Jerry Schwartz's new Lovedale Brewery is a winner

A few years back Sydney’s Schwartz Brewery came close to setting up in what was then Olim’s Hotel, Ainslie. Alas, the plan fell over. But now Jerry Schwartz has built the new Lovedale Brewery in the Crowne Plaza, at Lovedale – smack in the middle of Hunter Valley wine (and tourism) country.

The brewery, established in March, showed its class immediately. Head brewer Michael Capaldo’s Lovedale Lager won the trophy for best European-style lager at the recent Australian International Beer Awards.

This is impressive, as brewers from 31 countries entered 1560 beers in the competition – including a strong range of European-style lagers. These range from the blandest of bland to characterful brews like Lovedale Lager.

The brewery also makes cider – and a new distillery on site will soon add spirits to the Crowne’s offerings. Capaldo says Lovedale Lager will be offered through Schwartz’s Mercure Hotel, Ainslie.

Source:  The Examiner - 2nd July 2014