I like Australian-isms, I really do.
I have a tendency to use sayings, most of them inappropriate, call people by names, and use a lot of rhyming slang for things. I was even trying to bring back the word “cobber” there for a while….till I heard KRudd use it whilst being interviewed.
But it was this that made me stop a few years ago and notice the beers from Mildura Brewery, one of their regular brews is Mallee Bull Strong Ale. I can tell you that drinking copious amounts doesn’t make you as fit as one.
Mildura is a rural town located on the banks of the Murray in Victoria’s far north west, not too far from the border with South Australia. There, inside the former Astor Theatre, and part of the Grand Hotel complex, a magnificent art deco building, you will find the Mildura Brewery. These guys have been flying their craft beer flag since 2004, under joint ownership of Don Carrazza and Stefano di Pieri (of TV cooking fame, A Gondola on the Murray for example). This unique set up produces a range of all natural beers, and regularly adds a seasonal or limited release brew to the line up.
In 2009 they were joined by their current head brewer Rod Williams, a bloke who learnt his craft at British brewers like Young’s and Ringwood before moving to Australia and helping to establish the Coldstream Brewery in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. And since joining the team he has played with the recipes and tweaked them with stunning award winning results. He has also overseen the introduction of the Stefano’s Pilsner, an eco-friendly beer.
The brewery is an impressive site, brewing not only their own beers but also contract brewing for other companies. The brewery itself is on full display to customers as they dine in the brewery pub, or enjoy a glass or twelve of all the Mildura beers off the tap. Visitors can join in the tour, or take part in the tutored tastings of the ales and lagers that are brewed using only the finest hops and malts from within Victoria and across the world.
In an area probably better known for its wine, it’s a must stop and try destination for beer-lovers.
Easy to find Mildura Brewery beers:
Mildura Brewery Mallee Bull – The heaviest beer in the Mildura range, this 5.6% ale has been given a bit of a makeover since Rod Williams took over. It pours a deep amber colour with a nice fresh and subtle aroma. On the tongue it’s got biscuit and toffee notes with a touch of nuttiness in there too for good luck. It’s a beer that is designed to show off what British malts can do, but because there is a late addition of hops, it does have a moderate bitterness. Low carbonation and light subtle flavours mean that it should work well with most meat dishes.
Midura Brewery Stefano’s Pilsner – I love the label here. Stefano talks about growing up in Italy and how as a boy, after a hard day’s work cutting hay, his father would reward them with a glass of beer. For all you nay-sayers out there reading this, take a lesson from Stefano – the odd under-age beer with dad can be a good thing. It teaches respect for elders, respect for a hard day’s work, and respect for good, cold beer. That’s right respect. Hopefully they will learn that it’s something to enjoy and savor, not be had as a weapon of mass consumption. Here’s a man that learnt these lessons and worked his butt off to get where he is today. Take your alco-pop taxes and raise it as high as you like, as beer will obviously be the drink for our future…..oh the Pilsner is great by the way. It’s a great representation of a European style of beer. Great with German sausage.
Mildura Brewery Honey Wheat – fermented at cool temps to help capture the orange blossom honey that is added during the boil. Its a soft and mellow beer, with delicate honey and wheat flavours. I’m not a huge wheat beer fan, or honey beer either, but I enjoyed these, you almost feel as though you should be having these to ward off a cold (actually with a little Stones Ginger Wine this might just outsell Codral) . It’s still crisp and definitely session-able. The Minister for War and Finance was more enthusiastic saying that if it were syrup “it would be great over pancakes”. Perfect with seafood, think seared scallops with green apple puree.
Mildura Brewery Desert Lager – an all malt lager, brewed with only Australian Pilsner malt from Victoria. This medium bodied beer has taken its fair share of medals in the past. The malt shows through here with some residual sweetness and moderate bitterness, that’s a great thirst quencher. It’s definitely session-able as you just want to keep going back for more. Try it with pasta, or just Friday night footy and pizza.
