Yesterday's lazy day effort with the family. Unfortunately it was pissing down for the most part, so I need to go back on a warmer day or evening to reassess and taste test. Not very far out of town less than half an hour drive (some big city dwellers drive double that to work each day). This place specialises in smoked and BBQd meats along with a small selection of brews and their own baked breads and pies, what a great combo! :icon_drool2:
Plenty of open and shaded outdoor space with a nice beer garden vibe, but limited indoor seating and space. Considering the rain it wasn't exactly full inside and many people seemed to opt for outside anyway. I guess it is the kind of place that lures you outside if it was a sunny day with such a nice view of the nearby vineyards and rolling hills. Friendly crew working and serving, and the food came laid out on a large metal tray with optional plates, and a whole roll of paper towel on the table instead of the usual stingy couple of serviettes, nice touch!
**Before going any further I'd like to point out that I'm very limited when it comes to beer appreciation
. I drink, taste, and this process is repeated if I like it.
There were four selections on tap (maybe five, I'm hazy on that).
First up was 'Ned's Ginger Beerd', light colour, smooth, with a gentle twang of ginger left on the tongue.
I tried the 'Smokey Dark Ale', which had a very nice lingering smokey after taste, and I tried it again just to make sure I was right.
Next up was the 'Drunken Swine IPA', nicely hopped without going overboard... ah that's like saying balanced eh!? Had to have another of those too just to confirm my first thoughts.
There was also a Kolsch on the board which I didn't get to try, and I can't recall if it was their own or the one brewed down South (possibly by The Colonial?).
Oh yeah, the food was tops too!
Not many places like this around my way, so big thumbs up. I'm glad to see someone doing this here.
If anything I'd suggest they might make a bit more focus on the brewing side of things and work toward building that up. ATM I reckon it's a smallish set up and they'd have their hands full enough with all the other aspects of the business. The bearded bloke at the bar said they do 50L all-grain batches, and I see they must also contract out the occasional one for variety or specialties. Maybe a brew day promotional tour with tickets including some snacks? :drinks:
Plenty of open and shaded outdoor space with a nice beer garden vibe, but limited indoor seating and space. Considering the rain it wasn't exactly full inside and many people seemed to opt for outside anyway. I guess it is the kind of place that lures you outside if it was a sunny day with such a nice view of the nearby vineyards and rolling hills. Friendly crew working and serving, and the food came laid out on a large metal tray with optional plates, and a whole roll of paper towel on the table instead of the usual stingy couple of serviettes, nice touch!
**Before going any further I'd like to point out that I'm very limited when it comes to beer appreciation
. I drink, taste, and this process is repeated if I like it.There were four selections on tap (maybe five, I'm hazy on that).
First up was 'Ned's Ginger Beerd', light colour, smooth, with a gentle twang of ginger left on the tongue.
I tried the 'Smokey Dark Ale', which had a very nice lingering smokey after taste, and I tried it again just to make sure I was right.
Next up was the 'Drunken Swine IPA', nicely hopped without going overboard... ah that's like saying balanced eh!? Had to have another of those too just to confirm my first thoughts.
There was also a Kolsch on the board which I didn't get to try, and I can't recall if it was their own or the one brewed down South (possibly by The Colonial?).
Oh yeah, the food was tops too!
Not many places like this around my way, so big thumbs up. I'm glad to see someone doing this here.
If anything I'd suggest they might make a bit more focus on the brewing side of things and work toward building that up. ATM I reckon it's a smallish set up and they'd have their hands full enough with all the other aspects of the business. The bearded bloke at the bar said they do 50L all-grain batches, and I see they must also contract out the occasional one for variety or specialties. Maybe a brew day promotional tour with tickets including some snacks? :drinks:
