ALCOHOL POLICY

Binge drinking concern continues An annual survey conducted by the Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (FARE) shows that 79% of respondents consider that alcohol issues have not decreased and 75% say more needs to be done. The report suggests that ways to reduce the impact of alcohol include the introduction of volumetric taxation for all alcoholic beverages and more stringent regulation of alcohol advertising. [From Adelaide Advertiser, Apr 18, 2012]

BEER & BREWING: Australia – general

Imported v local Comparison and discussion of the quality of locally brewed ‘global’ beers (Becks, Carlsberg, Grolsch, Heineken, Peroni, Stella etc) versus parallel imports of the brands continues to produce some interesting statements. For example, the following from a review of the market for European-style beers in Australia, …’International brands brewed locally under licence do not stand up to the real thing…It is interesting to remember that water makes up 99% of a beer and Australian water chemistry is remarkably different to that of Europe for a start.’ [Quoted in National Liquor News, Apr 2012]

[Statements such as this, apart from containing some inaccuracies, illustrate the ignorance of some in the industry of the issues and procedures involved in brewing under licence and of the stringent controls applied by global brewers. In this country, we should all be grateful that we are able to enjoy a growing range of international beers at ‘brewery freshness’. JH]

New barley variety approved Bass, a new malting barley bred in WA, has received final malting and brewing accreditation and will give growers in that State a premium alternative to the successful variety Baudin. [From E-Malt.com Flash 16a, Apr 19, 2012]

BEER & BREWING: Australia – mainstream breweries

Coopers A magazine piece, published in recognition of the company’s upcoming 150th anniversary, noted in passing that Coopers had recently acquired Mr Big, a major home-brew distributor in USA. [From sa weekend magazine, Apr 7, 2012]

Invitations to enter a competition to win 100 double passes to a big 150th birthday party on May 27 are appearing in Adelaide’s daily press.

CUB The annual VB Raise A Glass campaign was launched in early April and is now in its fourth year. Funds raised will build on $4.7 million already raised for Legacy and the Returned Services League. [From The Shout, Apr 10, 2012]

Lion Details of what is probably the biggest beer marketing campaign ever mounted in Australia have emerged with confirmation that Lion has leased Pumpkin Island (southern Great Barrier Reef) for three years. The campaign, designed to promote XXXX Gold as the nation’s top beer, will give Aussies the chance to win trips to the island, renamed XXXX Island for the purpose, where facilities will enable several groups of mates to enjoy the venue at any one time. [From National Liquor News, Apr 2012]

BEER & BREWING: Australia – craft & smaller breweries

National: Little Creatures latest single-batch release – The Quite American – is a hoppy Belgian hybrid ale at 7.2%abv and 55IBU. Filtered bright, it is a ‘mash-up of Belgian and American flavours and brewing styles, influenced by the quiet talents of the Trappist monk brewers while celebrating the loud and proud US IPA’s, through the use of the new season American hops.’ [From Australian Brews News, Apr 10, 201

Matilda Bay wins In the 2012 Sydney Royal Beer Competition, Matilda Bay Brewing won Champion Bottled Beer (with Alpha Pale Ale) and Champion Draught Beer (Redback Original). The 73 entries were awarded 56 medals (6 golds). [From National Liquor News, Apr 2012]

NSW: Newtown-based Young Henry’s brewery has introduced its first two beers when, at the release party at Harts Pub, Young Henry’s Natural Lager and Real Ale were on tap. The ale is an English style Best Bitter that doesn’t lack flavour, with plenty of smooth caramel and hops coming through; the lager has a hint of apricot, a spicy nose from the European hops and a dry finish. Planned next is a hoppy ale and maybe an Anzac beer with golden syrup and oats. [From The Crafty Pint, Apr 13, 2012]

Casella Wines, producers of the very successful Yellow Tail wine range, has launched the Perfect Lager Project, which asks Australian drinkers to enter information on their ideal beer-drinking experiences via a specially created iPhone application. Casella will use the information thus obtained to create the first beer in its portfolio, which is due for release in June. Fiona Seath, ex Heineken UK and now Casella’s senior brand manager for beer, said the Project will ensure that the company develops the right style of beer for potential consumers. Andy Mitchell, ex SABMiller, has been appointed brew-master and will be joined by Anthony Clem, with experience at South Australian Brewing Co and Knappstein’s Brewery in SA. The Perfect Lager Project iPhone app is available for download now, and data will be collected until the end of May. [From The Shout, Apr 18 & Australian Brews News. Apr 18, 2012]

SA Clare Valley Brewing Co A leading South Australian winemaker expects to have this new brewing venture operating in a few months, with the ultimate aim of producing terroir-influenced beers using local ingredients … the relocation of surplus brewing plant ex Port Dock Brewery Hotel is thought to be associated with project. [From The Shout, Apr 20, 2012]

Vic: On April 9, head brewer Scott Vincent declared the Matilda Bay Brewery Bar open at the company’s new premises at Port Melbourne. Along with all Matilda Bay favourites, some experimental brews will be available and even some unfermented classics piped in to the taps straight from the tanks. With a concrete floor and wooden benches, the bar has room for 30 enthusiasts, sitting only metres away from the tanks and watching the brewers hard at work. [From Australian Brews News, Apr 11, 2012]

