The Australian Real Craft Brewers Association Ltd (not to be confused with Craft Beer Limited) has issued a call for beer drinkers to drink Australian real craft beer on Australia Day.

Now, with all the debate around the definition of craft beer, we’re not quite sure exactly what officially constitutes an ‘Australian real craft beer’ these days.With more than 100 microbreweries operating in Australia but only eight listed on the ARCBA website, I’m pretty sure it isn’t an exhaustive list. I have asked regularly since the association formed last October for the definition, but have yet to be advised what it means and there is no information on the website. So, apart from those few endorsed by ARCBA on their site and in the list below, we can’t point you to an officially sanctioned local Australian Real Craft Beer brewery.

There are plenty of good venues on the list but if by some fluke you don’t happen to live near one of these, your plans don’t include going to the pub and/or your local bottlo doesn’t stock beers from the list, just use your best judgement. You’ll be fine.

Finally, amidst all the cheers, the flag waving and beers, let’s keep it nice on Australia Day. Have fun, celebrate – but go easy. If, when you front up to the bar, you can’t say “100% Australian Owned Real Craft Brewed Australia Day Ale”, you’ve probably had too much already.

Media Release

Support Australian Real Craft Beer

Get behind your local real craft breweries and drink Australian real craft beer this Australia Day!

With the recent sale of Fosters to foreign ownership, now over 91% of all beer sold in Australiais foreign owned.

While it is sad to lose such iconic brands, not all is lost as 100% Australian owned Real Craft Brewers with real passion for Craft Beer continue to rise to the challenge and fill the void. It’s our very own Real Craft Brewers who are providing diversity, initiative and creating exciting new craft beers.

That’s where Australian Real Craft Brewers Association (ARCBA) fits in.

Australian Real Craft Brewers Association Ltd is a national body established in late 2011 to represent independently owned real craft brewers who practice the ‘craft’ of brewing. The Association is passionate about Australian craft beer and supporting the craft beer movement.

To celebrate the formation of the Association, a beer brewed on the day of its incorporation in October 2011, will be making its debut. What better day to choose for its limited release than Australia Day! The beer was brewed by our Chairman and has been donated to ARCBA and is aptly named ‘100% Australian Owned Real Craft Brewed Australia Day Ale”. Kegs will be served in select craft beer venues in capital cities around the country – see attached listing.

Tasting notes: “100% Australian Owned Real Craft Brewed Australia Day Ale” is a big Australian ale with a large amount of hops and fresh fruit flavours, a lovely mouthfeel and huge bitterness. 6.5% alc/vol.

There are other craft beer venues promoting specially brewed beers for Australia Day too – also included.

CRAFT BEER VENUES

Craft Beer Venues serving “100% Australian Owned Real Craft Brewed Australia Day Ale”MelbourneCookie BarLevel 1, 252 Swanston StMelbourne, VIC 3000Ph 03 9663 7660

PerthClancys Fish Pub Fremantle51 Cantonment St, WA FremantlePh 08 9335 1351

HobartPreachers Bar5 Knopwood Street, Battery Point TAS 7004Ph 03 6223 3621

Sydney3 Weeds193 Evans St, Rozelle NSW 2039Ph 02 9818 2788

The Royal Albert Hotel140 Commonwealth St, Surrey Hills NSWPh 02 9281 2522

Redoak201 Clarence St, Sydney CBD NSW 2000Ph 02 9262 3303

CRAFT BEER VENUES THAT HAVE SPECIAL AUSTRALIA DAYRELEASES

A special beer brewed for Australia Day

Southerncross LagerBrisbane Brewhouse601 Stanley Street, WoolloongabbaPh 07 3891 1011

Australia Day BitterSunshine Coast Brewery Bar & RestaurantCnr Ocean St & Horton Pde, MaroochydorePh 07 5443 3884

Special Australian Craft Beers on

The Steam Exchange, Lobethal Bierhaus, Brewboys, Barossa Valley BrewingAdelaideThe Wheatsheaf Hotel39 George St, The Barton SA 5031Ph 08 8443 4546

Special Australia Day BitterThe Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel19 Kent St, The Rocks NSW Ph 02 9251 4044

Australian owned and brewed Real Cask AlesWig & Pen Tavern & BreweryCanberra House Arcade, Canberra CityPh 02 6248 0171

Special Cask Conditioned Dark Knight PorterMurrays have done a special Cask Conditioned Dark Knight Porter to spear onAustralia Day to celebrate the History of Raising the Flag in 1788 when a caskof Porter was tapped to celebrate the occasion over two hundred years ago.

Murray’s at Manly49 North Steyne, Manly NSWPh 02 9977 0999

Murray’s3443 Nelson Bay Rd, Bobs Farm Port Stephans NSWPh 02 4982 6411

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