R: Farmdog’s Mitch Jones, Russell McGlashan and Jamie McGlashan.

Beyond the tasting tents, The Grogans headlined the main entertainment stage alongside Smoke Stack Rhino, while Dave O’Neill, Ivan Aristeguieta and He Huang dazzled with their comedic wit.

Josh, Tim, Steve, Nick and Jamie visited from Traralgon for a buck’s day.

Festival director Kieran Blood said the event continued to be a great way of celebrating Australian producers in a fun and engaging way.

Flowstate Brewers and Distillers’ Eliza Trounce.

“It was just an awesome day with really strong numbers coming through the gates to check it out.

Jonathan Facuse from The Prosecco Van pulls a mandarin spritz.

“The comedy was absolutely packed for both sessions which was very pleasing, and the key acts like The Grogans and Smoke Stack Rhino brought plenty of energy.

“To be joined by six new breweries was really encouraging, with all of them received really well by our audience.

L-R: Matt Atkins and Bec Campbell had their hands full.

“The brand of this event continues to just be really strong. Considering other festivals have shut down, we feel honoured to be one of the only ones left.”