Dan Murphy's Top Craft Beer Trends and GABS

Written by David Hagger on 22 May 2017.

The World Loves Melbourne attended GABS 2017 as a guest of Dan Murphy. I enjoyed visiting the Dan Murphy's VIP area as well as tasting the craft beers on display at the festival.

GABS attracts huge numbers and each brewer releases something new for the festival. I was taken by the tasting paddle at Stockade Brew Co. I was able to wander around and experience some phenomenal beers.

Check out the action at GABS on a Friday afternoon. Peak time is at course on the weekend. Grab your tasting beer cup and load up on Festival currency, and the rest is easy. I was able to visit the My Dan Murphy VIP area and soak in the atmosphere.

A highlight was the Time Out tour with tour guide Dave at the helm. He took us into the secret places of GABS such as the inside of this container where all the beer kegs were set up.

Food was a feature of GABS with this BBQ platter the perfect accompaniment to the beer.

it was a sensational time at GABS 2017. Thanks to Dan Murphy's for the invite. Dan Murphy's has picked up on the current craft beer trends. Check this out -

THE DAN MURPHY’S TOP CRAFT BEER TRENDS

SMALL AND LOCAL

Australia has never had so many breweries – a sure sign of our nation’s unbridled passion for craft beer. In particular, small-batch producers using premium quality, all-natural, regional ingredients are generating a stir.

TRY: Two Birds Pale Ale

COFFEE & DESSERT BEERS

Enjoy a coffee or a sweet treat at the end of a meal? Try an espresso milk stout (where lactose is added for creaminess) or a porter with decadent chocolate and toffee characters from roasted malt or cacao nibs.

TRY: Feral Smoked Porter

Some brewers are using wild fermentation to impart complex funk, spice or sour notes, while others are favouring barrel-ageing in ex-wine, bourbon, rum and whisky barrels for extra flavour.

TRY: Boatrocker Miss Pinky Raspberry Berliner Weisse

FANS OF THE CANS

Not only do they look great with their funky labels, craft brew cans also chill down faster, transport easily and keep beer tasting fantastic for longer. No wonder they’re becoming a firm favourite with golfers, festival-goers and picnic or barbecue lovers.

TRY: Little Creatures

Dog Days Summer Beer

ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

There’s a beer to suit most lifestyle or dietary requirements, whether you’re gluten intolerant or seeking wheat-free alternatives. Gluten-free beers are made using wheat alternatives and are suitable for coeliacs. It's worth noting that most beers are naturally low in sugar and don't contain preservatives.

TRY: O’Brien Gluten Free Pale Ale

NEW APPRECIATION

Whilst hoppy, bold beers definitely have their place, crowd pleasing, lower-in-alcohol, flavour-packed beers are flying off the shelves, playing to a demand for beer with flavour rather than a high ABV. T

RY: Pacific Radler (2.0%)

More bartenders are using beer in cocktails and it’s not hard to see why. Less sweet and a perfect introduction for beer novices, beer brings an exciting alternative to mixed drinks. Expect to see cocktail classics such as the Black Velvet (30ml stout topped with Champagne) through to novel inventions including the Mexican-accented Michelada (beer with lime, tomato juice, and spices) and the Boiler Maker: 30ml of whisky or bourbon.

Enjoy fancy beer? You’re in luck. From wax seals to Champagne-like cork-enclosed bottles, more indulgent beers encouraging contemplative appreciation are being produced here and abroad. Often with an extra touch of alcohol, styles such as Russian imperial stouts, barley wines and spiced Christmas ales are becoming popular.

TRY: Mountain Goat Barrel Breed Barley Wine

LIMITED EDITIONS

There’s nothing more exciting than getting your hands on something exclusive. Many breweries launch a number of limited release beers each year. These beers have their own twist, be it a new hop variety or an unusual process; they’re definitely keeping the world of beer interesting.

TRY: 4 Pines Keller Door – Cherry Coconut Brown Ale

TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED

Before hops were introduced to beer in the 12th century, incorporating herbs, spices and other eclectic ingredients into beer was the norm. Today, these unexpected infusions are making their way back into the tanks, boosting flavour complexity. From orange peel, chilli, fresh ginger, coriander and cane sugar, these beers deliver surprising complexity in every sip.

TRY: Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc

GOING TRADITIONAL

Beers of yesteryear are making a huge comeback. In fact, age-old traditions meeting modern techniques are creating a revival of beer styles that may have otherwise remained only within the borders of their heritage. German salty-sour gose, wild Belgian lambics and saisons and a renewed interest in rauchbiers – traditional German smoked beers made from flame-roasted malt barley – are piquing the interest of many experimental craft beer drinkers.

TRY: Bridge Road Chevalier Saison

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