Day 31 - OB O'Brien Pale Ale

Beer 31 - OB O'Brien Pale Ale....first time.....last time

Another Aussie microbrewery. I'll give them credit for making a gluten free product - which is great in theory for some people. But then you do want them to drink it.

I found this to have a very acidic citrus flavour and little or no body. Much in the same vein of apple cider (I used to drink Strongbow). I'm beginning to think that by labelling something an "ALE", a lot of microbreweries feel they're given a license to brew something other than beer. While trying to be creative in the brewing process, some are becoming confused and disorientated

My rating.....1

Thought for the Day.....It's great to be adventurous - but don't get lost in the forrest!

Day 30 - CRICKETERS ARMS LAGER

Beer 30 - Cricketers Arms Lager.....first time.

Another local label - this one is from Victoria.

A refreshing drop and it goes down real easy. Pours a nice head, with good lacing on the glass. Interesting sweet aroma, almost a hint of vanilla? Has a strong malty prescence - perhaps a little light on hops.

Not quite up there, but I wouldn't have any trouble drinking this one again.

My rating......4

Thought for the Day.....Nice to be drinking a beer called CRICKETERS while the Aussies knock off England at the Gabba. World Cup here we come....just hope we remember to turn up!!!

Day 29 - ORANJEBOOM

Beer 29 - Oranjeboom.....first time

Imported Dutch lager - very dissapointing. Although it had an interesting aroma of oranges, it was very flat and quite bland. Won't be drinking anytime soon.

My rating.....1

Thought for the Day......My wife is half Dutch, my kids are a quarter Dutch (I know - I was always good at complex maths!) So I am interested in all things Dutch......But come on Holland. You've let me down this time!

Day 28 - Mythos Hellenic Lager

Beer 28 - MYTHOS Hellenic Lager......first time.

Ho-hum....pretty standard lager. Big name in Greece, although my research suggests that the tourists drink more of it than the Greeks!

Quite a strong aroma is a bit off-putting. It is easy enough to drink but not overly memorable.

My rating.....3

Thought for the Day.....I hope the rediculous decision of supermarkets creates a huge backlash from a united Dairy Industry. ENOUGH!!!

Day 27 - Windhoek Lager

Beer 27 - WINDHOEK LAGER....ok had a few of these before!

Mate from Zimbabwe put me onto this one. From Namibia - but much in the style of a quality German brew (as Namibia was until recent years under German rule).

Pale in colour with a generous head on the pour. Full bodied beer with a nice bitter finish - almost along the line of a good Pilsener.

My rating.....4

Thought for the Day....I have been asked by many "Are you sick of beer yet?". But I must admit, the daily sampling is much easier to maintain than the daily blogging. We're only nearing the end of January!

Australia Day - Endeavour AMBER ALE

Beer 26 - Endeavour AMBER ALE......first time.

As promised - Australian beers until Australia Day. Another label with a great story, but only 3 years of history. And what a product. Love this beer!

Pours a deep copper with a lasting head...to the very last mouthful! Full bodied beer with a spicy aroma. Made almost entirely on Australian grown ingredients. Full of flavour with a well balanced bitterness - although without the overbearing burnt and bitter taste of some dark ales.

More along the lines of what I'd expect the first settlers would have called beer back in 1788. The Endeavour website suggests it is enjoyable in a cooler climate......but hey, 35 C outside and I loved it! Wish I picked up a couple from the bottlo the other day!

My rating......5

Thought for the Day......Great to be Australian and live in the best part of the world - despite the recent flood tragedy.

Day 25 - Mountain Goat STEAM ALE

Beer 25 - Mountain Goat STEAM ALE......first time.

Very pale straw colour, it's light and refreshing. They've also used wheat malt in the brewing process and flavour is quite noticable.

This one has a mild bitterness and fairly average head retention - yet I did find it quite enjoyable.

My rating.....4

Thought for the Day......The start of a new school year already. A daughter in High School and a son in Prep. Exciting times for them both!!

