Goin' Out West

Our next adventure takes us out west to a beer oasis situated on the outskirts of one of Sydney's largest markets. Arriving at Flemington we were greeted immediately by the massive sprawl of the market. There were crates of fruit and vegetables being ferried around in all directions, it was like venturing into a labyrinth of food, spices and beautiful aromas. Dan and I navigated our way through the market until we found Paddy's Brewery and we needed to quench our thirst.

We entered the pub to a hive of activity, there was obviously a party going on. We were going to join in, but it seemed the average age of the party goers was 50 plus...telling old man jokes...we may be old, but we're not that old. Heading straight to the bar we noticed the open plan brewery next to the bistro, then there were the lingerie waitresses.....

The Paddy's beers on tap were the Pilsner, Pale Ale, Porter and Wheat Beer and the seasonal beer was a Dunkel. I was wondering why Dan wanted to shout first and then discovered that Schooners were $3.50, as there was a happy hour on (normally they are $4.40). However for regular happy hours (Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm) the beers are $3.

Here is a rundown on the beers and we also spoke to Paddy's Head Brewer, Sam Clayman (see interview below).

Pilsner

Karl: After the hot walk through the markets we had a real thirst up so we started with a Pilsner to quench a man sized thirst (can anyone hear the beer ads in the background?). Initially I would never have guessed this was a Pilsner, with a pale colour, soft floral aroma and slightly hoppy aftertaste this is a great summer beer weighing in at 4.5%. Did this quench your big thirst Dan?

Dan: It sure did, but for me this tasted more like a lager than a Pilsner, maybe the cloudiness threw me a little. However I really liked the crisp finish on the palate and I definitely would look forward to one of these at the end of a hard day's work.


Wheat Beer

Karl: After our chat with Sam we moved on to the Wheat Beer and I have to say we should have started with this one - I could drink this all day long. Served with a slice of lemon there was a really refreshing flavour to this. Your thoughts Dan?

Dan: Damn straight Karl, this for me was a good take on a German Kristallweizen and you don't see a lot of these types of beers on tap in Sydney. The lemon was a nice touch and again a great beer for summer - cleanses the palate quickly and not too heavy on the stomach. The alcohol content on this one is 4.7%.


Paddy's Pale Ale

Dan: As you know we have a standout beer every blog and this time it is the Paddy's Pale Ale. Beautiful malt flavours combined with a subtle bitterness makes this one a winner in my books and is easily one of the best American Pale Ales I have had on tap recently. If Paddy's sold Growlers I would have no hesitation in taking one of these home. What is your take on the Pale Ale Karl?

Karl: Well Dan I'm sure Sam would have filled a Growler for you if you brought one along. I have to agree this is an excellent beer and not too overpowering at 4.6%. Pale Ale seems to be the most popular beer at the moment and I too would put this one up there as one of the best we've drunk lately.

Dunkel

Dan: This is currently the seasonal beer on tap but that will change very shortly when Sam starts tapping his Ginger Beer. Even though it was a really hot day (we were drinking this one outside for some reason) the Dunkel still stood up. Sweet caramel textures were in abundance here but I couldn't have more than two of these in the one sitting (alcohol content is 4.7%).

Karl: I think Craig (our Ginger Beer fanatic) will be hanging out for the Ginger Beer to be tapped. The Dunkel is an interesting take on a German classic, with it's malty fragrance and a toffee finish I couldn't drink too many either. I really would like to try this again on a cold winter's day rather than on a scorcher.

Chocolate Porter 

Karl: Well Dan I thought this was a solid finisher. If you haven't worked it out yet we both love dark beers...okay so we like all beer but we really enjoy a good Porter. In my opinion this is one for all Porter lovers, with a smooth chocolate finish and a malty aroma, I had to have another one - even on a hot day this does not disappoint. So Dan are you up for another beer?

Dan: Of course I am. I'm no stranger to Porters and this was a perfect choice to end our session. The chocolate flavours reminded me of Young's Double Chocolate Stout and at 4.8% this Porter was right on the money for me. So if you are going to the bar Karl I'll have another one!


We also managed to have a quick chat with Sam, the Head Brewer at Paddy's and quizzed him about beer and brewing.

Ourshout: How long have you been interested in brewing?

Sam: I've been brewing since 2006. We did a couple of kit beers, moved on to mini mashes for a month or three, then onto the all grain and never looked back. I've been brewing for Paddy's for three months, barely enough to fill the five taps they've given me so far!

Ourshout: What do you think of the current craft brewing scene in Australia?

Sam: The Australian craft scene is really exciting at the moment. Having been in California for a major period of craft-brewing growth in the 90's and 00's, I can see awesome similarities in the grass roots, consumer-awareness based increase in interest in good brews. Australia is definitely on its way towards being a place where you walk out of a pub that does not offer a single craft beer on tap.

