Solotel’s The Bank held the semi-final of its popular “Whichcraft” beer events, with three finalists to battle for the title during the upcoming Sydney Craft Beer Week.
Held in the craft beer haven Uncle Hops, which has occupied The Bank’s back room for the past year, the events pit three breweries against each other in an engaging format for patrons.
Each brewery provides three brews, and patrons get the chance to vote on the beers without knowing which is which. The brewers also compete in trivia and games to endear drinkers to their cause.
Last night around 45 people saw the semi-final between Holgate Brewhouse, the newly installed Wayward Brewing and West Coast legend Feral Brewing.
When the froth cleared Holgate had emerged the winner, and will go on to the Grand Final, taking place 22 October during Sydney Craft Beer Week.
“Each brewer won a round of the peoples’ vote, resulting in a three-way tie – which was a first,” The Bank bars manager Tom Pigott told PubTIC.
“But Holgate came 2nd in the two rounds they didn’t win, meaning they won overall.
“Feral were the best at the trivia, answering three questions correctly out of nine. Holgate and Wayward each answered two correctly. One of the gentlemen in the crowd answered one correctly before he realised the questions were for the brewers, but we gave him a point anyway.”
The team at Uncle Hops are passionate about promoting craft beer and sharing knowledge and interest in the category with patrons. Licensee Jake Toivonen says the venue’s premise has proven a winner.
“The popularity of Whichcraft has shot through the roof! It’s been great to build something so exciting.
“The next instalments are going to be our biggest and best yet.”