Noir Stout from those crazy Mad Brewers again has met with astonishing success across the country. As always, it was a great team effort in the formulation and production, but it was Mad Brewer Pete Merrington that really led the charge on this creation. The addition of powdered liquorice root at the end of the kettle boil instils a magic and mysterious finish to what would normally be considered an excellent Imperial Stout. I think all of our Beer Club members/connoisseurs will be suitability impressed.  As with any higher alcohol level beer, it should be consumed slowly and responsibly - with all flavours being savoured. Read More

You will find this very limited brew on tap at the James Squire Brew Bars in Sydney (King St Wharf), Melbourne (Russell St & Docklands), Perth (Murray St) & Hobart (Salamanca Square) and at a few quality craft beer hotels nationally from week starting August 23rd 2010. Enjoy in moderation! Click here for outlets stocking Mad Brewers

As mentioned in previous newsletters we do enjoy running public brewery tours. In our normal daily operations however, it is difficult to have tours through our craft brewery. Anyway, by popular request, we brought it back this year, and the response was overwhelming. On two Saturdays (7 and 21 August), two 2-hour tour & tastings were conducted to full capacity crowds. The extensive beer and food matching session was hosted by our brewers and our resident chef Richard. Beautiful lamb cutlets were complemented with James Squire Amber Ale, and the Pilsener matched up well with gourmet Moroccan spiced chicken pies. Other matches were enjoyed for Golden Ale and Porter and for the lucky members that joined us on our last tour, Mad Brewers Noir Stout. Almost 300 people attended, and now they are out there being our ambassadors for fine foods and beers.

Next week, I will be in Perth. Click here for events that I will be attending, I would love to meet as many you Beer Club Members as I can.

Cheers to all of those quality beers around the country.
Chuck Hahn
Brewmaster

Don’t forget about the Father’s Day gift pack that contains 2 James Squire 425mL glasses and a Beer Nuts: Beer Characters of Australia book available for a limited time only on Malt Shovel Market. We are offering the special price of $50 if you purchase this pack before Father’s Day, 6th of September 2010 including postage.

James Squire Brewhouse and Restaurant, King Street Wharf
Meal and Beer Match

BBQ Roast Duck with parsnip mash, braised fennel and apple jus served with a middy of Mad Brewers Noir Stout $29.50

Bledisloe beer tasting
The Nag’s Head, 162 St Johns Rd, Glebe
Wednesday 8th September, 7 for 7:30pm start
Price: $35 per person

Join us for an evening of tall tales and hand-crafted ales as we aim to determine whether the greatest beer in the southern hemisphere comes from Australia or our neighbours from across the ditch!

Four courses of food matched with Aussie and kiwi beers will scintillate the palate and quench your thirst. Stories of Bledisloe history will accompany and add character to the sensational flavours!

For bookings call the nag’s on 9660 1591 or email nick@nagshead.com.au

Beer and Food Extravaganza at Restaurant Balzac!
Restaurant Balzac
Wednesday 29th September at 6.30pm.
$90 per person

James Squire Beer Club members are invited to dine at Restaurant Balzac with Chef Matt Kemp and Master Brewer Dr. Chuck Hahn on Wednesday 29th September at 6.30pm.
On this one night only event you can dine with and learn from two of the best in the business, while enjoying a fantastic beer and food dining experience.
Matt will introduce each course and Chuck will talk about his passionate belief in the importance of complementing good foods with great beers as well as sharing his years of experience and knowledge in brewing some of the best craft beers this country has ever seen.

Book today to sample a range of beers from Malt Shovel Brewery matched beautifully with a menu created by Chef Matt Kemp.

Restaurant Balzac has limited seating and is a shared table event, so please contact them today to reserve your place, 9399 9660.

QLD

Tales & (Wh)Ales Lunch in Hervey Bay
Beach House Hotel, Hervey Bay.
@ Midday, Friday 17th September 2010
$60 per person

Opened in 1911 as the Scarborough Hotel, and previously renamed Marty’s on the Beach, the Beach House Hotel, offers economy accommodation and full cafe facilities with relaxed, friendly dining. The hotel’s motto runs along the lines … “The only thing we overlook is Fraser Island”, so you’re bound for a great experience. Combine that with a lunch matching James Squire’s beers to specially created dishes and the possibility of whales frolicking in the Bay, this is an experience not to miss. Hosted by The Malt Shovel Brewery’s Craft Beer Specialist, Andrew Gowdie, see what the beer and food occasion is all about and enjoy all that beer can offer. The Beach House is the only pub in Hervey Bay boasting ocean views so why not grab a seat out the front and take in the views and breezes and if you’re quick enough get yourself a place at this fun and informative event.

Spaces are very limited book today by emailing bhmid@bigpond.com.au or phone (07) 4128 1233. Tickets will also be sold at the bar.

Tales & Ales Lunch in Yandina, Sunshine Coast
Yandina Hotel, Yandina.
@ Midday, Friday 1st October 2010
$ tbc per person

Yandina was a staging depot on the route between Brisbane and the Gold fields in Gympie. John Sommer built the Australian Hotel in Yandina around 1887 and granted a licence in 1889. However, he discovered he had built it on the wrong site & in 1891 the Australian Hotel was hitched up to a team of bullocks and moved on skids to its present location. It will definitely be the right location to be at on the 1st of October though, when James Squire Tales and Ales will be presented by Malt Shovel Brewery’s Craft Beer Specialist, Andrew Gowdie, over a few hours of lunching.
Presented in the Underground Cellar bar The Yandina’s multiple international award winning chef will take you on a culinary journey like no other and we’ll have a few flavourful and interesting beers to talk about too.

Bookings Contact:
Rick Travers or the hotel’s staff yandinahotel@westnet.com.au or Ph (07) 54467341

TAS

James Squire Dinner
Wrest Point, Sandy Bay
Thursday 9th September, 6.30pm
$90 per person

Get your mates together and join us at this special event hosted by James Squire’s chief brewer, Tony Jones. Enjoy premium James Squire beer perfectly matched to a six-course degustation menu. There’ll be lucky door prizes and a complimentary gift for every guest!
Places are limited so please contact the Service Centre for bookings 6221 1700.

VIC

James Squire Brewhouse, Russell Street
200th brew - Two Centurions!

An American style IPA, based on styles from North-west USA. Pale, Munich and dark crystal malts, it has a rich maltiness, orange/amber colour and used Four hops to give a punchy bitterness and is highly aromatic. The big complex aroma of grapefruit, marmalade and piney resinous notes with a long, lingering, dry finish.

This very limited brew is available on tap the Portland Hotel and James Squire Brewhouse only.

AFL Grand Final at The Portland Hotel and James Squire Brewhouse
Saturday, September 25th
Open from 9am for Beer and Breakfast. Game starts at 2.30 on all screens with sound. There’s free sweeps with prizes and free pies at half time. Plus live music from 6.30pm till late.

LA FETE DE LA BIÈRE
“A Beer Degustation” with James Squire
The French Brasserie, 2 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne
16th September, 7.00pm
5 course degustation dinner with matching beer
$85.00 per person

Join The French Brasserie to celebrate The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival’s SPRING GRAZE. Our chefs Lionel Abello and Alasdair Hancock’s food philosophy
is to “eat what’s local and what’s fresh.”

Lionel and Alasdair have created a delicious five course degustation menu using the very best of Victorian produce together with a selection of matching James Squire beers. From palette cleansing Pilsners, to full bodied and creamy Ales, this beer
degustation evening will be one of Melbourne’s most outstanding dinners this spring.

Bookings are limited. To be part of this fantastic night, please call The French Brasserie now on 96621632.
Bon appetite!

WA

The Melbourne Hotel, Cnr Hay & Milligan Street, Perth
Tuesday 7th September, 1pm-2pm

Join Chuck for a complimentary sample of Kosciuszko Pale Ale and canapés as we launch this fantastic Australian Pale Ale on tap at The Melbourne Hotel.

BBQ & BEER Degustation
The George Hotel, St Georges St, Perth
Tuesday 7th September, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Join Brewmaster Dr Chuck Hahn & Craft Beer specialist George Stupart for a 5 course BBQ & Beer degustation. Tickets are $50 a head and places are limited please contact Meg at The George directly to ensure your place meg@thegeorgeperth.com.au

Beer Degustation
The Principal Brewing Company, Midland
Wednesday 15th September, 7pm
$100 per person

The Principal’s team of Chef’s have prepared a 5 course Degustation paired with complementing James Squire Beers and The Principals very own brewed beers. Both Craft Beer Specialist George Stupart and The Principals chefs will be on hand to discuss each course and the how they both went about matching each meal.
To reserve your table today phone 9250 2995. Seating is strictly limited.

The Generous Squire, Perth
Why not treat Dad to lunch or dinner at The Generous Squire this Fathers Day?
The Generous Squire will be offering several special dishes matched to some of their award winning beers, all at a special Fathers Day price.
Book a table now by either calling us on 6311 7074

Don’t forget about the Monthly Beer Club meeting
Tuesday the 21st of September, 5.30pm-7.30pm. More information will be sent out to you all closer to the date
Upstairs at The Generous Squire, Perth

With the big game not far away, The Generous Squire is the ideal place to get some mates together to enjoy the AFL Grand Final! With 4 plasma screens you can watch the action live with sound. There will be food and drink specials and door prizes and giveaways running all day.

To help me answer the question I thought I would look through the past results for the Melbourne International Beer Awards. The fact that this event is held in Melbourne and attracts a massive crowd of Beer enthusiasts and professionals alike is testament to the fabulous beer culture Melbourne has and the high level of knowledge and appreciation Victorians possess. However, it was very interesting to see that over the past 5 years Victorian breweries have won 8 trophies at the Awards, 6 of which were the ‘Premier’s Trophy for best VICTORIAN Beer’! In comparison over the past 5 years WA breweries have won 21 Trophies.

It has now almost been a year since we opened the Perth James Squire Brewhouse, The Generous Squire and we are getting very close to getting the final green lights from the various authorities involved to allow us to start brewing our very own James Squire beers in the heart of Perth. The Generous Squire has already gone a long way to adding to the WA Craft Beer community by providing the full range of New South Wales most awarded brewery’s beers fresh off the tap and hosting regular information and tastings events. The two beers we are planning to brew at The Generous Squire will be called Wheat Belt White and Shafto’s Reward and will be the only beers brewed in the Perth CBD.

