Chris Shanahan: Old friendship brings Canberra brews to Sydney

Royal Albert to host five Canberra brewers

On the strength of an old friendship, five Canberra brewers are to take over the taps at inner Sydney’s popular Royal Albert Hotel.

The Surry Hills hotel, winner of TimeOut’s 2015 people’s choice award, specialises in Australian-made drinks (including 60–70 craft spirits) and tap takeovers by craft brewers.

Royal Albert partner Michael Bain says the connection with the Canberra brewers came through long-term friend (and Royal Albert partner), Matthew Farrah, owner of Canberra-based Rogue Wines.

Bain says the tap takeover begins on 16 June, with three taps each for the Wig and Pen, Zierholz, BentSpoke, Pact, and Capital Brewing. A sixteenth tap will go to either a collaborative Canberra brew or perhaps a Canberra apple cider.

The beers, served from 50-litre kegs, will remain at the bar until sold out. Royal Albert’s Facebook page will detail the beers to be served and allow customers to vote on their favourite.

Beer reviews

Grand Ridge Kellerbier (Gippsland) 330ml $6.15
Grand Ridge’s lovely, delicate lager offers spicy, fruity, herbal aromas, partly derived from dry hopping with fresh-picked, home-grown hallertau hops. At 4.2 per cent alcohol, it sits light and refreshing on the palate, while delivering heaps of flavour, partly fruity, partly malty, but mainly hoppy – with appropriately very bitter finish.

Orkney Gold (Scotland) 330ml $4.65
Despite a modest 4.5 per cent alcohol content, Orknew Gold offers rich, warming, malty flavours and a soft, creamy texture. Intense hops bitterness flows in around the malty flavours, and every subsequent mouthful becomes that little more bitter. However, the generous flavour pushes back, giving a rich, bitter, balanced beer.