Day 24 - Cascade BLONDE

Beer 24 - Cascade BLONDE Original Wheat Beer.......first time.

Ok, I was starting to think maybe wheat beers are not for me. But this one is out on its own! Almost smooth and creamy - head retention the like I have not yet seen. A very mild bitterness.

Nice also to see the use of Blonde on the label not referring to low carb - low flavour we're coming to expect from many others in the market. I'll definitely be enjoying this one again in the near future!

My rating......5 

Thought for the Day......I will definitely be revisiting some of these first time beers for a second opinion from myself - and possibly re-rating them.

Good example - Beez Neez. Had another one yesterday and enjoyed it more second time around for sure!

Day 23 - VB RAW

Beer 23 - VB RAW Dry Lager......first time.

They're all jumping on the low carb market.

Initially an overbearing aroma of 'green' beer. Thankfully the flavour wasn't as offensive. Leaves you with a watery nothing after taste.

Unfortunately the process of reducing carbs is also quite successful at reducing flavour also.

My rating.....2

Thought for the Day......People - beer is already a healthy drink (much better than softdrink or even fruit juice). The yeast has converted and removed the sugars. You don't achieve any benefit with low carb beer....unless you're drinking it by the 6 pack - in which case it's no longer healthy anyway!

Day 22 - Platinum Blonde

Beer 22 - Six Star Breweries PLATINUM BLONDE......first time

A Woolworths concoction trying to cash in on the Pure Blonde name and ad campaigne ('cause that's what I thought it was). Apparently their aim is to capture 10% of the low carb market - good business sense....cut out middle man = bigger profits.

Yes quite drinkable....but never again for me. They already make plenty of $ through mark-up. We don't need them crippling any more outside industries.

My rating.....-1 (on principle)
              ......3 (on drinkability)

Thought for the Day......Support the little man when you can - even if it costs a bit more. It will strengthen our economy long term!

Day 21 - Tooheys Pils

Beer 21 - Tooheys Pils.....first time

A nice refreshing, easy to drink pilsener. Probably a little light on flavour and bitterness, but enjoyable.

I just worry that too many Australian brewerys are trying too hard not to offend. So the major labels seem to be....more of the same.

My rating....3

Thought for the Day......Love who you are and what you have, while you're working on improving both.

Day 20 - Little Creatures PALE ALE

Beer 20 - Little Creatures PALE ALE.....first time.

Microbrewery from Fremantle - putting out a real quality product. One of the founding members of Matilda Bay has helped get these guys up and running, and continues to assist them.

A real dominant floral aroma, with a strong fruity hop taste. Could be a grower, this one. The characteristics are well balanced with a lasting bitterness. Clear and crisp - very refreshing.

My rating....4

Thought for the Day.....Too busy chillin'. I'll try and think tomorrow!

Day 19 - Matilda Bay BEEZ NEEZ

Beer 19 - Beez Neez.....first time.

While I like the concept, and had some great success with my own version of a Honey Lager homebrew - this one's probably not quite there for me.

Pleasant enough without any standout features. It is a wheat beer. I know it's a personal prefference but I'm thinking maybe wheat is the issue for me.

I'll give it a re-run soon, but right now a little dissapointing.

My rating......3

Thought for the Day......BLOGGING - interesting concept. A little like Karaoke. Some do it because they..
a) want to provide entertainment to the masses
b) feel compelled by forces beyond their control
c) love the sound of their own voice
d) all of the above
I know - I'd answer d!!

Day 18 - James Squire AMBER ALE

Beer 18 - James Squire Original AMBER ALE....first time.

Like the rest of this line I've tried so far - BRILLIANT!

A rich copper in colour. Full flavoured and bodied with tremendous head retention. Almost like a taste of caramel - malt without being too sweet. Has a well balanced lasting bitterness.

The James Squire range is as interesting as the man's story itself. Great that his legacy has been resurrected, not lost...hopefully for many years to come.

One of my picks so far!

My rating.....5 ! !

