Tuesday, May 9, 2017

It's All About the Beer Buddy!


Welcome back to all of you! Thanks for waiting patiently on the new post!

Now, I'll get straight into it...

How many of you readers, and I know that there are a few, have ever just needed a beer, desperately, in an awkward time or situation? Like just after work, but the shops are shut, or when you're at a party, and there aren't any tubes left in your trust esky? Or even post-coitus?

I know that I've got that feeling right now... I have just had dinner - a pie and chips would you believe, and the good ol' can of Coca Cola just hasn't got what I need...

Questions that come to my mind at the time (now, really!)?
  1. Where can I get a beer right now?
  2. Who's got beer that I can have right now? The neighbour? Your mates?
  3. Who's gonna go out and get the beer? (remember you may already be tanked!)
  4. Can I wait til tomorrow? (obviously not)
  5. Is there beer in the house that I have forgotten about or haven't found yet?
  6. Where's the nearest bottle-shop?
  7. How come I've got no beer? This is like a pirate without rum!
  8. Who's paying for the beer? (Let's face it, a free one is slightly better!)
  9. What type of beer do I want right now?
Such hard, very difficult questions to ask let alone answer!

Let's try and answer these in a proper manner...

Answers:
  1. Well - depending on what time it is, and where in the world you are! I mean, being in bonnie ol' London, you can nearly get a beer at any time! You just have to go to the Co-Op or something, and few bob later, you are smiling again! In the U.S.of A., you can do this too as most stores sell alcohol. Mainland Europe - pretty much the same, but you can't buy your smokes at the same place! Australia - you've got Buckley's if you live in most parts of Australia. Apparently there are places in Queensland and the Northern Territories where you can get it anytime. I'm not sure though. We in P-Town (Perth to the non-locals) have a hard time getting ANY type of alcohol past 10pm drive-thru. Maybe a pub or two stay open til midnight. It sux! Unless you know a mate who has a pub or a bottle-o, you're up that creek without that paddle. 
  2. I have on a few occasions, woken up the poor lamb of a neighbour, just to find out if they have a beer in their fridge. But the success rate has been phenomenal! My mum's neighbour drinks like a fish, and often he'd be up asking me for beer, so I've asked him for a few beers in the past. It was Emu Export or VB or something, but I actually GOT A BEER! I have woken up a few good mates in the past as well, only to get a "F$&% off!" or something like that. But when you think of all the times that my mates have WOKEN ME UP for a beer, well you'd think it was a two way street!
  3. Ok... How many times have you not only wanted a beer, had the money and the car, but lacked the person who could drive, or was sober enough to drive? Yeah - big problem there isn't it? I mean, yeah there have been a few mates who have risked other people as well as their own lives when looking for beer in the late hours of the night, and they have taken off down the road, and come back with the goods, but there also have been a couple of mates who went down the road and didn't come back - not because they crashed or died or anything like that - just that the good ol' 5-0 caught them being heroes... Shame things like that happen, but they do, and to those who have made it home in one piece - you lucky bastards!
  4. CAN I WAIT until TOMORROW - Are you friggin' crazy? Of course not! I want beer and I want it now ffs!
  5. This actually happened to me not so long ago. Bought a carton of Corona... took a six pack and hid it in my cupboard. 3 weeks later, frothing at the mouth for an amber, looked inside my cupboard and found the very best surprise - the six pack that I had hidden a few weeks before - the very best surprise. And I didn't have to share it with anyone, as no one else was home!!! Also found $20 in my jacket pocket at the same time - so I went and bought another six pack just for good measure!
  6. OK - GOOGLE MAPS - great app for anything like this! It also tells you the times it's open and how long to get there. But, if it's during the night hours, there's no point - as it's gonna be closed!
  7. How come I don't have any beer? Is it because I drank it all? (possibly) Is it because my mates drank it all? (possibly) Did my friends take my beer with them? (has happened before) Did I buy any in the first place? (sad but true) Did I underestimate how many people were coming? (definitely has happened before, but made some good decisions so that it doesn't happen again) Were the Irish there? (would explain a lot)
  8. Who's paying? Stupid question - the one with the money
  9. And finally - what type of beer do I want right now? When you have gone through the first bunch of questions, it usually is "I don't bloody care, as long as it's beer!" and it's usually answered with the bottom of the barrel beer that no one ever drinks, but will drink now because it's the only one available (like FOSTERS... yuk!)
So, there you have it. What we all do in this situation. 

Come back next time, for more beer interviews, more ratings and more all about beer.

Cheers - And Drink On!

Friday, February 24, 2017

It's All About the Beer, Buddy!

Hello Everyone! Welcome to the Blog for Beer!

Today, I'm going to introduce you to some more beer lovers from around the globe! Each story different, and a favourite found.

But first, we are going to find out some celebrities actions with beer - what they drink and whom they have worked for. 

The first superstar we are going to look at is:

Superstar #1

Beyonce



It has been said that Beyonce's beer, is Lone Star Beer. She was seen rocking their brand on a t-shirt on Instagram. This was a late last year. But she does have a real favourite, and that's red wine.


Superstar #2

Simon Cowell



The British Reality TV Star and Producer, is responsible for such finds like Leona Lewis, One Direction, Westlife and Susan Boyle, just to name a few. This man has said, straight out, that Sapporo Beer.


Superstar #3

Jennifer Aniston



Jennifer Aniston was on of the stars of the sitcom Friends. She has also worked on the big screen and has a few films under her belt. She has been seen in Heineken commercials the world over.


After seeing this, it's a bit obvious, that she would be in a legally binding contract for a certain amount of time, and would be supplied with a life-time amount. Lucky her. Lucky Heineken!



Superstar #4

Steven Seagal




Steven Seagal, star of quite a few films, including Under Siege, Marked for Death and had his own reality TV series he did with the Louisiana State Department. Master of several martial arts, which brought him fame, came to Australia to do a great Carlton Dry Commercial.


I'll bring more from the world of the rich and famous on another post, so stay tuned!

Let's get to some more interviews with people from around the globe:

Ladies and gentlemen, first off, is this bloke here:

Andrew Mickan


Andy is a phenomenal dj and a great Fifa opponent! I talked to him not long ago...
"Hey mate, what's your favourite beer and why?"
"Been drinking the Fat Yak Pacific Ale lately"
"Why do you like it?"
"It's a nice drop that goes down well with the summer heat."
"Great answer mate. Couldn't agree with you more..."



I have been drinking this one of late myself. Also Feral Breweries Hop Hog. Cheer for your time Andy and catch up for a game soon!

My next interview is with an old school mate. Ladies and gents

Jason Michael Patrick Maher


Look at that style!

Jason and I went to the same school. But our families were quite close back in the day, as they knew each other in Calcutta, India, where my mother's side of the family comes from. Jason was also our school hockey star. The amount of goals that he got one season was amazing. He helped our school in becoming the Champion hockey force it is.





"Hey Jason! How are you old man? Long time no see! What's your favourite beer?"
"Kilkenny for the colder weather, Sapporo and Quilmes for everything else!"
"Thanks for your input brother. Need to catch up soon!"

That's the end of this post.

Please come back for the next post as I'll be judging another beer!

Cheers! AND DRINK ON!

BEER BUDDY




Monday, February 20, 2017

It's All About the Beer, Buddy!

G'day all! Welcome to It's All About the Beer, Buddy! A blog dedicated to Beer and everything about it! A keyboarded shrine to the amber fluid that gives us all such happiness, that we laugh about it, cry about it and sing about it. 

Last post, I said that I was going to find other things you can do with beer, other than drink it. And have found a few pearlers, some awesome tips and some weird ones too.

Here we go! - said in typical Mario 64 voice action!

  1. Scale Fish - Nail or glue 4 bottle tops to piece of wood. Keep the caps inline, and make sure that the sharper serrated edges are facing out, then go to absolute town on the fish!
  2. Tame wild hair - A few drop of beer on the end of your fingers, and run your fingers through your hair, evens out any uprising on your head or even your eyebrows - a gentleman's room in a bar is where you'd be doing it though!
  3. Ice a hamstring - Frozen or ice-cold beer bottles make great ice-packs for sore muscles, sunburns, even a headache. Lying your leg, or your knee on one helps if you have pulled a leg muscle. The best thing is you can actually drink the ice-pack!
  4. Roast a chicken - If you haven't heard of it before, you have now. In Australia we even sell the can that does it for you. Usually, you drink about a quarter of a can, put some herbs and spices in it, some seasoning, and you can even do it with stuffing. Put the can in the chicken, and the chicken in the oven, but it's better in a bbq. Now tell me that isn't ingenious?
  5. Build a plane - Hmm. First I've heard of this one! And it's the first time I've heard of anyone selling 22 designs of model beer-can planes. I've hear of beer-can everything, but the first I've heard of anyone SELLING them!
  6. Stop snoring - Now THIS is smart. Put on a t-shirt with a front pocket. Just before bed, put a beer can in the front pocket, and put it on backwards. Most snoring happens when you lie on your back. This stops you from doing that!
  7. Cook rice - Get a cup of jasmine rice. Rinse it in cold water. Do it twice more then drain. Add the rice to a saucepan, and add a bottle of beer. Bring to boil, turn the heat on low and cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove pot and cool for an addition 10 minutes. Drain if needed. Now you will have a nuttier tasting rice, great for anything, and it won't be lumpy, just like you when you eat it
  8. Build a home - Yep. Seen it. Have a look for it on Google. Earthship is what it's called, and they are in Mexico. Have a beer, they said. Have another they said. Build a house, they said...
  9. Fix an upset stomach - WHAT? Wow... Having a high carb beer is like having 7up or Sprite. Sheesh! I wish I knew this earlier!
  10. Massage yourself - Come on! I'm sure you've all rubbed the soles and arches of your foot on one at sometime of your life
  11. The ingredients of beer help insomnia - sew a hop for beer onto your pillowcase for babies with collick, the smell is a sleep aid!
  12. Tie a fly - Mix beer, charcoal or soot, and walnut leaves with a little powdered alum. Apparently makes them stick apparently better when you tie things together?
  13. Catch mice - Wow again. Fill a cup with beer, and add a ramp to the top of it. The mice will jump in and drink its fill. But then be either too full or too drunk to climb out!
  14. Bake beer bread - Yes! Great!
  15. Lower your blood pressure - YES IT'S TRUE! There have been several tests world wide, and plenty of reading on the net for this, to make it true.
  16. Good for tired feet - apparently you dip your weary feet in a bath of beer, and it's heaven for your soles (no pun intended!) 
  17. Kills slugs - pour beer on them and they seem to die
  18. Cook prawns - this is fantastic and gives them a marvellous flavour. Add three longnecks to a pot, add turmeric, which will turn the prawns an apt yellow, and add teaspoons of garlic, salt, chilli powder and some lemongrass and lime. Bring to boil, then cook for 3 or 4 minutes. Take the prawns out and drain. Put them in a frying pan to get some colour and add them to whatever you like
  19. Bathe in it - all people should do this once in their lifetime! It makes a fantastic bubble bath!
  20. Put out a fire - because it really doesn't have a high alcohol level, it is just like a bottle of soft drink
  21. Marinate meat - of course - please do this if you haven't before. Add spices and seasoning if you like. 
  22. Fill your water balloons up with it - it's a great thing to do! If you plan to have a regular water bomb fight, fill some up with beer! When the opposition have these ones pop on them, they'll get chased by flies!
There are some amazing ones in that list, and some I really didn't think of! If you have any other ideas about what else you can do with beer, please leave them in the comments section below\

That's it for this post! Come back next time for more interviews, and other news. 

UNTIL THEN

CHEERS! AND DRINK ON!

 

Friday, February 17, 2017

It's All About the Beer, Buddy!

G'day all!

How are you? I'm great! Thanks again for coming back! New readers - welcome!

Last post, I said that I'd delve into the history of the amber fluid, so this is what I'm doing!

It's a common thought that, because it has been so advertised, that James Squire, was Australia's first Brewer. So I asked Google:

Question: Who was the first brewer in Australia?
Answer: "Lager was not brewed in Australia until 1885. Early beers were also brewed without the benefit of hops, as no-one had successfully cultivated hops in Australia, and importation was difficult. James Squire was the first to successfully cultivate hops in 1804, and he also opened a pub and brewed beer"

I actually found this hard to believe. I mean, is beer still beer if it has no hops? You would say it is, even if it didn't taste as good, it's still called beer, is it not?

I had a look at Wikipedia. I got this answer:

"The first official brewer in Australia was John Boston who brewed a beverage from Indian corn bittered with cape gooseberry leaves. It is likely though that beer was brewed unofficially much earlier. The first pub, the Mason Arms was opened in 1796 in Parramatta by James Larra, a freed convict."

Hmmm... So, maybe James Squire WASN'T the first OFFICIAL brewer in Australia. 

I delved into Australian beer history a little bit further...

information taken from Wikipedia

"Although modern Australian beer is predominantly lager, early Australian beer were exclusively top-fermented and quick-maturing ales. Lager was not brewed in Australia until 1885..."

"In September 1804, a government owned brewery opened in Parramatta, followed by a rival privately owned brewery three months later. The government brewery was sold two years later to Thomas Rushton, who was its head brewer. As of 2013, the Parramatta brewery remains the only government-run brewery in Australia."

Government run? Wow. I thought I'd also have a look at some events during Australia's time as a brewing nation:

  • 1824 - Peter Degraves starts the Cascade Brewery in Tasmania. It still is Australia's oldest operational brewery
  • 1835 - Tooth Brewery established in Sydney
  •  1836 - John Warren start South Australia's first brewery
  • 1837 - James Stokes establishes West Australia's first brewery, which later became the Swan Brewery
  • 1838 - John Mills establishes the first brewery in Melbourne
  • 1862 - Thomas Cooper establishes the Coopers Brewery. To this date, the Cooper family still operates and owns the business, and is the largest Australian owned Brewery
  • 1864 - Carlton Brewery opens in Melbourne
  • 1881 - CS Button opens the Esk Brewery in Launceston (acquired by James Boag & Son in 1883)
  • 1885 - Gambrinus Brewery in Melbourne becomes the first brewery in Australia to brew lager
  • 1887 - The Foster brothers arrive from New York with refrigeration equipment and establish the first lager brewery to use refrigeration in Australia
  • 1889 - Lager is brewed in Queensland at the Castlemaine and Quinlan Brewery.
  • 1901 - Just after Federation, the new government passed the Beer and Excise Act, which regulated the making and selling of beer, and made home brewing illegal. Because of this, several breweries closed. Larger breweries bought the smaller ones. Within a short time, only 2 breweries remain in Sydney - Tooths and Tooheys. In Melbourne, five breweries merged in 1907 to become the giant Carlton and United Breweries
  • 2013 - as of this date, Lion Nathan and the Foster's Group, own every major brewery in Australia, with the exception of Cooper's.
How about that for a little bit of beer history?

I thought that I'd just put that into the blog for everyone's knowledge and enjoyment.

Interview time!

First interview for this post is... 

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Mark Hazard!



I've known this wild Texan for a few years. I hadn't heard from Mark in a while, but I had a feeling that he would put his input in after I asked the question on my Facebook page. He came to Australia a few years back, and stayed here for a while, before going back home. He's a top bloke, and loves his beer.

After he read my question, I got this response
"Guinness Export Stout my everyday thing I like that coffee dark chocolate flavours... But here in Texas, the craft brewing is running amok, it seems nearly every time I go to grab a bottle there is a new company. Now the big favourite to make by everybody is IPA of the 20 local breweries that are just in my city alone..."


I LOVE the Guinness Extra Stout. It's exported from Ireland, and it's NOT actually the Guinness that you see everywhere. It's in a special bottle, and IT IS THE DOGS NUTS! I tasted it in Ireland last year, and if its on the shelf, it's mine!

Cheers Mark! Hopefully I will see you soon, either in Oz or Texas!


Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado...

Introducing Charlie Cluster!


I recently met Charlie, and he's a good bloke, loves his beer, and loves his music

"What's your favourite beer buddy?"
Charlie replied "Stella Artois is a classic! Or Hop Hog for that crafty taste!"
"And why do you like it mate?"
"Well Stella is nostalgic for me, first brand I remember enjoying, I always try to find Belgium brewed imports rather than Australian brewed Stella. And my ex used to work at Feral Brewery so I would drink Hop Hog by the gallon, great taste without being too fruity."
"Great answer mate."
"No worries man, happy to help, especially when it comes to beer :P"



Cheers mate - much obliged, and we'll catch up for a frothy one soon!


Well, that's it for this post in this wonderful blog!

Tune in next time, when I interview a few more people, and I'll delve into more beer history, and what it used for besides drinking!

CHEERS! AND DRINK ON!

BEER BUDDY




It's All About the Beer, Buddy!

G'day all! Thanks for coming back again, and if you are a first time reader - a great big welcome to you, you beer lover you!

Today, I'm going to continue my interviews about beer with my many people around the world. I have had an absolutely amazing response from all of you, and I really am truly blessed to have such wonderful beer drinkers as friends!

Let's get this baby rolling!

Interview Numero Uno today...

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Carmela Willis


Carmela and I used to work together at Australia Post. For all those that don't know, it's just our version of Postal! We worked together for five years, and she is an absolute gem of a lady. She loves family, loves her wine and has been known to have the occasional beer or two!

"Hello Carmela! It's been a long time! What's your favourite beer and why?"
"I was introduced to Chill (Miller) when I was on a cruise... very nice"
"What did you like about it Carmela?"
"Chill has a hint of lime, so tasty, light flavoured and easy to drink"

I miss working with all my friends back at AP... friends for life were made. I will be interviewing a few of them over the coming posts...


Cheers Carmela! Thanks for your interview!


Interview number two is where we're at. 

Ladies and gentlemen, a good mate of mine from the south side...

Louie Yovich!


Louie is a good mate of mine. We catch up with each other at random occasions, have a beer and have a banter about life and current events. So I did the usual - I asked him!

"Louie - what's your favourite beer and why?"
He came back with a simple answer "Carlton Dry"
I asked "Why buddy?"
"Cos I can!" 
Classic Louie. Understated, but sometimes silence is deafening! But he added "Sorry I mean 'cause it tastes good... goes down easy on a hot day..."
It certainly does Louie... it certainly does.


Thanks for your input champ! Catch up again soon!

I've been going really well with these interviews, but it's thanks to you, dear reader, that I am able to do this. So - THANKS!

Interview number 3 for this post is...

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Oliver B!!!


I freakin' love this photo. Oliver and I have known each other for a while. We can never remember how we met each other. He is another music phenomena. He loves his dance music, his heavy stuff to. I mean - look at this 7 megapixel photo of him! He's a top bloke, and a person that I love to bump into and chew the cud with!

