Publocation

Publocation

We'll tell you where to go for every Australian pub.
Search

Beer reviews

Here's To Beers with Bob AnthonyBob Anthony, columnist and home brewer

I'm a beer columnist and home brewer. Here I cover everything to do with one of the most popular and discussed beverages in the world.

Cheers! Bob

Chang Beer

Wed, 2010-02-03 08:13 -- bob
Chang Beer

Recently I had some friends of mine return from a holiday to Thailand which naturally prompted the all important travel question, “what did ya think of the beer?”

Last year I went to Phuket in Thailand and enjoy a healthy quantity of Singha beer so I thought they would be commenting in Singha.

“Mate the Chang was great!”

Chang – hmmm I had heard of it but didn’t partake it so when I saw some in the local supermarket liquor outlet I was compelled to get some.

It is a refreshing lager, honey golden in appearance with a distinctive aroma of malts and barley.

Gage Roads India Pale Ale

Tue, 2010-01-19 10:14 -- bob
Gage Roads India Pale Ale

I’ve always been intrigued by India Pale Ale because it doesn’t come from India nor is it pale in colour.

Despite the funny name, which incidentally has something to do with the way it was brewed and seemed to be very popular with the English folk trading in India in the 18th century, I was drawn to the Gage Roads India Pale Ale at the local and thought – “here’s a go!”

Gage Roads Brewery is based in Western Australia and what those crafty West Aussie knew for a long time is only now being discovered with some ease on the east coast.

VB Raw

Wed, 2010-01-13 11:12 -- bob
VB Raw

A big hard thirst needed a big cold beer – or so we were lead to believe.
When it comes to brands, there are few beers that could go past VB.

It was no surprises that the tried and true’ VB product evolved to deliver VB Gold (a mid- strength) and now we have VB Raw, a low carb lager which is the latest mainstream beer to go ‘natural’.

Raw boasts that it is made from just four ingredients – barley, hops, water and yeast – meaning there are no additives or preservatives.

This is a trend sweeping through all our major brewers and as drinkers, we are benefiting.

Peroni Leggera

Tue, 2010-01-12 10:01 -- bob
Peroni Leggera

Want to stand out this festive season?

If you are one of those who likes to impress friends by drinking something they’re not, get yourself some Peroni Leggera.

Get some what? – I hear you ask.

It’s an Italian beer from the famous Peroni brewery and it’s a low carb naturally brewed mid strength drop, ideal for summer.

I have tried the blue label Peroni and liked it with its distinctive barley flavour and aftertaste and I’m pleased to say this mid strength retains the same characteristics.

James Boags Pure

Mon, 2010-01-04 07:47 -- bob
James Boags Pure

When it all comes down to it, beer is really a very simple thing to make.

There are essentially four basic ingredients – water, barley, hops and yeast and it is what you do with those things which really determine the kind of beer you have.

Following this simple approach, James Boags has released Pure, a Tasmanian lager made in the finest traditions without any preservatives or additives.

The end result is a crisp, refreshing lager with a slightly bitter aftertaste which isn’t overpowering.

Maxx Blonde

Fri, 2010-01-01 09:46 -- bob
Maxx Blonde

FIRST there was Pure Blonde, then Naked Blonde and now Maxx Blonde – confused?

This latest release onto the Blonde market (which is a trendy way of saying low carb) comes to us from ‘across The Ditch’ and should proved to be pretty popular over the summer months.

As is the case with many premium beers these days, Maxx Blonde boasts no preservatives or additives and is low carb.

It is crisp and clean across the palate and doesn’t sit heavy in the gut but it’s not a beer that will impress you with flavour complexity.

Coopers 62

Thu, 2009-11-19 12:02 -- bob
Coopers 62

JUST when you thought you had tried all of the Coopers range of beers and stout, the South Australian brewer comes out with another to tempt the taste buds.

Now there is Coopers 62, a refreshing, clean, crisp pilsner ideal for our warmer climates.

Named after the year which Cooper Family started brewing (and aren’t we glad they did!), the 62 is based on a Bohemian-style pilsner.

It has a light golden colour, clear with no cloudiness and with a good hoppy aroma thanks to the use of Saaz and Hersbucker varieties.

Sou' Wester from the Gulf Brewery

Wed, 2009-11-11 10:17 -- bob
Sou' Wester from the Gulf Brewery

STOUTS are normally a drink which I would enjoy during the cooler months but I have been partial to a decent chocolate stout at any time.

When I was presented with Sou’ Wester from the Gulf Brewery in South Australia and read that it was a ‘smooth, rich chocolate stout’ how could I refuse?

With a coffer coloured head and a subtle but distinctive chocolate aroma, Sou’ Wester had my mouth watering well before I tasted it.

Stouts have a wonderful ability to really fill the mouth with flavour.

Sassy Red from Mac's Brewery

Sun, 2009-10-25 09:51 -- bob
Sassy Red from Mac's Brewery

THERE’S nothing quite like a Sassy Red to spice up your day – or that’s what Kiwi brewer Mac’s would have you believe.

Their latest products to reach Australian markets from ‘across the ditch’ is the interestingly named Sassy Red which is intriguing ale full of flavour.

A rich ‘plum’ in colour with a good creamy head, Sassy Red offers up a malt/hop bouquet with just a slight hint of fruitiness.

Chestnut Lager by the Bridge Road Brewers

Tue, 2009-10-13 20:18 -- bob
Chestnut Lager by the Bridge Road Brewers

THERE'S no telling what adventurous Aussie brewers will use to deliver a beer which is different from the rest and the Bridge Road Brewers in Beechmont in Victoria have come up with a beauty.

Their Chestnut Lager is a smooth, creamy lager, full of flavour and body and is very easy to drink.

It is not a bitter beer at all and after my first mouthful, I sat wondering what it was that made this so distinctive.

There was a hint of malts – nah that’s not it, no strong hoppiness – nah, not that either and then it hit as I looked at the label – chestnuts Bob!

Pages

Publocation on Facebook