So is WA still the home of Australian Craft Beer? Although some of the original breweries who built the foundation for WA’s Craft Beer industry have moved on, a new generation of passionate uncompromising breweries have picked up from where they left off. Now New South Wale’s most respected and recognised brewery Malt Shovel has set up a microbrewery in the heart of WA. There is no doubt in my mind that if you truly love great beer (like Dorothy says…) there is no place like home!

Written by local lad, George Stupart has worked in the beer industry for the past 12 years. Starting with Little Creatures in Fremantle he then moved to Brisbane to represent Little Creatures in Queensland before moving to London to work for AB InBev. George returned home to WA in 2009 and is currently working for Malt Shovel Brewery as the WA Craft Beer Specialist.

This limited brew is available on tap from September at the Portland Hotel and James Squire Brewhouse.

Of course they can’t create such a brew without a launch party, details are still to be confirmed but it will be on the 14th September and Dave will be there as well. Spaces are limited and members of the Portland Hotel will be offered tickets first. To find out more information closer to the date click to become a member of The Portland Hotel.

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                                                                                       AUGUST 2010

The Malt Shovel Mad Brewers are at it again!, and the result - an imperial-style stout with a complex difference. “Noir” from the French language meaning Black is indicative of something both black and mysterious. And this mysterious complexity is what defines this special stout.

Brewed with pale chocolate, dark crystal barley malts and roasted black wheat malt, the wort is combined with Australian Super Pride hops and New Zealand Super Alpha hops. After boiling the high gravity wort for an extended period, powdered liquorice root is added to the kettle before pumping to the whirlpool.

Liquorice is the root of the plant Gycyrrhiza glabra, derived from the ancient Greek glukurrhiza, meaning ‘sweet root’. Used in various candies to impart a flavour similar to anise and fennel, it is being used increasingly in conventional and naturopathic medicine, for the treatment of viral infections and ulcers. In traditional Chinese medicine, liquorice is commonly used in herbal formulae to harmonize the ingredients and carry the formula to the regular meridians.

Liquorice added to the kettle of a superb black stout adds a rich complexity to the satisfying hoppy finish. The Mad Brewers settled on liquorice as the unique ingredient to create that mysterious flavour enhancement. As one tastes Noir Stout, the various malts drive the black roasted barley/wheat flavours, but it is the liquorice that smooths out the rich finish.

You will find this very limited brew on tap at the James Squire Brew Bars in Sydney (King St Wharf), Melbourne (Russell St & Docklands), Perth (Murray St) & Hobart (Salamanca Square) and at a few quality craft beer hotels nationally from week starting August 23rd 2010. Enjoy in moderation!

Food Matching Suggestions: the rich warming flavours will match up nicely with a range of foods including, strongly flavoured meat dishes (eg. smoked venison), and similarly smoked cheese, and for a dessert delight try the Noir with a rich dark chocolate pudding.

- MORE -

For further information, images, product samples or interviews please contact:
Tony Jones
Malt Shovel Brewery
Ph: 0407 255 637
Email: tony.jones@lion-nathan.com.au

The Portland Hotel was the first outlet to establish a James Squire Brewhouse, way back in 2001. The foundation James Squire Brewhouse beers, the Craic Irish Stout, the Highwayman and a flavoursome red ale & a cloudy pale ale known simply as Portland Pale, were all established in those first years and have survived the test of time, still being pulled direct from the microbrewery tanks to the bar today. Of course many other seasonal offerings have also been created in the Portland Brewhouse over the years, and Dave has something very special in planning for this important occasion. If you are a Melbourne local, just visiting on business, or a tourist during September, we would encourage you to get along to the Portland Hotel on the corner of Russell and Little Collins Streets in the Melbourne CBD to try this special brew & join in the celebrations.

As mentioned in our last newsletter, those Mad Brewers among us led by Peter Merrington have been hard at it working to produce a limited tap only release of Mad Brewer’s Noir Stout. This 7% alcohol mysterious black beauty will be available from each of our James Squire Brewbars and also from a few selected outlets in each state from late August.

Cheers for now,

Tony Jones
Chief Brewer - MSB

So, a blend of four malts and a reserved dose of liquorice root result in this complex, rich and silky brew. With each sip a multitude of flavours immerse the palate and then that unmistakable liquorice flavour creeps in late and lingers. It’s not shy so should be treated with respect and every sip savoured. I can just see myself sipping some by a fire in slippers and a woolly gown, but thankfully I’ll have to leave my lounge room to find it on tap somewhere. Winter is fun, and so is this limited release, an opportunity to indulge in winter’s pleasures.

Mad Brewers Noir Stout only available on tap from 25th August, click here to find your closest outlet

Why not spoil Dad with a mixed case of our brews to satisfy the old man’s thirst. For a limited time only when you buy a James Squire mixed case, you receive a Bar-Be School cookbook.

Mixed cases available from the 18th of August.