"Hey buddy, how are you? I'm asking everyone, what's your favourite beer and why?"

He just sends me a photo...


Hmmm... this is not the first time someone has said something about THIS beer!
"Full flavour, long, lingering aftertaste, smooth. The recipe changed some time ago, but it's still nice"
Oli does like his beer. I haven't actually tried this beer however! Methinks its time that I do, as I have now been advised a few times to have a taste of this one.

Cheers Oli! Hope to see you soon and thanks for answering my question!

Our fourth victims... um...err... interviewees are another couple!
These two... are just amazing people.

Ladies and gentlemen... 
Stefire Kaya and Aiden Lifted!


Look at these two happy little Vegemite's, eh?? Such wonderful people. I have known them, for a considerable amount of time. They are true believers and party people, and love life, and try to live it to the fullest. I see them at every bush party or festival that I go to, and Stef works at a very popular Northbridge Pub called The Brass Monkey, which is well known to most West Aussies!

I was talking to Aiden the other day on Messenger, and just brought up the question...
"Hey bud, what's your favourite beer and why? I would like to interview you for my blog."
"Huh? What blog?"
"Its called 'It's All About the Beer, Buddy!'"
Aiden then asked "What, you're gonna interview me on here?"
"yeah!"
"Um, I'm not a beer connoisseur but I like beer 'cause it makes the missus 'easier'"
Right about this time I laugh til I can't breath!
He continues..."put that. That's actually my serious response hahaha"
I'm still laughing
"I like Wild Yak, but whatever is cheapest usually. Wild Yak is my premo "go-to" beer"
"OK, no problem. I'll send you the link when I publish it"
"Nah, sorry man, I don't have an that much of an appreciation of beer to blog about it"
"Don't worry. I'm blogging. You're just the victim lol"
"Fair game"


I was wondering where Stef was, and wanted to know what her favourite beer was.
"What's the missus like beer wise?"
I got the reply...
"Red Winehenstephener. It's got Stef in the name, so we'll go with that!". Aiden is such a funny bloke!
When I DID get a chance to converse with Stef, I got a good answer!
"Love Hop Hog and just tried Sierra Nevada Pale Ale today and it is delicious! I love hoppy beers or really full flavoured ones as opposed to crisp".
What an amazing interview. These two are definitely two people that I could talk to til the sun comes up and goes down again!



Thank you guys! It was a pleasure!

And finally, for the last interview on this post, we go all the way to beautiful Canada. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to...

John Pavel Gardner!


 Here is John in front of the Eiffel Tower. I met John and his good mate Connor on my travels in Europe last year. A great bloke, and we keep in touch. And he loves his beer. I need to Skype him soon!

"Hey buddy! What's your favourite beer and why?"
"Insomniac by Philips Brewing Company. Super hoppy!"
This bloke knows his beers, and is always looking for something different. I'm happy that he came up with something different for us this time.


Thanks Pav, and I'll talk to you very soon!

And it seems that it's come to the end of this post! And also, it's 4:14 in the morning, and I need sleep!

Thankyou, once again readers, for making this blog special. It means the world to me and I hope you continue to read and comment on this blog to keep it successful!

Next post - we'll interview some others, and we'll get into some more beer history!

CHEERS! AND DRINK ON!

BEER BUDDY!

It's All About the Beer, Buddy!

G'day all! 
Welcome back! Thanks for coming back, and if you are a new reader of this blog, thanks for being here for your first time!

Ladies and gentlemen, the interviews keep coming! But before I go onto the next bunch of interviews, it's time for me to have a look at another beer. Beer number 7 (lucky 7!) and it's a great beer, and hopefully you think this too. It's an Australian favourite.

#7. Carlton United Breweries - Carlton Draught - 4.6%


I'll be totally honest with you - I really didn't like Carlton Draught when I first had it. I actually preferred Carlton Midstrength! Yeah, I know - it's a mid strength beer, but I just love the taste. But then I went from cans to stubbies, and the taste changed dramatically. A true example that some beers are actually better in glass.

Carlton United Breweries weren't one of my favourite breweries either. It goes back to when I was younger, when the AFL was just the VFL. And all our great WA Footy players were being pinched to play interstate - Barry Cable, Stephen Michael, Graham Moss and the like. And I really didn't like VFL when I was a kid. The WAFL was the league for me, and my dad (RIP), played a few times for the Claremont Tigers. I was originally a East Fremantle fan, as I grew up on Marmion St in East Fremantle, until my parents got divorced, and I moved to Kardinya. I really didn't like the VFL, and the main sponsor that was shown over and over and over again WAS Carlton United Breweries, and the miserable Victoria Bitter ads that used to play during the breaks.

