Wine and food
Maybe wine and food matching isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
I particularly like the quote, “there’s proof that wine tasting concepts and pairing rules are largely unsubstantiated and unnecessary.”
or
“that the processes and outcomes are completely personal, imaginary and random.”
Sounds like they need to get along to a beer and food matching lunch to learn just how relaxed and enjoyable matching can be!
Fair go for craft brewers
Australia’s small brewers are currently lobbying the Australian Government to obtain excise
The Hon Arch Bevis MP
benefits similar to Australia’s wine makers. We interviewed Paul Holgate from the award-winning Holgate Brewhouse about the campaign. Paul encouraged listeners to contact their local MP (take them a craft beer) and ask them to support the issue by writing to the Assistant Trasurer, Chris Bowen, supporting the change. You can find out more information about the campaign at their website.
I had never contacted my own MP about an issue before, but took my own advice and contact my Local Member, The Hon. Arch Bevis. I was able to meet with him and explain the issue – one that, not surprisingly given the number of issues Federal Parliament has to deal with, he was unaware of. I was also able to give him a few bottles of craft beer.
If you would like see see a stronger, more vibrant craft beer industry, contact your local member too, take them a beer and let them know that the issue matters to you.
Can of Crown Lager
I
normally don’t get too excited about labels and packaging, although the beer marketing types really do. But with January 22 marking the 50th anniversary of the alumunium can, it seemed appropriate to road test Crown in the new aluminium bottle from Fosters.
The 330mL recyclable aluminium bottle was released in July 2008 for select events and venues where glass is prohibited and is not available retail sale.
The aluminium bottle chills quicker than glass when refrigerated making it great for events. So far the aluminium bottle has been a success at the following events/locations such as Queensland’s island resorts, Racecourses and on Virgin Blue flights.
Crown produced a limited release aluminium bottle, specifically for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006. Crown Lager was a sponsor and required to provide product in an alternative vessel at events where glass was prohibited. Given the stigma attached to beer in cans, Foster’s weren’t prepared to put their flagship in a standrad cvan to make it avaialble so developed the distinctive can.
While it is exactly the same beer (though brewed at Abbortsford in Victoria rather than Yatala), all three of us on the panel could smell a difference in the Crown poured from a glass, but only Walter could taste a difference. As a regular Crown drinker, Walter has some expertise in the area!