BEER & BREWING: International

Belgium: Beer and Borders The present-day border between Belgium and the Netherlands can be traced back to the separation of the Low Countries after the Dutch Revolt (1566-1648) against Spanish rule. The capacity to finance war expenditures played a central role in the outcome of this conflict. Excise on beer was the single largest income source in Holland, the leading province of the Dutch Republic. Beer taxes thus played a crucial role in financing the Dutch Revolt which led to the separation of the Low Countries and, eventually, the creation of Belgium. [From abstract of a paper entitled War, Taxes and Borders: How Beer Created Belgium (Working paper #104, American Association of Wine Economists, Apr 11, 2012)]

Netherland A freelance designer from Sydney has won a global competition to design a bottle for Heineken’s Limited Edition 140th anniversary beer. [From The Shout, Apr 11, 2012]

BEVERAGES: General

Canadian Club promotion The aggressive anti-beer campaign begun by the marketers of Canadian Club in 2010 has continued with new slogans: ‘Has beer become boring?’ and ‘Every time you buy a Canadian Club a beer fairy dies’. Beer fairies are described ‘as boring, predictable and unappealing … with a penchant for releasing smelly bodily functions’. [From advert National Liquor News, Apr 2012]

WINE & SPIRITS

De Bortoli The wines in the Windy Peak range of De Bortoli Wines have been relaunched with emphasis on their place in a series of regional, approachable wines from the company’s Yarra Valley winery. Also new is the La Bossa range, named for the nickname founder Vittorio De Bortoli bestowed on his wife Giuseppina. [From The Shout, Apr 14 & National Liquor News, Apr 2012]

Labelling doubts The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) claims that there are doubts about the effectiveness of compulsory warning messages stating the dangers of alcohol consumption by pregnant women. In USA, where such labelling has been in force for some years, AWRI says that new research indicates that binge-drinking pregnant women have not modified their behaviour. Australian federal, state and territory governments have mooted moving towards similar mandatory warnings within two years. [From Adelaide Advertiser, Apr 17, 2012]

RASV appointment The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) has appointed Phil Sexton as chairman of the Royal Melbourne Wine Show Committee. Phil is well known as the founder of Matilda Bay Brewing Co and Devil’s Lair winery in WA and Giant Steps and Innocent Bystander wineries in Vic’s Yarra Valley. [From National Liquor News, Apr 2012]

Vok expands The 5,000t Step Rd winery at Langhorne Creek SA has been purchased by Vok Beverages, producer of VOK liqueurs, Three Oaks Cider and the Bickford beverage range. Vok also distributes Vickers Gin, Black Bottle Brandy & XO Brandy, as well as handling 13 ‘tail’ brands for Treasury Wine Estates, including Queen Adelaide, Maglieri, Andrew Garrett, Minchinbury & Great Western labels. [From SA Business Journal, Apr 10, 2012]

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FROM PAST DIGESTS … 5 YEARS AGO

Brewers’ thoughts Six Aussie brewers were asked to predict the next fastest-moving beer categories. Their choices were Ben Pattison (3 Ravens Brewery, VIC): wheat-based beers; Marcus Cox (3 Ravens Brewery, VIC): smoked beers; Tim Cooper (Coopers Brewery, SA): reduced carbohydrate beers; Samara Fuss (Schwartz Brewery, NSW): pale ales & pilseners; Dave Edney, (Malt Shovel Brewhouse & Mountain Goat Beer, VIC): good boutique brewery beers; Max Burslem (Cascade Brewery, TAS): mid-strength beers.

They were also asked to define ‘the biggest issue for beer or breweries this year’ … their answers included winning market share back from other forms of alcohol; the entry of SAB-Miller to the Australian scene via their joint venture with Coca Cola Amatil; high excise rates; educating drinkers about beer styles and their availability. [From National Liquor News April 2007]

Coke a big brewer, too Coca Cola Amatil has fired off a warning to Foster’s and Lion Nathan that it has moved into an acquisition phase and wants to become the third player in the Australian beer market by 2012. Announcing results of a strategic review, CCA said it will expand its non-cola soft drinks and speed its entry into the highly profitable beer market. Speculation of a bid for Foster’s grew again this week after a sale of a A$133 million block of Foster’s Group shares and FGL’s divestment of its wine club businesses; CCA and several private-equity groups are seen as possible buyers. CCA said it will fast track its joint venture with world No.2 brewer SABMiller Plc and expand its exclusive distribution and manufacturing rights, which include Miller, Peroni and Pilsner Urquell beers, as well as Jim Beam and Absolut Vodka brands. In addition, CCA is in talks with Woolworths about promoting US beer Miller Draft in their 250+ hotels across Australia and will consider building a brewery in Australia under the joint venture, brew some imported brands locally, and develop new domestic brands. [From Adelaide Advertiser April 19, 2007 & E-malt.com Flash 16a, April 16-18, 2007]

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