Offer open only to residents of Australia 18 years of age or over. Offer valid while stocks last. [Offer not valid in conjunction with any other offer.] The Promoter supports the responsible service of alcohol. See staff for full terms and conditions. The Promoter is Lion Nathan Australia (ABN 13 008 596 370) Level 7, 68 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Malt Shovel Market

We also have for a limited time only on Malt Shovel Market a Father’s Day gift pack that contains 2 James Squire Amber Ale 425mL glasses and a Beer Nuts: Beer Characters of Australia book. We are offering the special price of $50 including postage if you purchase this pack before Father’s Day 6th of September 2010.

Amber Affair
James Squire Brewhouse and Restaurant, King Street Wharf
Thursday 26th August, 6pm

We’re teaming up with more than 15 fantastic breweries from all around Australia for Amber Affair - a night of boutique beer tasting with a heart.

You’re invited to come along to James Squire Brewhouse on 26 August for the best Thursday night drinks you’ll have this year. It will warm your beer-loving soul because it’s all in the name of a good cause.

On the night your ticket gives you the chance to sample beers from the James Squire range you all know and love, as well as from a bunch of other great Aussie breweries.

The ticket price ($60) also includes snacks, which sounds like a pretty good bargain to me. Why don’t you invite your friends and colleagues too?

All proceeds from Amber Affair will go to the seriously ill and injured children at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. We’re really excited to be able to support the kids at the Hospital, and we would love you to help us out.

Buy your ticket to Amber Affair now at www.schf.org.au

We’ll see you on 26 August to enjoy some of Australia’s finest and do our bit for the kids at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

James Squire Brewhouse and Restaurant, King Street Wharf
Meal and Beer Match available from the 25th of August

BBQ Roast Duck with parsnip mash, braised fennel and apple jus served with a middy of Mad Brewers Noir Stout $29.50

Tales and Ales Dinner
Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel, Woolloomooloo
Tuesday 24th August, 6.30pm for a 7pm start
$65 per person

Hosted by Brew Master, Dr Chuck Hahn while enjoying a tantalising 3 course dinner matched with beers from the Malt Shovel Brewery range.

Bookings are essential, please phone 02 9357 1177.

Tales and Ales
Northern Star Hotel
31st August, 6pm

Join Master Brewer Chuck Hahn for an evening of flavour, fun, and fine beers. Enjoy a 3 course meal matched with beers from the James Squire range as well as a few surprises!
Tickets can be purchased via www.bigtix.com.au or via the hotel on (02) 49 611 087 or northernstarhotel@hotmail.com

QLD

Tales & Ales
The Norman Hotel, Buranda
17th August 2010, 6:30 for 7pm
$35.00 per person

An evening hosted by Craft Beer Specialist Andrew Gowdie, who will take through some of the James Squire beers as well as the new Mad Brewers Noir Stout at the Norman Hotel.
Please RSVP to The Norman Hotel on 07 3391 5022

Gympie Muster
Amamoor Creek State Forest Park
24-29 August

The Muster, held over six magical days and unforgettable nights among the towering gums of Amamoor Creek State Forest Park, celebrates the true spirit of country Australia. It’s a phenomenal experience rooted in music and community, far removed from ties and clocks, suits and schedules. Thousands of patrons flock to this iconic event, attracted each year by the smorgasbord of diverse programs rich with our country’s finest musicians, the bushland setting laced with inviting whiffs of campfire cooking and fresh bush eucalypt, the easy camaraderie created by convivial patrons all set to simply enjoy themselves… ‘there are no strangers at the Muster, just friends you haven’t met yet..’
If you get a chance at the muster to sit back and relax why not enjoy a James Squire Golden Ale, Amber Ale, Sundown Lager or a Porter!

SA

James Squire Craft Beer & Food Lovers Degustation Dinner
The Lion Hotel, North Adelaide
Thursday 26th August, 7:00pm
$85 per person

Experience a delicious five course Craft Beer-matched degustation menu created by the award winning Lion Hotel that will take you on a journey of flavours. Guest Presenter - Brew Master, Dr Chuck Hahn will guide you through the flavours of the evening’s menu.

Bookings are essential, please phone 8367 0222

TAS

James Squire Dinner
Wrest Point, Sandy Bay
Thursday 9th September, 6.30pm
$90 per person

Get your mates together and join us at this special event hosted by James Squire’s chief brewer, Tony Jones. Enjoy premium James Squire beer perfectly matched to a six-course degustation menu. There’ll be lucky door prizes and a complimentary gift for every guest!
Places are limited so please contact the Service Centre for bookings 6221 1700.

Pier One Restaurant & Bar
Wrest Point, Sandy Bay
Want a sneak peak at the James Squire Dinner menu?

Seared scallop and crisp Hampshire pork belly with caramelised butternut pumpkin and James Squire Golden Ale emulsion. Accompanied with a stubby of James Squires Golden Ale. $35
Available throughout August.

