The 9th Australian Beer Festival to take place at The Rocks

One of the country’s most respected homes of craft beer will bring the 9th instalment of The Australian Beer Festival to The Rocks, October 18-20.

Over 12,000 people are expected to flood The Australian Hotel to sample from the 24 stalls due to showcase the best local, State and interstate brewers and over 100 Australian brews.

Over 20,000 litres of beverage is expected to be consumed in the three-day celebration, which this year for the first time begins on Friday at 4pm and continues through the weekend. 

Ticket holders will be treated to live entertainment and an assortment of education sessions, including ‘Meet the Brewer’ opportunities, and ‘blind tasting’ sessions hosted by Craft Pint founder James Smith.

The Home Brew Championship will also be back for hands-on enthusiasts, offering the chance to win a stall at the festival and a trip to the White Rabbit and Young Henry's breweries. Entries will be judged by an expert panel.

This year the prestigious ‘Best Overall Beer’ crown will be named and presented in honour of legendary former publican and pioneering pub brewer Geoff Scharer, who passed away in May 2012.

There will be seven other awards, including the new category of Best Cider, and brewers have been encouraged to blend a unique brew just for the festival.

There will also be a handful of food stalls, offering a tantalising selection of snacks including the pub’s mouthwatering range of pizzas.

Entry is free and tasting tickets are $15 for 10, which can be pre-purchased online.  

Source: The Shout, 23 September 2013