On Saturday 8 October we celebrated Oktoberfest by visiting 4 amazing breweries along the Bayside Beer Belt, enjoying a delicious range of German beers that were on offer.
Our first stop for the day was Biersal Brewery and this was also the first time visiting these guys on a tour. It was an absolute treat!
Ben, the head brewer and co-owner of Biersal Brewery took our guests on an amazing journey through his LOVE of European beer, imparting so much knowledge as well as sharing so much more than just he’s prepared Oktoberfest tasting paddle. As different things came up in conversation, Ben would go and get another taster of a beer to demonstrate what he was talking about. It was a great experience as well as a real eye opener for the crew.
The tasting paddle included:
1) Oktoderfürst Festbier, the festbier version of their Der Fürst Lager – maltier and stronger than the original, in the tradition of Bavarian Festbiers.
2) Bam-brosia, their Rauchbier Helles, a surprisingly sessionable beer brewed with beech smoked malt. This one smelt like Bacon…. 🤤
3) Gösebusters, a traditionally inspired Göse based on ones Ben had in Leipzig – sour and tangy with salt & coriander, no fruit or vegetables added.
4) Hefryezen, Ben’s drier take on the traditional German hefeweizen, brewed with rye as well as wheat for a slightly spicier finish.
From there we headed over to Boatrocker Breweres & Distillers in Braeside where they were celebrating with their own Oktoberfest festivities. Guests enjoyed a paddle that included 2 of their own German style beers, as well as two fabulous imports PLUS a good old Schnapps to finish it all off. To top that off, we enjoyed a fully loaded Brat and chips. Before moving on to our next venue, our guests took on another group with a game of Corn Hole – we can proudly confirm that our group won!!!!
Stop #3 was 2 Brothers Brewery in Moorabbin where the group were treated to a tasting paddle which was a combination of their German Style beers plus some of their well known ales! Having some new craft beer drinkers part of the group, this was a great opportunity for them to try a dark beer as well as a cider. Nothing like having a rainbow of sorts on your tasting paddle!
To complete the day, we finished up at Stomping Ground Moorabbin where the music was playing, people were dancing and the steins were flowing! We again tapped into an event that Stomping Ground were having and were treated to 4 in house German style beers including their German Lager, Festbier, Dunkel and Doppelbock! It was the perfect way to end our Oktoberfest Tour.
As always, it’s about the experience of exploration, trying new things, meeting new people and having a ripper day out. We look forward to our next tour on Sunday 20 November where we explore the world of Pale Ales.
See you on the bus!