VIC

James Squire Brewhouse and Restaurant Docklands
Team Trivia Night
Every Wednesday at 7:30pm
Free Entry

Settle the score with brains, not brawn!!
Great Fun & Fantastic Prizes for first and second place with giveaways through out the night
For more information or to reserve your table call 96000 700 or email us on info_melb@jamessquirebrewhouse.net

WA

4th Beer Club Meeting at The Generous Squire
5:30pm sharp on Tuesday the 17th of August

A blind tasting with beers from these two legendary Breweries representing their respective country in a head-to-head taste off with YOU as the JUDGE!!

Join us upstairs at The Generous Squire for “The Beerdisloe Cup” Malt Shovel Brewery (Australia) vs Macs Brewery (New Zealand). Starting with a brief introduction into the basics of beer judging with WA Craft Beer Specialist George Stupart we will then jump straight into a “taste off” with each brewery providing a sample of their best Pilsener, Brown Ale & Porter with you deciding which beer is best.

As always fantastic Door prizes & canapés will be provided. Numbers are limited so please RSVP ASAP to george.stupart@lion-nathan.com.au  to secure your spot on the panel!

West End’s new watering hole Archive Beer Bistro finds ready favour with local drinkers.

After just a few months in operation, Archive Bistro has been warmly welcomed by the locals of West End.

Described by Manager Leigh Metzeling as “just like being in your own lounge room,” Archive’s homely decor and warm, friendly atmosphere have proved very popular. All that’s missing is the fireplace!

Then, of course, there’s the beer.

Archive features one of Australia’s biggest selections of craft beer, with more than 80 beers on offer including James Squire Pilsener, Kosciuszko Pale Ale, New Norcia Abbey Ale and Mad Brewers Noir Stout will be on tap late August.

The vast array of beer on offer ensures there was a brew for everyone, even those yet to be converted to beer drinking.

“A book club for beer drinkers”

For those who want to further expand their knowledge of Australian beer, Archive also regularly conducts Beer Appreciation Events, where a different variety of beer is featured, and brewers are on hand to discuss the finer points of the their art.

“Food to match the beer”

Head Chef Tim Fowler said the menu was in keeping with the strong Australian theme, by again showcasing local products.

“Our menu features high quality, locally sourced, seasonal produce that reflects everything West End has to offer. A European-style bistro menu and a large grazing menu will be entirely matched to the perfect beer,” he said.

Archive is located at 100 Boundary Road in the heart of West End, and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am till late, with breakfast available from 7am on Saturday and Sunday.

More info: www.archivebeerboutique.com.au

National University, Canberra
Edgars Inn, Ainslie
Phoenix, Canberra
All Bar Nun, O’Connor

NSW

James Squire Brewhouse, King Street Wharf
Marlborough Hotel, Newtown
Northern Star Hotel, Hamilton
Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
The Local Tap House, Darlinghurst
Sydney University, Hermans Bar
Arc@UNSW, Roundhouse
Souths Leagues Club, Merewether
The Beach Club, Collaroy

QLD

Norman Hotel, Buranda
Grand Central Hotel, Ann St City
Belvedere Hotel, Woody Point
Full Moon Hotel, Shorncliffe
Archive Beer Boutique & Bistro, West End
Spotted Cow , Toowoomba

SA

Wheatsheaf , Thebarton
The Edinburgh, Mitcham
Holdfast Hotel, Glenelg
The Lion Hotel, North Adelaide
The Elephant, Adelaide
The Hwy, Plympton
Colonist Tavern, Norwood
The Wellington, North Adelaide

TAS

New Sydney Hotel, Hobart
Squire’s Bounty, Hobart
Cock N Bull, Launceston
Molly Malones, Devonport

VIC

The Portland Hotel, Melbourne
James Squire Brewhouse and Restaurant, Docklands
Young and Jacksons, Melbourne
Imperial on Bourke, Melbourne
The Local taphouse, St Kilda
Rifle Brigade, Bendigo
Cargo Lounge, Traralgon
Steampacket, Williamstown

WA

The Malt Market, Dunsborough
The Norfolk, Fremantle
The Grosvenor, East Perth
The Generous Squire, Perth

If would like to join us please email goodbrews@james-squire.com.au  to guarantee your place.

Brewery Tours

$30 per person

07/08
11am -1pm
1.30pm - 3.30pm

21/08
11am -1pm

Malt Shovel Brewery
99-101 Pyrmont Bridge Rd
Camperdown 2050

You must be over the age of 18 to join these tour’s.

This full length bib apron features a large pocket and simple James Squire logo on the front. Great for the budding chef who enjoys trying Matt Kemp’s new recipes!

Purchase the James Squire apron for $25 (including postage) from the Malt Shovel Market today!

And don’t forget we still have a couple of the Porter packs which include 2 Porter glasses and a James Squire Barrel shirt for only $55 - that’s a saving of $10!

PLUS
James Squire Amber Ale 425mL glasses - now available to buy in a set of 6.
James Squire Porter glassware
Amber Ale bar sign
James Squire shirts and Polo’s
Caps, Hat’s, Bar mats and Bottle openers.
Malt Shovel Market - http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/maltshovelbrewery

And don’t forget to keep your eye out of the James Squire Golden Ale Journey into Flavour 6 packs. Your chance to win the ultimate food and beer adventure valued at up to RRP $30,000. Click here for more information on Journey into flavour competition and terms and conditions.