Ourshout: Where do you see the Australian craft scene in five years?

Sam: In five years, I would hope to see the demand for craft beers still ahead of production, which would pave the way for more microbrewers to get a start and stay in the business. I would also hope to see it being a united industry rather than a fractionalized one. There is always more to learn in terms of process or business, and I would like to see craft brewing continue to be treated that way by all involved on both the production and consumption side. In any case, I definitely see it being very strong for a long time coming.

Ourshout: What is your favourite style of beer to brew?

Sam: For me, a complex malty beer is the most fun to make. You have to understand all the malts you're using and what they'll offer to the beer as a group. Using upwards of four malts is the only way to go for Irish reds, porters, Scottish ales of all strengths, and even an English bitter can have a nicely complex backbone. German styles with that soft, bready mouthfeel are another favourite of mine to make. Additions like fruits, wood or spices also meld better with a malty beer, and that is something I've always liked to do with my beers. Hopping the hell out of something is fun too, but for me it can be a little bit one-dimensional.

Ourshout: Any new beers in the pipeline at Paddy's?

Sam: The Ginger Beer has already been brewed to round out the six summer taps. Three taps will be rotating through the year, and I'm thinking of doing a Scottish 60/- (around 5%), perhaps with some rum-soaked raisins for texture. A Californian Common and/or an English mild bitter will be available to keep a balance of malty and hoppy beers on tap. A Baltic Porter is probably the biggest thing I'll make for the winter, at around 6%, with some berries and oak to round it out.  It'll be made soon to give it a good few months to mellow out, so future trips out to the pub could be accompanied with a maturing cask sampler!

Ourshout: We will have to take you up on that offer. Thank you for your time Sam.

Walking back through Paddy's we noticed the buzzing sound of the TAB TVs, the humming of the ceiling fans and the classic 80's hits piping out of the video jukebox, it really reminded us of a typical country pub....like the ones we grew up drinking in. The main difference being truly great beer and Paddy's has this in spades.



See you at the bar.


Paddy's Brewery
268 Parramatta Road
Flemington

Follow @ourshout2011

The Boatman's Call

So this time we're off to investigate a unique brewery in Manly and we chose the best day possible - the sun was shining, the ferry was packed with beach goers, tourists and screaming children. We were excited as kids in a candy store at the prospect of good beer.

The 4 Pines Brewery in Manly has been operating for 3 years now, and like most good breweries has a bar attached to it and a plethora of beers to choose from. You could literally bathe in the atmosphere as soon as you walk in, with suntanned locals sipping pilsners at the timber tables outside and tourists at the bar getting the lowdown on the beers from the friendly bar staff we knew this was somewhere special. There was a message board beside the bar featuring news articles about 4 Pines and right next to that behind a glass wall was the brewery itself.

When we reached the bar Dan and I were both a little surprised by the number of brews 4 Pines had to offer - 8 craft beers (5 house beers and 3 specialties) and 1 cider, this was going to be a long day! The house beers on offer were Hefeweizen, Kolsch, Pale Ale, Extra Special Bitter (ESB), and a Stout. The three specialty taps were German Pilz, Dunkelweisen, and a Porter. They also have a great take away service in the form of "growlers", essentially a 2 litre jug of tap beer you can take with you!

We also noticed a handpump behind the bar, but unfortunately it was out of action for the day.

There was a slight debate about whether a tasting rack ($15.00 a rack consisting of the 5 house beers) was in order, or whether we could/would drink pints (all pints were $9.50 and halves $6.50)... we chose the pints... with a little help from our friends.

Let's get to it.

 Hefeweizen

Dan: We have had a few different Hefeweizen's lately and this is definitely one I would order more than once. It has the texture and cloudiness of a typical Hef but a little lighter than the others I've had. I would put this up there with the Burleigh Hef that was on tap at Harts, pleasantly surprised and drinkable in warmer weather. How did you rate this one Karl?

 Karl: I think the true test for this Hefeweizen was my brother. He is a connoisseur of Hefeweizen's and he loved this one. I attend to agree with him (it's not often I agree with my brother). This Hef has a lovely pale colour with a soft floral aroma and finishes with a slightly complex fruity flavour. At 5.2% ABV this is easily drinkable on a cold winters or a hot summers day. So what are your thoughts on the Kolsch?



Kolsch

Dan: One thing is for sure, the 4 Pines Kolsch has been popping up at a couple of pubs and bars around Sydney so that can only be a good thing. Is it a lager or is it an ale though? Who cares at the end of the day, if this is on tap at my local I would drink it.

