While Australia’s cricketers head back to the drawing board and try to work out where it all went wrong, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon for those seeking victory over the old enemy. Because coinciding with the Fourth and Fifth Tests in Melbourne and Sydney are a pair of Australia versus England beer showdowns. Organised by the Micro Beer Club, each event sees ten beers from the two countries put to the test in a tasting showdown.
The “Beer and Judgement” Ashes Series is taking place at Melbourne’s Portland Hotel on December 28 – at the midpoint of the Boxing Day Test – with a second event following in Sydney at the Woolloomoloo Bay Hotel on January 4. Guests will get to sample around 14 beers, with ten being judged. There will be special guest judges on the night, with head brewer Jayne Lewis from Mountain Goat and Masterchef / Iron Chef and now restauranteur (at Josie Bones) Chris Badenoch lined up for the Melbourne judging panel.
Paul Lukins, from Micro Beer Club, says: “As one of the greatest sporting rivalries continues, the Ashes opens up the opportunity to engage in another great rivalry. Learn how to judge a beer, learn what makes one beer style different from another and ultimately help us to decide: ‘Who’s Beer is Best?’”
The nights will also feature the raffling of limited edition t-shirts signed by Sir Ian Botham and Allan Border. All profits go to MS Australia. There will also be gourmet canapés, including Beef Wellington and crocodile, plus showbags worth over $50.
Tickets cost $95 per person and can be booked through the Micro Beer Club website. See you there (well, in Melbourne anyway)!