Cheers for now,
Tony Jones
Chief Brewer - MSB

Meet Michael Jackson our Craft Beer Specialist for South Australia & the Northern Territory. Affectionately nicknamed Jacko for obvious reasons, Michael joined us at Malt Shovel Brewery back in March 2008, and has been selling, promoting, appreciating and enjoying, in moderation of course, the James Squire brand portfolio over the past two and a half years.

Jacko declares that it’s been a bit of a whirlwind journey, with never a dull moment being had. The life of a Craft Beer Specialist is a busy one with a variety of daily activities that certainly keep him on his toes. Asked about his current role at Malt Shovel Brewery Jacko goes on to say;
“What a great job, what other profession would enable you to work and participate, in an industry you love, with a product that you truly adore and with a chance to mix with a variety of great people whilst getting paid for it?”

As you may be able to pick up, Jacko is passionate about beer and loves nothing more that enjoying and learning about some of the fine products produced at The Malt Shovel Brewery.

He tells us that one of his most memorable moments was when he discovered the complexity and depth of Mad Brewers 10/20 Commemorative Ale release back in 2009. “I remember finding a quiet corner at home, after reading Chuck’s brewing notes on this beer . I savoured the amazing flavours, trying to appreciate, understand and acknowledge all the great attributes of the incredible liquid I was experiencing. Pure bliss.”

With the craft market growing in South Australia and the Northern Territory, there is always plenty of work on for Jacko .The “big mover “in terms of brand performance in SA would be Golden Ale. The local market has embraced the craft segment and with the great taste and flavour profile of our range this can only be a positive for Malt Shovel Brewery. Strong growth of Golden Ale on tap has also had a positive effect on take home sales. Jacko believes there is huge potential with Sundown Lager in the NT. It’s the perfect, refreshing beer for the climate conditions of Darwin and Alice Springs. At a recent AHA Expo held in Darwin Sundown Lager was popular hit with the locals.
Jacko also went onto tell us that his role isn’t all “beer & skittles”. There is also some challenging moments that he confronts in his day to day duties that need his full attention and application, but after getting through these challenges there’s always the chance to enjoy a cold Sundown Lager, once he knocks off for the day.

The George Harcourt Inn (opposite Cockington Green) was built in 1980 and named after a local landowner, George Harcourt. George was a bit of a lad in his time. He was a good businessman, a keen sportsman and, generally, an all round man’s man - and an Englishman to boot.
In recent years, The George has been taken over by a couple of Canberra folk and as a result, has undergone a face lift that has recharged this cosy meeting place for years to come. Offering a real mix of of live music, great food and a cool, kick-back atmosphere, the George has a unique ambiance. This fine establishment has great appeal to those who don’t want the *kachink* of pokies and the constant drone of TV screens in the background. The noise has been replaced with the sounds of cruising music as a background for good conversation and relaxation.

This combination has proven so successful that “The George” has recently been voted into the Top 5 Nightlife Venues in the A.C.T.

This flies in the face of the popular ‘younger set’ venues that are traditionally linked to “Favourite Nightspots” but reinforces The George’s belief that there is a big demand for more ‘comfortable’ nights out for a more laid back clientele.

Inside or outside, there’s plenty of room to find your group’s niche or mix it with the other guests. Sit back, relax and enjoy a James Squire Golden Ale or Sundown lager

The Norfolk Hotel located right in the centre of Fremantle Western Australia, provides local cuisine, selected wine and premium beer in a relaxed atmosphere. Real Fremantle flavour!
The Norfolk Hotel began life as The Oddfellows Family Hotel in 1887. Constructed on the cheap, the hotel featured a timber veranda, which stretched along the Norfolk Street and South Terrace boundaries and a below-ground cellar.
Oddfellows was a poor cousin to the grander hotels, such as the Freemasons (now Sail & Anchor) with its ornate ceilings & balcony paid for with the gold money which flowed through the economy at the time. Castlemaine Brewery of Fremantle acquired Oddfellows in 1922, Castlemaine brewery was then bought by Swan Brewery in 1927,
and they retained Oddfellows until 1952. Oddfellows changed hands several times in the following decade, until the now rundown pub was purchased by Bright Spot Hotels.
In 1962 Bright Spot significantly altered and renovated the interior of the hotel, creating the basement restaurant and a 100-seat banquet room, where the alfresco courtyard currentlystands. Oddfellows enjoyed the reputation as the place to be seen through the 1960s. By 1986, Oddfellows was a neglected, almost derelict shadow of its former glory. Freo businessman Wayne Donaldson purchased Oddfellows, changing its name to the Norfolk Hotel. Once again the pub was renovated and transformed, creating the corner courtyard and giving the hotel its distinctive limestone walls and sheoak bar. Brewtech P/L took over the Norfolk Hotel almost immediately after the redevelopment, then Gosatti Holdings acquired the lease of the Norfolk Hotel in 1989 and the freehold was sold to the Prendiville Family in 1992.

Over the past 20 years the Norfolk Hotel has further developed into one of the standout venues of Western Australia. Over this period, the courtyard has been expanded and covered, the Basement Lounge has become Fremantle’s best intimate live music venue, and the first floor refurbishment has delivered the Fremantle CBD’s best short stay accommodation. An extensive menu featuring modern Australian cuisine and traditional pub classics as well as the best pizzas in Fremantle!