So I had this angst towards CUB, and that made me steer clear away from their beers until I really started liking beer. I remember seeing the Clydesdale's on their packages, and used to then ask for another beer! One day I was at a party and decided to give it a go. I didn't really think much of it, really. I also realise now in hindsight, I wasn't really drinking for the taste, was I?!

So, here I am now, with a more mature palate. I was at a gathering of friends a few years back, and this was the only beer on offer. I said "stuff it" and began to drink in earnest, as it was a stiflingly hot day, and I had been working all day in the sun, if I remember correctly.

Anyway, I wrapped my laughing gear around it. I remember thinking "Wow... this is got a great taste...". But you gotta remember, a lot of beers, in fact MOST beers taste great after a long hot day, no matter what you do, and that is one of the reasons Aussies drink so much beer! Each bottle after that had the same effect - the taste was wonderful, the feel was glorious and the need for another one was instantaneous!

On the CUB website, it brings together the pub, mate-ship, and of course, our sacred Australian sport, The AFL. Carlton Draught is a major sponsor of the sport, and I am happy to say that they have done very well to market the stuff...

Do you remember these?


"MADE FROM BEER" - funny ad.


This ad, with the thousand odd blokes running around in colours, to make a massive moving picture of a person drinking Carlton Draught. Gotta say - definitely one of my most favourite TV ads ever. Genius. And it's not Guinness.


This ad, with the four blokes being chased on foot, was original. And I just loved the way they didn't waste a drop. I just wonder if was real beer in the glasses! Probably not. But you do have to wonder...

 
And look at this gorgeous hunk of man - he must be a Victorian! lol
Yes - but another fantastic ad, once again.

So, let's just open up a stubby now and see how I go...

It IS very refreshing. It is crisp, and clean. The colour is hindered by the bottle, but if you've had it in a glass, it's a lovely tint. I am having it directly from a stubby. The cans - well - I don't think they do the beer justice. I think if you drink this beer in a can, you'll have a different opinion.

It feels good in your mouth, it feels good going down. It's slightly over aerated in my opinion, but you don't really care about it when you've just been at work for the past 10 hours.

The aroma - it's a real Aussie beer aroma. Not too powerful, but the smell just makes you want to put it to your lips quick-smart. I had to taste it straight from the stubby, and that's what a beer should do - make you want to neck it down immediately.

The pour - the pour is deliciously golden and the head is good. It can sometimes give an unpleasant head if you don't pour it well. But that's just a small downer.

It does taste good. It actually tastes bloody good. And I can drink this til the cows come home. This is definitely a beer that I would suggest to mates, and let my overseas buddies take a swig of. I may even send them a case if their lucky! And the best thing is, you can have it with any type of food. I love it with curries and BBQ's, which is probably where all you readers have this amber fluid! It's a good choice for parties and gatherings, and it's definitely the beer that you have at the footy!

OK - Now to the VERDICT!

Sight - 8 - I like the colour, I like the pour. It looks good in a glass, and it's attractive
Smell - 8 - I like this smell. It's the smell of REAL beer. I know there are a lot of beers you can say exactly the same thing, but this is just great.
Taste - 7.5 - Like I said, I do like it. I can drink this a lot. It bubbles on your tongue a bit, but that's OK by me
Feel - 7 - as above, the aeration may be touch high for some. Definitely not watery or thick. Just right.
Aftertaste - 8 - this is the aftertaste that I'm really after. It makes you think you've just had a beer. It lingers in your mouth for just the right amount of time, which just makes you want another!
Pleasure - 9 - after years and years of saying no - I say yes!
Ability - 9 - A great seller - thanks not only to the taste, but to the way it's been marketed, and it's branding across the country as a major sponsor of the AFL.
Encore - 9 - Yep, pass me another
Reputable - 9 - It's everywhere, and heaps of people love the stuff
Purchase - 9 - I would buy this beer for myself, for mates, for a party, for a gathering, for watching the game, and even for just having a beer. It's very easy to drink, and you CAN drink a lot.

Verdict - I give Carlton Draught 8 of out 10!

Hat's off to CUB. They have made a great beer, and have made a sports loving culture mad about it. Well done lads. Keep up the good work!

Next post!

I will be continuing with the interviews! Come back soon, as you may be one of them!

Cheers! AND DRINK ON!

BEER BUDDY

Thursday, February 16, 2017

It's All About the Beer, Buddy!


Welcome back to all my readers, friends and family that read my blog! I have come back pretty quick for another post, due to the amazing amount of good friends that have all told me of their favourites. So I'll keep the next tasting to the next post (or the one after that!) so I can get all of YOU up here for your interviews and likes!

We shall continue the interviews!

First off, we have our first P-Town couple, and not the last!

Ladies and gents, introducing Jason and Belinda Woods!


