Australians have always loved their beer, whether it’s a reward for a hard days work or kicking back at a bbq at a mate’s place. Back in the good old days we drank the same beer as our dad (who drank the same beer as his dad) and if it was a special occasion you’d treat yourself with a Crownie. These days a there has been somewhat of a craft beer revolution as beer drinkers shy away from traditional styles and brands and start to experiment with new flavours and brews. 9/11 bottleshops all stock the standard beers that you’d expect to find at your local and some (like the Gasworks) specialise in craft and international beers. If your local 9/11 doesn’t stock your favourite brew, have a word to the managers and we’ll do our best to get it in for you!
Beer Categories
Defining beer categories has recently become a difficult task as more and more international beers are now brewed under licence in Australia and everybody tries to cash in on the craft beer trend. Here is a pretty simple guide to how we categorise beer:
Classic Full Strength
Classic Mid Strength
Classic Light Strength
Contemporary
Craft
Premium Australian
Premium International
(* brewed under licence)
Beer Styles
Lager: bottom fermenting yeast, tend to be clean and crisp (great with fish & chips)
Ale: top fermented yeast, with a sweet, fruity flavour (great with chicken, fish or burgers)
Pale Ale: brewed with pale malts (great with fish such as grilled snapper or a tasty burger)
India Pale Ale: IPAs are jam packed with flavour, with a strong hop taste and usually strong floral or citrus notes. Originally the additional hops were added to help the beer last the journey from India to England (try this with a curry or a creamy blue cheese)
Draught: really just means from a tap, great sessionable beers
Stout: brewed using roasted malt or barley, characterised by a thick, creamy head (ideal with a rich chocolate dessert)
Pilsner: variety of pale lager, named after Pilzen in the Czech Republic (especially good with seafood such as oysters or scallops or chicken)
