ORGANISERS of the Great Australian Beer Festival are hoping to shine a spotlight on the high country brewing industry.
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Michael Ward, Kieran Blood and Peter Mitcham were on hand to officially launch the festival on Tuesday afternoon.
After five years in Geelong, the festival will be held in Albury’s QEII square on December 2.
Mr Ward said the first Beer festival in 2013 had coincided with the expansion of Little Creature’s brewery operations, which had since led to significant growth in the industry.
There is an opportunity just to taste, that you don't get anywhere other than at festivals.
- Michael Ward
“We’re hoping the festival can galvanise the brewing industry in the area,” he said.
“When we set up in Geelong it coincided with the beginning of Little Creatures’ east coast brewing operations, which ended up putting the spotlight on Geelong.
“There are now 13 local breweries there.
“We’re expect the same thing to happen here – people will start to consider the area, look at land prices, look at the infrastructure, the fact that the water is great.
“It’s a real selling point, there’s a lot on offer in this region.”
The festival will bring more than 25 brewers, including a strong local contingent, to Albury.
Mr Ward was quick to point out that this would be no Oktoberfest.
“This is an opportunity to taste, you don;’t really get that opportunity other than at festivals,” he said.
“Hopefully after this people will be able to go to their local liquor store and purchase a six-pack with confidence.
“There’s so many beers on offer, you can start with a light pale ale and work your way up to a stout or porter.”
Mr Mitcham, a prominent beer reviewer also known as ‘Professor Pilsner’ said it was the respect North-East breweries had for their ingredients that set them apart.
“In the past, breweries were the hubs of community, but beer factories becoming more industrial changed the way people treat beer,” he said.
“25 years ago there were five breweries in Australia, now there’s more than 400.
“For the likes of Bright and Bridge Road breweries, it’s important for their brand, their genuineness that every drop of beer comes from their brewery.”
Albury mayor Kevin Mack was presented with the first ticket to the festival at the official launch.
Tickets for the Festival are now available.