Thought for the Day.....Family time - if only we could cram more of it into day to day life.

Sunset walks on the beach exploring rock pools with my daughter...PRICELESS! 

Day 17 - PURE BLONDE NAKED

Beer 17 - Pure Blonde Naked....has become my staple at Friday golf (better safe than sorry on the drive home after the game)

Generally not into mid-strength beers as they're so devoid of flavour and character - so I won't be sampling many. I really do find this one quite interesting.

It's mild mannered at 1 standard drink per stubby and even polite, with very little bite. But at least it's got some flavour (hard to place - almost like a hint of pear?).

Labelling it a "premium ale" might be a stretch. I guess it fits in with what has been a very slick marketing campaign. I do like it, although probably better from the stubby while walking the golf course!

My rating....3

Thought for the Day....Ahhh - golf and beer....or is it beer and golf!! Almost as good as camping on the pristine Australian coastline with the Family (and tomorrow's beer??).

Almost...well, probably a distant second.

Day 16 - William Bull RED ANGUS Pilsener

Beer 16  - Red Angus....first time.

Again, like William's Pale Ale, interesting dominance of the sweet malt. Big difference here being the bitter and lasting after-kick of hops you come to expect from a high quality pilsener.

Pale gold in colour and reasonably carbonated - the aroma and first sip really catch you off guard. I like that in a beer. Keeps you guessing!

My rating....5

Thought for the Day.....The down side of a holiday is it always seems to be absolute craziness trying to get everything done the last couple of days before you go. The up side is you get to have a break and catch your breath while you recover....if the kids let you!!

Day 15 - Boag's ST GEORGE

Beer 15 - Boag's ST GEORGE.....first time.

Crisp and clear, pale gold in colour. As the label states, has a combination of citrus hops, is less bitter and highly refreshing.

Inoffensive lager that is very easy to drink. Perhaps a little light on flavour and bitterness for some, but enjoyable just the same. Surprisingly light on flavour for a full strength beer.

My rating.....4

Thought for the Day....To see the people of SEQ band together in the aftermath of the last week - truly inspirational. Restores our faith in human nature. Here's a little something I've been working on....

So many lives lost - long before their time,
Families and friends left in anguish, still here.
Apparently bred tough, surviving Queenslanders will climb,
But not before....we shed many a tear.

Destruction inflicted - devastation unseen,
By the countless elders whose stories re-told
As even they need a shoulder to lean.
Etching lasting images, beyond our control.

Move forward we must - whilst we never forget,
Those special people were just here, it seems wrong.
Yes, all too soon as their destiny was met.
Somehow through this, we must remain strong.

Relive as we will on the dawn of each day,
The fondest of memories - held close and dear.
Those lost will be never too far away,
Forever entrenched in our minds....crystal clear.

Enduring memories.....last a lifetime.

Day 14 - Cascade PALE ALE

Beer 14 - Cascade PALE ALE....first time.

Pours slightly cloudy with a nice aroma of hops. Mellow flavour with a subtle bitterness.

This would definitely make a great session beer - very refreshing. Liked it a lot.

My rating.....4

Thought for the Day.....It's been brought to my attention that I'm trying a lot of beers for the first time. Well as I said earlier in this blog, I've always been a Bourbon boy. It has dominated my drinking habits for the past 20 years. I must admit I'm a beer fan now!

Day 13 Coopers Extra Strong VINTAGE ALE

Beer 13 - Coopers Extra Strong VINTAGE ALE....first time.

I must admit, I felt like something a little stronger after seeing so much destruction.

I guess this is very much in the style of the old English Ale's. Full bodied beer with a generous head, it is a rich golden syrup in colour. Quite sweet initially - reminds me of a Molassas Lager homebrew I experimented with. I did find the prevalence of alcohol a little overbearing.

While I do like the concept, probably didn't enjoy quite as much as I had hoped. Perhaps more of a winter beer?

It wouldn't be a bad way to start the night....don't think it would be a great session beer unless you want to crash early!

My rating.....3

Thought for the Day.....Nothing too profound today. I've just been unable to clear the mind of the continually unfolding catastrophe, so close to home. It truly is weighing heavily on me.
Hoping the many victims families can find the strength to cope with their losses in the coming days, weeks and months.

Day 12 - Matilda Bay REDBACK Original Wheat

Beer 12 - Matilda Bay REDBACK Original Wheat.....first time.

Feeling patriotically Australian after seeing the flood devastation unfold. So I will be drinking an Australian brewed beer until Australia Day.

I have not drunk a lot of wheat beers. Will need to try a couple of others for a point of reference. Distinctive aroma and flavour.

Have to give this one a re-run at a later date as I'm still undecided.

My rating.....3

Thought for the Day......What would have happened to Brisbane if the Wivenhoe didn't have provision to hold back the flood water? Thank God we'll never need to answer that question.

Thanks to the Bjelke-Petersen government for their foresight. They forged ahead with construction of the Wivenhoe amidst large scale resistance in the 70's. 

Day 11 - Coopers SPARKLING ALE

Beer 11 - Coopers SPARKLING ALE.......like it a lot!

As is the tradition of Coopers bottle fermented beers, it has a healthy layer of sediment on the bottom. It gives you the consumer the option of pouring slowly into a glass, or swirling it through the brew.

I tried it both ways and found it interesting, the sediment added an extra level of bitterness. Probably from habit with my homebrew, I do prefer to pour off into a glass, leaving the yeasty sediment behind.

Will definitely be drinking Coopers more often in the future...most impressive!

Thought for the Day......Sometimes it's hard to feel grateful, when so many face such devastation. Gut wrenching.

Day 10 - Boag's PURE

Beer 10 - James Boag's PURE........ahhhh - pure beer!

Ok so a FB Friend has been posting gorgeous pics of their recent trip - put me in the mood for a little piece of Tasmania!

Not a lot to say about this one. It's just about everything you'd expect from a high quality lager.....clear, crisp, refreshing with a nice bitter finish.

It was lightly carbonated - but really did enjoy this one. Just felt like I was spending time with a good old friend!

My rating.....5

Thought for the Day......Exciting as it might be to try new things, sometimes it's just nice to fall back on the things you know and love!

Day 9 - Little Creatures BRIGHT ALE

Beer 9 - Little Creatures BRIGHT ALE....first time. Boutique brewery in Fremantle, WA

A dominating scent of melon is immediate on the pour. Brilliant gold in colour, lightly carbonated and very crisp.

The fruity flavour is not overbearing and makes way for a dry finish with a lingering hops bitterness. I must say a little too dry for mine.

Although it has some interesting characteristics, it's probably something of an aquired taste. Worth a try though.

My rating....3



Thought for the Day.....Can it get any wetter? Let's all spare a thought for those worst affected - and hope that our turn isn't still coming in the next couple of days!



Day 8 - FAT YAK Pale Ale

Beer 8 - Matilda Bay FAT YAK Pale Ale....first time.

Very fruity with a hint of cloves. Too lightly carbonated for me, though quite a unique flavour. I think the addition of hops late in the boil reduces the bitterness extracted. Probably not for me.

Will be trying some other Pale Ale's to compare - maybe it's different to what I've come to expect from a beer...via my fave Lager/Pilsener variety?

My rating.....2 (on first taste)

Thought for the Day....Remember, one or two alcoholic beverages each day is beneficial to our health. Does that mean I'm on a health kick???

Day 7....take 2 - James Squire GOLDEN ALE

Ok so I've been out on the farm working...while the Judge & Jury (ME!) have been deliberating and reached the verdict - MILLER CHILL IS NOT BEER!

So to maintain integrity of the research I have undertaken, I must consume a REAL BEER today!

Beer 7 - James Squire GOLDEN ALE....first time - WOW! Fascinating combination of wheat and barley in the brewing process, with the very mild Amarillo hops.

Subtle flavour, real distinctive cirtrus aroma, with a dry finish - could drink this one all night....probably will at some point!

