Hey everyone, I have read some of the past threads written by folks like myself - American tourists visiting and wanting to check out the best of the Australian beer scene. Hoping you guys may be able to give me a few more tips and some specific advice. I am coming at the end of July and staying until mid August. I will be staying at a friend's apartment in Glebe while there and also visiting Alice Springs and Uluru (I've heard not to expect any crafty options in the outback, unsurprisingly). Here goes: 1. Can you recommend a good bottle shop in the Glebe area? 2. Are there any beer events I should be trying to make in Sydney during my visit? 3. Are there any DO NOT MISS spots, bars, or breweries to hit while I'm in town? 4. Are there any particular Australian or New Zealand beers I should be searching for in stores, that I'm likely to find, while I'm there, that are particularly exceptional? 5. Any chance of finding Cantillon bottles in shops? (I know, I know). I'll be traveling with my wife, a UNSW alum, and will have a pretty busy itinerary so I won't be able to engage in excessive beer nerdiness. My priorities are finding a solid bottle shop so I can stock the fridge with good stuff that doesn't make it to US shores, and visiting one or two of the most essential breweries in the greater Sydney area. Thanks to one and all in advance!
Speaking from the perspective of a past visitor and someone who will be in Sydney again for 2 weeks in June, I'd suggest the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel in the Rocks is good for historic site, a nice dinner and ok beer. Murray's in Manly has reasonable beer and the ferry ride to get there is worth the price of admission. (Can't speak to the food.) The Belgian Beer Cafés do a reasonably good job on the food (including the mussels which are sometimes on special offer) and their imported Belgian beer list is fine. (But don't expect Eulogy or Monk's for either the food or beer list.) As for Australian beers, the Cooper's Pale Ale is much better fresh on tap than its ratings based mostly on the bottled version would suggest. Their stout is definitely worth a try. The Little Creatures Pale Ale can hold its own in world class competition, especially when fresh, and given a choice between that and the Fat Yak I'd take Little Creatures any time. Never got to try anything from Murray's or Feral but they are on my "look for" list for next month.
Riverside in Parramatta. Hottest thing in Sydney right now. 44 Amber is sensational and I think a DIPA should be out by then. Brewer makes some really nice beers and stuff that is hop forward. Look for Feral Hop Hog. Considered the best beer in the country. Not really an IPA, more of a APA but a really good beer. East Village Pub in Balmain has some good stuff on tap. Also Harts Pub in the Rocks has some good stuff as well. 8 wired has released three big beers out here. a BA RIS, grand cru and a strong ale. If you like hops though NZ is what you want to buy as more hop forward that what is made in Australia. Tuatara, Epic, and 8 wired IPA's are quite good. May still be some Murray's AA7 around. A 15% Belgian style barleywine. If you want one I have an extra I can give you.
I used to live in Glebe and now live right next to Glebe. Camperdown Cellars on Parramatta Rd is very close by, that's easily one of the best beer shops in Sydney now. The Little Bottle Shop of Glebe on Glebe Point Rd near Glebe Point End has some craft, I haven't dropped in there in ages though Most bottle shops e.g. The Roxbury bottle shop (has Hop Hog now) & The Ancient Briton have some craft in their bottle shop, and the Ancient Briton's taps are a little bit crafty. Camperdown Cellars on Parramatta Rd is very close by, that's easily one of the best beer shops in Sydney now. Annandale Cellars has a minimal selection of craft
If you end up with more free time than anticipated and want to meet some Syndey BAs over a couple of beers, BM myself, mulder1010, danieelol or MrKennedy. It'd be great to find out where the extra "e" comes from..
