Seems like those naughty boys in the Murray's brewery have been working in direct contravention of the Reinheitsgebot – and during Oktoberfest too!
This weekend at a big party at the Port Stephens brewery, they're releasing a German IPA named The Kaiser which commits the cardinal sin of dry-hopping (apparently boiling your hops is part of the famed Purity Law – don't tell ze Bavarians...). The hop they chose to use was at least a German one, Hull Melon. For the purists, they'll also be releasing a more traditional German lager, brewed in the same manner as the official Oktoberfest beers you'll find Munich awash with at this time of year.
As for the rest of the festivities, there'll be gourmet sausages, freshly-baked preztels and a Rocktoberfest musical line-up which will feature free concerts: Brien McVernon on Saturday October 3 and The Mark Wells Band at a free concert on Sunday October 4. [If you can't make it to the brewery this weekend, don't fret – there'll be live entertainment each weekend in October].
Things kick off at around 10am on the Saturday and run through until 6pm on each day of the long weekend. If you need transport to and from the brewery, there's a brewery bus going to and from Nelson Bay (that'll cost you $5 and you'll need to make a booking – phone 4982 6411 or check the website).
Entry to Murray's Oktoberfest is free.
