A few years ago, a group of students in Hobart started the Tasmanian Beerfest, an event designed to celebrate their local brewers. As it gained in popularity, it reached a point where it had outgrown their original intentions, so they sold it and started anew with a smaller festival. The Tasmanian Microbrew Fest debuted last year, under the stewardship of a new group of students based at the city’s Drysdale Campus, and saw them return the focus to small scale Tasmanian producers.
“The Beerfest got a bit out of hand so we decided to go back to basics,” says festival organiser Amy Crosswell. “Now we’re focusing on just Tasmanian beers and ciders.
“This year, we’ve got Two Metre Tall, Moo Brew, Seven Sheds, Taverner’s, Van Dieman, Ironhouse and also Captain Bligh’s, which is a new cider company based here in Hobart which will be appearing at their first event.
“The aim is to raise awareness of Tasmanian producers, to educate and bring an appreciation of their products because a lot of people still don’t really know about them.”
The Microbrew Fest runs from midday to 6pm on October 29 at the Wharf Apron, which is next to the Prince’s Wharf Shed. Additional exhibitors are expected to be announced before the event. Entry costs $8 per person, which includes five beer or cider samples. Additional tastings can be purchased separately.
You can keep up to date with the Tasmanian Microbrew Fest on Twitter and Facebook.