Think James Squire could be rolling over in his grave........hoping someone might put a glass of Golden Ale in his hand!!!

My rating - 5!

Thought for the Day....Stop trying to be something you're not - if you ever succeed.....YOU won't exist! Trust me you'll be sadly missed, more than you realise.

Moral to this thought - If you are a BEER....then be a BEER!

Day 7 - Miller CHILL

Beer 7 - MILLER CHILL....first time. Ok it's 5 o'clock in Tijuana, Mexico - so I thought I'd try this 'chelada-style' beer.

Warning...Don't be fooled - this is not BEER!!!! Has the body and head retention of Apple Cider. Within a minute of pouring it looks like lemon & lime mineral water!

If there were hops used in the brewing process I couldn't detect them? I'm not sure how they got away with putting the word 'BEER' on the label?

I guess if you particularly dislike the taste of beer, are watching your figure (it is low carb) and just want to get drunk (it's still a healthy 4.2%), maybe this one's for you.

My rating..... -1

Thought for the Day.....If people don't like beer - let them drink something else for Christ sake!!!!!

Day 6 - Coopers BEST EXTRA STOUT

Beer 6 - COOPERS Best Extra Stout....first time. Just had to try another Stout while the Cascade was fresh in my mind.

This one reaffirms what I thought a Stout should be like! It seems to have much more substance....and a real bitter edge to it. Definitely like this one! 

Thought for the Day....Choose today's actions wisely - they create tomorrow's memories and your future reality!

Day 5 - Carlton DRY

Beer 5 - CARLTON DRY....first time. Boring!

With all the money they're throwing at the ad campaign, maybe I was expecting something more. But this beer is about as exciting as Steven Segal...seriously!

It had very poor head retention, and little flavour. Seriously lacking in character.....which probably makes it easily drinkable to the masses. Hey if it was on special it would serve it's purpose!

Thought for the Day....Worst analogy ever "Is the glass half full or half empty?" What the? If it was full when you started, then now it must be half full. If you're expecting to drink all of it, then it must be half empty. Positive thinking has no relevance. Both answers are correct!

Day 4 - Budweiser

Beer 4 - Budweiser....first time - interesting.

Extremely light in colour. For a full strength beer surprisingly light in aroma and taste - almost bland....though that might be a bit harsh.

Very crisp and easy to drink. Interesting use of rice in the brewing process probably creates the extra light colour and unique flavour.

Thought for the Day - How good is Junior Master Chef? (not that I watch it). Our 12yo daughter is now cooking mains......Cottage Pie for dinner last night. YUM!

Day 3 - Miller GENUINE DRAFT

Beer 3 - MILLER Genuine Draft....first time - what a good selection!

Full bodied with great heat retention. Dominant yeast smell, perhaps a little light on hops flavour....but very easy to drink!

Will definitely be revisiting this one.

Thought for the Day....How great it is catching up with family and friends. Religious or not - Christmas is the best time of year!

Day 2 - Barecove RADLER

Beer 2 - BARECOVE RADLER - glorified shandy...not that there's anything wrong with that!

Had a few of those Barefoot Radlers a couple of years ago and quite enjoyed them.
Probably not for the serious beer fan...strong hint of lemonade and poor head retention. Refreshing just the same!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Gotta love a Queensland summer....great beer drinking weather!

Day 1 - Steinlager PURE

Beer 1 - STEINLAGER PURE....first taste.

Quite a strong yeast smell caught me off guard, though the flavour was surprisingly subtle.
Very light in colour, crisp and easy to drink - perhaps lacking a little in character.

                                                


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - It's great to experience new things in life!

Warm Up - Cascade STOUT

Getting close...warming up.

Beer 1 - CASCADE STOUT (smooth & rich).....so it says

Sorry, did't find it particularly smooth or rich. Lacks flavour and body for a stout. 

THOUGHT OF THE DAY......"First Xavier, then Ricky, now Cascade.....not a particularly memorable month for Tasmania!"