A time to celebrate beer

LATE September is one of my favourite times of year – and not just because it means footy finals – as it means time for serious celebration… in the form of beer (AKA Oktoberfest)!

Over the past few months, I’ve been known to drop by Das Bierhaus on the odd afternoon to enjoy one of their German beers on tap (they’re fully imported) and I’ve gotten to know the owner reasonably well: he has grand plans for this year’s festivities, including Bavarian feasts, live music (traditional beer hall style, naturally) and lots of one-off German beer kegs they’ll be tapping for the two week event. There’ll probably be other venues around town holding similarly themed drinking dos, but for me the Germans certainly do it better in this case. I can almost hear the words of Ein Prosit playing now…

 

After a quick venue flip of Bells Brewery’s former CBD outpost, Bellarine brewer Farmdog will take up residence in the adjacent laneway to Little Malop Street. Their original digs in Wallington will remain (which, overlooking the vines at the estate in summer months, is a prime spot to visit) with this new venue being a chance to expand and with it, a chance to appeal to an audience not yet familiar with the brand. Their small core beer range is usually complemented by a couple of rotating, seasonal/specialty (depending on the time of year) while the brewery also makes a small selection of gin, under the same name: their small batch pandan gin (pandan is a tropical plant native to Malaysia) mixes well with a good, clean tonic if you’re looking to try one. Expect trading Weds-Monday (closed Tuesdays) however they are literally just opening the doors, so you’d be forgiven to allow them a week or two to settle in.

Staying on the topic of brews and brewing, there’s a new local cider maker in town who’s crafting bespoke batches of drier styles that range from single vintage/single apple variety bottlings, to mixed combinations of apple/quince/nashi pear blends. Alvie Cider is based in the Otway Ranges and sources organically grown apples (and other fruits) from both their own farm in Gellibrand (Glen Loch Apple Farm) and other passionate local orchard growers. There’s a range of apple varieties used, depending on the desired style, while more careful and traditional production techniques are used (think hand picking/hand pressing, slow fermentation etc) to create a more premium cider product for market. Many of their products are bottled in 750ml bottles – the proper size to enjoy a more serious style of cider – but I’ve liked their canned version that nails the bright/juicy apple notes alongside a sharp, almost bittersweetness that reminds me more of good, tasty Normandy cider. Anyway, please check them out: you can jump online to purchase some from their website, otherwise visit Torquay Wine Store or Winepress (or Tulip, or Brae) to enjoy a taste.

 

In sadder news this week, the Lara Food & Wine Festival will not be returning this year, nor for the foreseeable future. I, for one, was extremely disappointed to learn this, as this had become an important foodie-celebration date for our local community. Their last (2024) gourmet day out featured over 70 exhibitors, from award-winning cheesemakers to boutique local fruit producers. I spoke to one of their committee members during the week and there has been multiple factors affecting the viability of the event: namely compliance requirements, difficulty securing consistent sponsorship/funding, and lack of volunteers. The festival leaves behind a great legacy, though – and many happy memories for those who attended over the years – let’s hope this is only a short hiatus, rather than permanent goodbye.

As reported a few months ago, Queenscliff is about to receive a brand new pub – literally – with the doors of the Esplanade Hotel (ie. the rebranded Queenscliff Brewhouse) opening its doors this weekend. I was worried about the progress of works here a couple of months back – as barely a hammer seemed to have been raised – but it’s amazing what the might of a national pub group has when it comes to making things happen. And quickly. Australian Venue Co (a privately owned 200+ venue hospitality company) has transformed this under-loved space into one of the best (aesthetically, at least) spots to grab a drink and feed in this favourite Bellarine seaside town. The broad food menu looks like it should satisfy both locals and visitors alike, while the 22 drink strong cocktail list is perhaps aiming to capture a more younger audience, even though Queenscliff is known to have one of the country’s oldest-age communities… but hey, maybe they know something we all don’t (on a serious note, though, there is a designated Seniors Menu available)! I’m all for it but what a great investment in the Bellarine and one of its best situated pubs that was clearly in need of some much-needed love.