Back for a big fifth year, Sydney Craft Beer Week is calling on pubs to jump on the crafty train.
Beergustations, Block Parties, Sydney Sausage-Fest and Ladies Beer High Tea will be some of the festival’s offerings when it takes place this year, from Saturday, 17 October to Sunday, 25 October.
Having doubled in size each year since it began in 2011, 2015 is projected to bring 130 events to a craft-thirsty community across 60 beery venues. SCBW is “championing the rise and evolution of the customer base” and more.
“Sydney Craft Beer Week has grown from a few beer-loving experts to a community wide celebration,” says festival co-director Joel Connolly.
“There really is something for everyone – just as long as you love the beer and you’re willing to make 2015 the Unofficial Year of the Beer.”
Rozelle’s The Welcome Hotel has been an active participant in the past couple of years since changing ownership, with events in 2013 and 2014, including last year’s “Tassy Long Lunch” that paired champion brewers and food producers from the Apple Isle for an All-Australian treat.
The Welcome has already locked in its involvement this year, with many a discussion having taken place over a ponderous pint between Liam O’Keefe, owner of the pub, and local and CBW co-founder, Connolly.
Speaking to PubTIC, O’Keefe says he believes the emphasis on ‘crafted’ beers is really the natural evolution back to how beer is meant to be made.
“We enjoy Craft Beer Week because it represents the focus of the pub – locally made, locally owned, locally brewed products.
“But it’s also an opportunity for people to try something new, and appreciate the essence of the ‘craft’ of simply making good beers.”
Newtown’s Union Hotel is also confirmed involvement in 2015, and owner Luke Hiscox told PubTIC of the “mental” response they have had in the past, going through nearly 90 kegs last year – including running out of 15 beers in three hours during their event with WA’s Feral Brewing.
“It has to be one of best festivals I’ve been involved with,” says Hiscox.
“Everyone is so passionate … not only the punters, but operators and brewers too. Everyone gets involved.
“This will be our fourth year. Events we’ve had in the past have each year steadily gotten bigger and better, and ended up huge parties.”
Planning has begun for the October festival, and venues interested in putting on a themed event this year should contact the organisers through the website.
