Well, next week sees the second Queensland Beer Week roll into town. There is a stack of 'official' events, plus an active fringe festival has sprung up. The great thing is there is so much happening around good beer. There is no shortage of options to make the decision difficult, but if you're not already committed I have three events that I can recommend.
In a week that will see lots of great beer on offer, I have tried to pull together events that won't just offer good beer, but will be very entertaining as well.
Tuesday, 16 July. 7pm
BeerMatt vs Chuck Hahn
The 'versus' part of this dinner has been a little exaggerated. This is less about Chuck and I butting heads than conducting an experiment to see what people think of beers with brands and labels removed.
The evening will feature three courses with two beers matched to each course, one chosen by Chuck and one by me, but you won't know what or which. Will you be able to pick the beers? Which one is better?
Included in the price is a beer on arrival and a very special mystery beer to finish. Plus lots of beer banter between Chuck and I.
If you've ever said, "I don't care who make the beer so long as it's good", this is an event not to be missed.
Where: The Alliance Hotel, Spring Hill Price: $69 Details and Bookings
Wednesday, 17 July. 6pm
The Brewin Transfer
If you liked the Gruen Transfer, join us as we dissect beer advertising in The Brewin' Transfer.
With a panel of heavy-hitters featuring Stone & Wood's Jamie Cook, Head of Craft at Lion - Brett Grebert and the ad man who created the classic 'Charterboat? What charterboat?' ads for RACQ - Rem Bruijn, we will discuss classic beer ads while you drink beer and laugh.
Price includes entry, selection of beers on your table, cheese platter and light nibbles. The event is also timed to finish in time for the State of Origin decider, both for the sporting spectacle itself, and the flood of beer advertising that it contains.
Where: Kerbside, Fortitude Valley Price: $59 Bookings
Thursday, 18 July. 6pm
Beer & BBQ Masterclass
Excuse the pun, but Southern-style BBQ is so hot right now. Join us as tongmasters Pete Mitcham and Chris Luxton step you through dry-rubs and slow barbecue in this barbecue masterclass. We will show you how to prepare and slow barbecue brisket, plus learn better meat selection and grilling techniques for the traditional Australian barbecue and then we will feast on the spoils while enjoying some well-matched beers.
Food, fire and fun...with beer. Even better, come along for the barbecue class, then join the free Stone & Wood event that happens to be just outside in Ross Street afterwards. Two Good Beer Week events for the price of one!
Where: Golden Pig Cooking School, Newstead Price: $65 Bookings via The Golden Pig
Finally, if you haven't had your fill during the week, South Bank's fabulous Regional Flavours festival is being held in the Little Stanley Street over the weekend of 20/21 July. It features a pop-up beer garden called The Hunting Club in which I will be pairing great craft beer to such tasty comestibles as camel sliders, lemon myrtle-cured salmon and dessert lime crème brulee. Entry is free and the whole event is very family friendly.
Whichever events you are going to, enjoy great beer and I hope to join you for one.
Matt Kirkegaard