On tap at The Norfolk you will find James Squire Golden Ale, Amber Ale and Pilsener as well as Malt Shovel Brewery’s Kosciuszko Pale Ale. James Squire Porter is also on one of the six rotating taps for you to enjoy during the cold winter months.

The Squire’s Bounty, Salamanca Square

Don’t forget our restaurant is open 7 days for lunch and dinner. We have our new winter menu starting on the 1st of July with plenty of the old favourites and some new dishes that will warm you up on these cold Tassie days.

VIC

Tales and Ales
Golden City Hotel, Ballarat
Tuesday 13th July, 7pm

Join Craft Beer Specialist Roy Lever for a 5 course Beer Degustation featuring brews from Malt Shovel Brewery & a fabulous menu created by Head Chef Mark Parsons.

Places are limited, to book please RSVP to info@goldencityhotel.com.au

WA

Don’t be afraid of the Dark
Tuesday the 20th of July 5pm-7pm.
The Generous Squire, Perth

Join WA Craft Beer Specialist George Stupart for ‘Don’t be afraid of the Dark’ a celebration of Porters, Stouts and Dark Lagers featuring Southwark Stout on tap, James Squire Porter and a mystery guest beer! Free canapés, samples and door prizes galore!

Please RSVP by the 13th of July to george.stupart@lion-nathan.com.au

Sundown Lager

To the beer drinker the Australian International Beer Awards may not mean a lot. Certainly the successful candidates are not widely acclaimed in the media, nor to date have the beer gold medallists or champions marketed their achievements with anywhere near the enthusiasm employed by their cousins in the wine industry. To those in the know however, to be judged a champion by a recognised and highly experienced panel of beer judges is the ultimate accolade.

For the astute beer drinker the awards also provide a more than useful guide to the higher quality offerings in the market place.
But how do these beer gurus go about selecting the perfect brew from amongst an estimated field of 500 Australian and international entries, across 39 classes?
Do you fancy yourself as a beer judge? Well, let me tell you it is not an easy task.
The judges must officiate without collaboration, handing in their score sheets to the Chairperson of the Judges’ Panel who has the points totalled and determines the awards.
The beers are tasted in a hidden format from a glass identified only by their unique exhibit number.
Beer like wine is a product of fermentation and as such its flavour profile is quite complex being dictated by the presence of flavour compounds produced by the yeast during fermentation as well as those remaining from the natural ingredients, malt and hops.
In order to identify whether a beer is “true to style” the judge must be able to identify the flavour markers which are within the beer. So a sharp nose, a keen palate and a good flavour memory are all key attributes that any beer judge must possess. Unlike a wine-taster a beer taster must swallow at least a portion of each beer in order to correctly assess the After Bitterness and Mouth Feel.

During the tasting points are awarded by the judges using the following criteria:
Appearance (colour, carbonation/foam) Maximum 3 points
Aroma (positive characteristics, aroma faults) Maximum 5 points
Flavour (general characters, bitterness, fermentation products, flavour faults) Maximum 6 points
Technical Quality (style, balance, drinkability, absence of major faults) Maximum 6 points
Total 20 points

To achieve a Gold medal a beer must score 17.0 points or more.
A Silver medal requires a score of 15.5 to 16.9 points, while a Bronze is awarded to beers attaining 14.0 to 15.4 points. A Bronze medal beer is therefore still a brew of recognised quality, exhibiting the correct balance of taste, aroma and appearance appropriate to its style and a high level of technical merit. A Gold medal beer is, fairly obviously, an outstanding brew.

Cheers for now,

Tony Jones
Chief Brewer - MSB

Australia’s wonderfully warm climate dictates that when we feel like a beer, we reach first for an ice cold frothy lager or light bodied ale. Such brands as Toohey’s New, XXXX Gold and VB are the most commonly consumed beers in our market, no matter what the season.

Yet beer is much more than the easy drinking and thirst quenching pale lager or ale. There is a dark side too to this wondrous beverage that Australians are only just beginning to appreciate. In fact beer styles are much more diverse than many drinkers realise.

There are at least nine major beer styles, their distinction being based not just on the classic ale or lager, and dark or pale colour division but also by the grain used (e.g. wheat or barley), the alcohol strength, and by the relative bitter versus sweet flavour of the brew.

The James Squire beer map is an excellent visual tool to compare beer styles. If you have this handy you will be able to identify the cluster of darker beers on the left side of the map.

Most dark styles originated as ales, however it is now quite common and acceptable for stouts or porters for example to be fermented with either ale or lager yeast. This is because in dark beers it is the rich flavours of special malts used which differentiate these beers from their paler cousins. The influence of yeast on the final flavour of dark beers is quite minimal.

Using roasted (un-malted) barley is what gives the deep black colour to stouts and porters and also adds roasted, burnt, smokey and coffee flavours to the beer.

The more moderately heated (toasted) malts like Crystal and Carapils, give deep copper to brown colours, and the sweeter, toffee, caramel  flavours more characteristic of amber and brown ales.

