Boutique Beer Bonanza this Spring at Newcastle’s The Clarendon Hotel
Photo courtesy of The Australian National University
Ooh, Spring is in the air!
All of a sudden, Novocastrian days are ripe with the ruthless hayfever caused by showy, robust, luscious flora in bloom across the city. Luckily, balmy nights and crisp, refreshing drinks are also on the way this season. The Clarendon Hotel on Hunter St is an ideal place to settle in for after-work drinks and enjoy the increasingly-warm evenings – a laid-back watering hole in the heart of the CBD with a delicious brassiere, generous courtyard and occasional live music. It’s also where I spend most nights, chatting away to the locals, across the bar, of course - yes, I am a bar wench. The chic, art-deco style bar also hosts a classic wine and cocktail menu, as well as a wide and rare variety of premium beer from across the country at reasonable prices. Sick of your staple Toohey’s New schooner? Why not try one of our many unusual and made-with-love boutique beer varieties on offer?
White Rabbit is a Healesville-based brewer whose specialty lie in their rich and pleasantly bitter Dark Ale (4.9%) – malt-driven, but with a delightful aromatic lift of generous hints of hops (excuse the pun). It is an inspired and creatively-minded dark ale that both would and has pleased the tastebuds of male or female, young and old.
Another house favourite is the Burleigh Brewery, who produce the delightfully cheeky 28 Pale Ale (4.8%) and Hefeweizen ‘Hef’ Wheat Beer (5%). Polar opposites, this 70’s-inspired pale ale delights the senses with a fruity bouquet of flavour, complimented by a deep amber colour with just a hint of vanilla and spice. A groovy blue label and smooth aftertaste timewarps you right back to Studio 54 - yeah, baby!
‘Hef’, on the other hand, boasts a classic, southern German-style consistency with an all-organic approach in production, complimented by bright white head and a slice of lemon to top. It is a sturdy lager with a wide, generous flavour with the refreshing hit of the citrus garnish – good for early Oktoberfest celebrations (n.b. no German barmaids included).
A delightful twist on a classic is Little Creatures Bright Ale (4.5%) (did you make it along to their free tasting last week?). The brewer, typically known for their pale ale, also produce this crisp and bitter ale which surprises with a striking clarity in the glass. It is also refreshingly balanced with a clean and inspired aftertaste. This bright ale is definitely easy drinking, so count those caps and don’t make a little creature out of yourself!
Straying from the extensive beer selection for a moment, The Clarendon have caught on to the raging success of a Swedish delicacy: Rekorderlig cider (4.5%) and us staff are hooked. The 700ml bottle will set you back $11.00, but the Strawberry and Lime flavour sings summer louder than Havianas and a red nose! Best poured over ice with a sprig of mint, Strawberry and Lime is reminiscent of pink lemonade with a generous twist of fresh lime to top. Bubbles ahoy!
To finish on a high note, the mysterious Moobrew (5%) is a pilsner worth mentioning. The iconoclastic beer pours smoothly with a delicate malt flavour and a noble, hoppy aroma, thanks to a unique production using only German Spalt hops. An elusive black bottle with an eerie yellow label, Moobrew is a dare of a drink - but well worth the gamble.
The Clarendon Boutique Beers range from $7 - $11 and are subject to availability. Get in soon to taste them yourselves, and don’t forget to have a gander with me about your favourite!
Beer never sound so good, might pop into The Clarendon to try one!