This couple have been my friends for over 20 or so years. I don't see them as much but I do talk to them over Facebook! A definite catchup methinks! ;)

"So, was wondering what your favourite beer is and why?"
"Corona - nice and smooth, good summer beer." Easy. I've polished a few of these with Jason and Belinda over the years, especially with our other friends Belinda and Gino (hi guys!)
"Belinda?" - I asked Jason to ask Belinda.
"Belinda likes Bintang, it takes her to Bali (her happy place) every time she has one!"
You know what Belinda? I'm with you on that one! There's something about Bintang that DOES take you back. It's about time I went back to Bali. Maybe catch up with these two when I'm there next? Never know!

Thanks guys! 

Next for the question of questions...

Ladies and gentlemen, Kim Steigmajer


I gotta say, Kim looks like a dad here! Also looks like he's just been for a surf! 

"Hey Kim, what's your favourite beer?

"Asahi as mentioned above its clean bitter and chrisp. Everything a beer should be. Simple with no BS"
Kim loves his beer as much as I do. So he went on...

"Koźle a Czech beer, flavourful wise my favourite.  It's a pilsner,  bit creamy bit sweeter. Beck's it's just a good beer easy to drink. Woyak polish beer bitter lager. Tasty". Kim's a pretty good judge of the ol' beer. So when he talks, you pretty much listen. I have had a good amount of beer with Kim and a mutual friend Peter (interviewed earlier in my blog).

Cheers mate! I'll have to have a look at these myself! You should too!


Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I would now like to introduce you to the man whom I owe A LOT to! There's only one of him, and I tell you, it's the only one we need! Bryn Sales!

Here's Bryn with the one and only Norman Jay, Q.B.E.



(He's the one on the left! I just realised he was taking a selfie at the same time)

Bryn and I have been friends for over 20 years. I love him like a brother, and you can usually find him at his local haunt, The Babylon, in East Victoria Park, here in Perth. He's up north at the moment, working his little butt off, so the good times can continue!

"Hey buddy, how's it goin'?". Now at first, his first reply was, of course, the beer that I see him drink all the time...
"Stella Artois"
Now, I'm pretty sure that was on the post that I asked. But, then I had another look...
"THE ONE AND ONLY Newcastle Brown Ale because it's a smooth dark ale with a hint of caramel and tastes like no other." I couldn't agree with you more buddy. I do like necking a few of these in winter, just because it's an English ale, and these are best had at room temperature (in England!) I was there last year, and had one from the taps in the north. I was creamier and smoother than I remember, and has found it's way to my "most drunken" lists. 


Cheers, as always buddy, and thanks for your input - see you soon!


Ladies and gentlemen, now to turn to our man, Loren James Osenbaugh!


Here's Loren, doing his best photo pose! I've known Loren for a while now - a mutual friend of ours used to live with him - and he is another mate I must catch up with, but it's usually over Facebook!

"Hey mate! How is you?"
He posts a photo of a beer...
"What do you like about Pirate Life?"
"I'm good mate! Might have to catch up and show you! haha! What's not to like? Delicious, big bodied, hoppy IPA!"
"Sweet - sounds like a plan!"
Yes I do like my IPA's. And I think I remember I did a post up here about IPA's
Well, it looks like I'll be catching up with Loren sooner rather than later - he hasn't moved house, so definitely visiting this bloke!

Cheers Loren! Drink on bro!

And, finally, for this post, our final interview...

Another P-Town favourite! Ladies and gents, it's Kialanii Barrett Ehrlich!


I met Kia (and her other half Tom, who'll be interviewed as well soon!) one night at a club with my friends. Finding out that we had mutual friends, we have been hanging out with the crew for a reasonable time now, and I have found her to be a very intelligent person, and very witty, and very sharp! I can sit and talk to Kia for hours and hours.

"Hey there Kia! What's your favourite beer and why?"
"Cowaramup Special Pale Ale. It's my favourite because I'm normally not fond of such a bitter finish yet I can absolutely drink it till the cows come home. It was a pleasant surprise to find a dark beer I like"
Gorgeous, and smart, and drinks beer! What is not to like? Tom's a lucky man!

I couldn't find it in a bottle - anywhere on the net. ROADTRIP!


So that is it for THIS post of It's All About the Beer, Buddy! Next post, which won't be too far off, will have more interviewee's and more. Thanks to all the interviewee's for their no holds back honest opinions! 
Thanks for coming back, and keep coming back!

Cheers! AND DRINK ON!

It's All About the Beer, Buddy!


Hello dear friends and readers of the blog, and welcome back to another post in this, my absolute favourite blog!

After my favourite season has finally hit us, it's about time I got into the interviews again, seeing what my favourite people and fans have been drinking and what they have been up to, and not in that order!

First, we'll be going to the good ol' U.S. of A., and the state of Texas!

Ladies and gentlemen, please meet, Justin Daw!

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I met Justin on my travels through Europe last year with his good mate Blake. This guy - as you can see - is a character! He's a great bloke, and a good choice if you want to have a night out or have a good drinking session with.

