Some of the better Australian craft beers from 2011.

For a blog about beer was probably not the wisest of decisions of me to begin in Febfast. Credibility shot before it even had a chance to take flight. 


And even though we are almost half way through the second month of the year I thought it'd be interesting to take a quick look back at some of my favourite Australian beers of 2011. These aren't necessarily the best beers I had last year, they are in some sort of vague order. But I find that past one or two absolute standouts it's very difficult to "rank" beer, so these were the amongst the most memorable. 


2 Brothers Guv'nor (VIC)


A barleywine to kick things off. A absolute monster of a beer and one that I had several of on Melbourne's darkest, bleakest winter nights in 2011. Rich and warming, the 10%+ alcohol is somehow keep in check and is far more drinkable than it sounds. A rare beer where you would happily sit on one bottle all night. Hopefully the Moorabbin lads at 2 Brothers release it again this year as I'll be certainly stocking up. 

Bridge Road Brewers / Nogne - O India Saison (VIC)


A hybrid of Saison and IPA, this hopped up collaboration brew between Beechworth's Bridge Road and Norway's gypsy brewers and impossible to pronounce: Nogne - O. I've not yet had the version brewed in Norway, but mates assure me it's equally impressive. The main reason I love this  beer is very simple. Two of my favourite styles and put them together and it really works! A must for any blink-and-you'll-miss-it Melbourne summer. 

Hargreaves Hill ESB (VIC) 


A "new world" interpretation of and English classic, this beer never fails to impress. Nice malt sweetness and a lovely earthy hop punch. If only it was more readily available. Get up to the cellar door at Yarraglen and grab one on tap. A too rare treat. 


Moo Brew Barrel Aged Imperial Stout (TAS)


A stunning beer from one of my favourite breweries. One of the richest, silkiest, luscious beers I have ever had. A real sipper. If this appears on a beer list again this year, indulge and order a glass. Absolutely world class. 


Bridge Road Galaxy Single Hop IPA (VIC)
Another appearance from Bridge Road who have really hit their straps I think in the past couple of years. Whilst their core range at times can verge on the boring, their Single Hop series is an exciting detour. The first of their single hop range which now extends to Stella, Summer and the recently launched Pride of Ringwood. A stunning tribute to an Australian hop variety that is starting to get some recognition on the world stage 


Honourable mentions: Mornington Peninsula IPA, Murray's Whale Ale, Van Dieman's Hedgerow, Cooper's Stout, Brewboys' Ace of Spades Stout and Seeing Double Scotch Ale, Beard and Brau Bon Chiens and Feral Hop Hog.


And there you have it, some of my favourite beers from these shores I drank last year. I'll post some International favourites soon.