Karl: I was a little surprised by the Kolsch to be honest. Being a cross between a lager and an ale I wasn't sure what to expect and if this is a beer to go by I have to say I like it. For anyone out there trying to work out how to get your mainstream beer drinkers away from their favourites, this is the one. Also at 4.7% they probably won't get unruly doing it.



Pale Ale

Dan: Ah hello old friend, where have you been all this time? This is a classic Pale Ale which has a lot going for it. Whilst it is not too hoppy (which makes a nice change) the Pale has an extremely pleasant aroma and an aftertaste which makes you want to keep coming back for more. Quite frankly Karl this is one of the best Pale Ales I've had on tap (takes Karl's Growler and heads straight to the bar).

Karl: I have to agree. When I first got the hoppy aroma from this beer I was thinking this was going to be an intense Pale Ale, but not the case. The mild hoppiness really endears this beer to be drunk in large quantities and with a moderate ABV of 5.1% this can be done. This one is definitely "back of the net".

 
Extra Special Bitter

Karl: Okay Dan this is my cheeky little number. As you know I LOVE English Bitters and this is a perfect example of an ESB. With a mild hoppy aroma and its malty undertones I really didn't want to have to move to another beer... I feel a growler coming on Dan!

Dan: As one person summed this beer up "It is like licking rust off a corrugated iron roof". But in a good way of course. The 4 Pines ESB is a classic bitter with lovely caramel undertones, a nice body and a perfect finish making it my standout favourite. It is a shame the handpump ran out of this when we got there, but I heard they may be replenishing it soon! A classic English Bitter and the strongest of the bunch at 5.6%.



Stout

Dan: The 4 Pines "Space" Stout is a wonderful, velvety and creamy invention. This Growler friendly Stout goes down really well and would be a  perfect finisher for a drinking session. At 5.1% it is not too heavy and real stout fans are going to enjoy this one.

Karl: Come on Dan, who doesn't like a Stout... well not many people, but I think this one could change their minds. This Stout has all the chocolate and caramel flavours you would expect, without the heaviness. I think everyone should try this one.

Dan: Well you know the saying Karl "If in doubt have a Stout". Oh, it is called the Space Stout as it is the first beer to be served on a zero gravity flight. For more information click here.

Specialty #1 - German Pilz

Karl: On such a hot day this light and thirst quenching German Pilz hits the spot. A soft hoppy aroma and refreshing taste makes this a great summer beer. With an ABV of 5.3% you can definitely knock back a few of these. Were you as thirsty as I was Dan?

Dan: Sitting out on the 4 Pines balcony appreciating the sunny vista with one of these in my hand is how this is meant to be drunk. This is a robust session pilsner and on a nice day I could easily have a lot more of these, but unfortunately we had a job to do here.

Specialty #2 - Dunkelweisen

Karl: That's right Dan there is work to be done, so I moved to the Dunkelweisen. This is an unusual Dunkel in the respect that it's not a heavy beer. With light chocolate and caramel undertones this beer has a great flavour which can be enjoyed all year round.

Dan: The specialty Dunkelweisen goes down too smoothly in my opinion and it comes across as more of a dark lager. Karl is right about the chocolate undertones and one of the stand outs of the bunch, with an ABV of 4.7%.


Specialty #3 - Porter

Dan: Onto the porter then. As you know I like Porters. I really like them. Just by smelling this beer I knew what I was in for. Smokey flavours straight off the top, almost in the style of a German Rauchbier (but with less smokey pork) and an aftertaste that lingers briefly on the palette. A winter warmer but not a summer slinger. What say you Karl?

Karl: You're right Dan, my first smell of this Porter reminded me of an open fire. Then when it came to the taste, I was blown away. The smokiness, although intense, really sets this beer off. I can definitely see myself drinking a few of these next winter, especially on a cold day... if only it snowed in Sydney. The ABV on this is 4.2%, so perfect in front of an open fire.

After a thorough tasting of the beers we were keen to investigate the Growler option. Growlers have been around for quite some time and they are a great way of taking home your favourite beers straight from the tap. The 4 Pines charge $15.00 for a custom Growler (which is reusable) and $20.00 for each refill, considering you get nearly 2 litres of beer this is a really good deal and something which more pubs and bars should consider. Just remember to clean the Growler before you take it back or they wont fill it. Karl opted for a Growler of the ESB and I had a feeling it wasn't going to last long......

Drifting back slowly on the ferry towards Circular Quay, we reflected on our day of drinking at the 4 Pines. We met some really cool locals, drank Space beer, had some fantastic food and found a bar that sells Growlers, does it get any better than this?......

Until next time.

4 Pines Brewing Company
29/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly
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