He posted this on his Facebook account and I had to ask him all about this intriguing beer.

Justin wrote "It's a Baltic Porter. Smooth, rich, chocolatey-coffee goodness..."

Now this is apparently hard to get around these parts, but Justin found this at "a random corner store" around his part of the world, which is in Texas, U.S.A..



He just loves this beer. It's one of his favourites. It is a Saint Arnold Brewery beer, and it's called "Divine". From what I've read about it, it certainly sounds divine, and I love a good coffee beer. I haven't had a chance to partake in tasting one of these beers, but Justin, from what I know of him, has a loving of great beers, and also, this one is made in his home state, so I gotta say, I am liking the sounds of this one. I also love the "Care Bear" cup that he decided to drink in. Apparently they are collector edition cups, from Pizza Hut, from waaaayyy back! Justin has also said:
"Few favourites: Old Rasputin from North Coast Brewing; Black Butte Porter from Deschutes; Resin from Sixpoint; Rocketfuel from 8th Wonder; 512 Pecan Porter from 512; this list could just keep going!"

Well there are a few new beers that I will be venturing to find and taste!
Cheers Justin!


Now we'll go chat to one of my friends here in P-Town. 

Ladies and gentlemen, Mitchell St. Clair


Look at this guy... full dard!

So Mitch, what's your favourite beer, and why...

"It has to be Heineken. Imported stubbies. Crispest, fullest flavour. Hop Hog on tap. Strong and smooth. And Corona. Stubby. Can drink them all daaaayyyy!"


Nice choices there bro. I would have to agree with you on all your choices. Especially the Hop Hog on tap from Feral Brewery. I just love the citrus aroma and nice hops. I could drink Corona and Heineken all day too. Especially when it's hot, like right now! Love this Perth summer - when it is actually warm! 




Cheers Mitch!


Another Perth local, an old friend of mine...

Ladies and gents, please meet, Lynx Brady...


Lynx is a great bloke, and a really good dj. He's been playing in clubs and pubs and parties for the past few years, and he knows his tunes.

"So Lynxy, what's your favourite beer buddy?"
"Asahi. Nothing like it. Japanese make spectabulous beer!"
I think he's right! They do make a good beer here and there! I haven't found out why he likes it, but I can guess it would be because of the flavour on a hot Australian summers day


Cheers Lynx!


My next interview is with a really really old friend of mine. This guy has been on the forefront of music for years, and before I became a dj, this guy was (and still is) one of the people I honestly look up to. He's a bit of a local star, he's also just been interviewed for a local TV station for a documentary about the Perth nightclub scene, and I'm pretty sure that he's played internationally as well.

Ladies and gentlemen, Paul "JJ" Chate


"G'day mate! How are you?"
"Hey Warren, great to hear from you. I'm doing ok. Hope you are too. Fav beer? I'd have to say Heineken."

I really don't have to ask him why. He's had a few in my presence over the years, and if he's out doing a gig, that's what he usually asks for.



Thanks for taking some time to get involved JJ. Cheers


Another Perth resident, and good mate for years...

Ladies and gentlemen, Charles Fowler


Now, Charlie and I go WAAAY back. So far back that I can't remember when and where I met him, but I DO remember the time he did an amazing stunt in a car down one of the streets here in Perth. It blew my mind!

"Charlie, for the blog, what's your favourite beer and why?"
"Grolsch Premium Ale"
"God I do like that drop! It's definitely in my top 10, no matter what. Why do you like it mate?"
"I like it because the more you drink it and get smashed, the funnier the word Grolsch sounds when you order another one!"
That's just so classic Charlie! He's a good dude and now a minor TV star (he's just appeared in a new quit smoking ad). The thing I like about Grolsch (which IS truly one of my favourites) is the bottle. You can used it for so many things after you've finished!
Hope you do give up and I hope I do mate, and thanks for the interview!


One more for the blog today, and that's with one of my oldest friends in the world

Ladies and gentlemen, Sean Gransch


Now Sean is the one on the left!

Sean and I go, again, WAY BACK. I met Sean when we were both teenagers, and the years have certainly passed for the both of us.

"Mate, what's your favourite beer and why?"
"Innes & Gunn"
"OK... why?"
"Because it's the only beer that tastes like scotch!"
Typical Scot! I remember Sean and I "necking" a few beers back in the day, and we even used to buy beers that we didn't know of or hadn't tasted before and made a grading of them. And well... here I am!

The obvious reason that Sean likes this - one because he's a Scot! - and two - it's because the beer is stored in barrels that have had scotch IN them. Great taste these. I've had a few. And a matter of fact, I think one of them was with Sean!



And that's the end of this post! Come back next time and I'll be interviewing a few more people and testing another beer!

CHEERS! AND DRINK ON!