The Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) were held in Melbourne last week with 1170 entries from 243 breweries across 34 countries.  One of those 34 countries was New Zealand and a number of local brewers, directors, writers and plain old beer fans were in attendance at the rather opulent Palladium Ballroom in the Crown Casino.

In the beginning, there were Pale Ales.*  These were well-rounded English ales with a sturdy amount of malt and a decent amount of hops.  Although amber in colour, they were deemed pale in contrast to the other beers around which were all black or dark brown. 

Craft beer drinkers are increasingly becoming confronted by beers with extraordinary names.  From Russian River’s ‘Pliny the Elder’ to McQuire's ‘I'll Have What The Gentleman On The Floor Is Having’ Barley Wine, from Yeastie Boys ‘Return to Magenta’ * to Hallertau’s ‘La Stuntman’ **, beers with long, humorous or just plain puzzling monikers are almost becoming the norm.

Most visitors would not expect a world-famous brewery to be full of used bourbon and brandy barrels.  However, the Lost Abbey Brewery outside San Diego is not just any world-famous brewery. 

There are some other bars around town which seemingly feel compelled to have a special event, activity or offer every single night of the week.  We won’t name them obviously but they do seem concerned that if the punters are left alone they might notice the rather ordinary beer on offer. 

This year, St George’s Day is the 23rd April (as indeed it is every year) and Malthouse will be marking it with some suitably English ales and hearty pub food.