Chris Shanahan: A taste of Germany in Margaret River

I’ve not visited the original Duckstein Brewery in the Swan Valley. But the Margaret River operation, housed at Saracen Estates, produces beautiful German style beers in a magnificent setting – with live music on weekends and German-style food.

During a Sunday lunchtime visit, the places buzzed with families, streaming through the large function area to the lakeside garden setting.

Surprised to see beer outselling wine at cellar door, we joined the mob and tasted through the range of beautifully made, ultra fresh brews.

The Hefeweiss, delivers the lightness, freshness, high-toned fruitiness (banana like) and fresh acidity of the southern German wheat style.

Duckstein Pils reflected the best of the German style – crisp, pure and tasty with the stunning, clean bitterness of Tettnanger and Hallertau hops.

Dunkel delivered warm, chocolate and toffee richness, offset by delicious and bitter hops.
A beer labelled simply as Seasonal offered a rich, malty flavour with a dry, assertively bitter hops finish.

We finish on the opulent, copper coloured, powerfully, pungently hopped Altbier – and love the clean, lingering, refreshing bitterness.

If you’re touring Margaret River, Duckstein Brewery is a must-visit. It offers the beers in 5-litre party kegs at cellar door.