There are a number of variations of these coloured malts, which yield a variety of colours and flavours to the beers brewed from them. The red hued lagers of the Vienna style make use of a style of malt originally developed in the city of the same name.  Chocolate malt is a relatively heavily roasted dark malt, so called because it imparts a rich bitter chocolate flavour and aroma to the brew.

In general a higher total addition of the various malts are used for these more coloured brews, which results in beers with more flavour, body and mouth feel when compared to the easy drinking pale beers which often substitute sugar for malt.

Darker beers are also quite often higher in alcohol having been designed more for savouring, and discernment than thirst quenching refreshment. It’s hardly strange then that it should be in the middle of a chilly, rain swept winter, that both the male and female beer drinkers thoughts will turn to something a little more full flavoured and complex.

So, to add a twist to our 2010 Winter Release James Squire Malt Runner, we have developed a blend of no less than five malts, including three of the darker offerings (Chocolate Malt, Crystal Malt, Roasted Wheat) in a beer that is unashamedly focussed on the complexity that malt can deliver to the finished beer. The slight moderate bitterness (around 21 Bitterness Units) contributed by the US Citra hops plays only a secondary role. In conjunction with the slight acidity gained by adding cherry juice to the whirlpool at the equivalent of 10% of the final brew volume, it does help to balance the maltiness of the brew without yielding excessive bitterness. Try some of this one while it’s still about in the bottle shops as only 9000 cases are available nationally.

Listed below are a few more of the many darker offerings available to warm up your winter:

James Squire Original Amber Ale – 5.0% ABV, deep copper coloured ale with slightly nutty flavour and a mild citrus finish.

Toohey’s Old Black Ale – 4.4% ABV, a lightly hopped black brew with robust fruity ale flavours.

James Squire Porter – 5.0% ABV, hints of bitter, malty chocolate and a classic pillowy head.

Southwark Old Stout – 7.4% ABV, a deep, black bottomless brew with a roasted coffee aroma and warming port-like finish.

Cheers, Tony Jones

After the successful promotion of James Squire Golden Ale Journey into Flavour last year we have decided to run it again this year.

Here is your chance to win the ultimate food and beer adventure valued at up to RRP $30,000. This great prize includes airfares and transfers for 6 adults between your closest Australian capital city to the luxurious Bamurru Plains Camp near Kakadu, three nights accommodation, twin share in Safari Bungalows – 5 star wilderness experience, a James Squire beer and food banquet hosted by one of our Craft Beer Specialists as well as all of your other meals and guided activites at the camp.

All you have to do is purchase a specially marked James Squire Golden Ale 6 pack, find your unique code from inside the 6 pack and enter the draw by SMS or online – see specially marked packs for details. Journey into Flavour competition commences on the 21^st of June 2010 and entried close on the 26^th of September 2010.

If for some reason you still need convincing about this great promotion check out Nathan’s blog today, winner of the Journey into Flavour 2009.

Click here for full terms and conditions.

Spend your day exploring The Rocks and chances are you’ll uncover a few secrets. Steeped in history, the area is famous for its beautiful sandstone buildings, narrow cobbled laneways and cute hotels. But if you want to escape the crowds, The Observer Hotel is definitely the place to go to.
Established in 1848, this gorgeous old pub is definitely one of the best kept secrets in The Rocks. Combining old world charm with contemporary comfort and style, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon or rock the night away.
Enjoy live music seven nights a week and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, or catch all of your favourite sporting action live on one of The Observers giant plasma screens. The Observers function area is ideal for private parties and the friendly staff will do all they can to make sure your event is a huge success.
The Observer Hotel, the best kept secret in The Rocks…. Make it your secret, too.

Claudes Kitchen

Set in the heart of The Rocks, Claude’s Kitchen is located inside the historic Observer Hotel, founded in 1848. Customers know they can slip in on a cold winters day and enjoy homemade soup with a crusty roll, fish and chips, grain fed steaks and countless other delicacies. Claude is also famous for his extensive range of delicious homemade pies, with his current James Squire Porter Pie extremely popular.
The Observer offers indoor dining facilities as well as outdoor seating in the sun-drenched courtyard and historic Mill Lane. For the best alfresco dining experience, sit back and relax with friends, family and colleagues and enjoy the best Aussie pub cuisine the area has to offer. It’s a great place to drop in for lunch or dinner during the busy working week or on the weekend.

James Squire At The Observer

The hotel currently offers the following tap beers from James Squire for your drinking pleasure: Sundown, Porter, Golden and Amber Ale.
The Observer is proud to offer two unique James Squire offerings to warm you on these cold winter days. Who would have thought that Squires Porter and Chocolate Mud Cake would go together so well? But it does! And you can experience it for yourself, with a complimentary slice of Mud Cake being served with every glass of James Squire Porter.
The Observer in collaboration with Claude’s Kitchen are proud to offer a Beef & Porter Pie. Claude is famous in The Rocks for the pies on offer and for a limited time only has enhanced his range by including the delicious James Squire Porter and Beef Pie. To celebrate the launch The Observer is offering for a limited time the James Squire Porter Pie and any schooner of James Squire beer for $15. At this price get in quick!!!!