This week, Queenslanders will have the opportunity to celebrate, saviour, appraise and generally enjoy the amber gold, brown wine goodness via Queensland Beer Week (QBW). Mark Midro, co-publisher of The Beer Lover's Guide To Australia and the main organiser of QBW, tells us how to best tackle the seven day celebration.
What sort of events are planned for the week-long celebrations?
Queensland locals can look forward to a host of events which include dinners, tastings, tap takeovers, beer education, a beer festival, beer tours, meet the brewers, home brew classes and even a home brew world record attempt. Venues include some of Brisbane’s most iconic pubs as well as breweries, bars and home brew stores.
The aim of QBW... what do you hope to achieve at the conclusion of the event?
It’s well known that mainstream beers have declined in sales lately and Australians are drinking a wider variety of beers. Consumers want to know what’s available. And that’s where events like QBW provide a medium where consumers can get out and learn about what’s out there and learn about different styles and the types of beer, and more importantly, be able to taste and enjoy them.
Queensland craft breweries; how strong is the local industry for developing and introducing new players to the market?
Queensland is starting to really stamp itself on the Australian map as well as the international market. Recently the Burleigh Brewing Co. won a gold for their HEF at the World Beer Cup. Along with some great breweries, there’s a huge growth in good beer bars in Brisbane with many of these displaying a fabulous range of beers and great food as well.
Personally, what’s your favourite beer?
There are so many good beers to say one is my favourite. I think one of the highlights of events like QBW is that you can go to any of the participating venues and find a beer that you have not tried, or have wanted to try, and enjoy it. After all, you have a whole week to get to as many venues, and try as many beers, as possible.
Queensland Beer Week takes place July 16-22.
