Aussie Beer
I received the Backyard Box of 8 typical Aussie beers (VB is missing for some reason) for the secret santa gift exchange at work.
I’ve actually kinda stopped drinking since I arrived here. I really haven’t bought beer in months due to the high cost. I’ve seen a 6 pack of Budweiser go for $19. That’s an import so that’s not a very good example.
Right now a case (24 beers) of XXXX (four-ex) costs $40. XXXX is brewed just up the road in Brisbane and it’s one of the most common beers you’ll see people drinking. There’s also a XXXX Summer Bright in the box above.
If you want to get a 6 pack of beer you’d better be ready to drop at least $12 for crap. If you want something good that’s domestic then you’ll have to go at least $18 for a 6 pack. I’ve seen cases of good beer sell for over $100. It’s just not worth it, that’s why I’ve started drinking tea instead.
Ciders are really popular here and they do a pretty good job with them too. I think Woodchuck is the only comparable cider in America right now. They have whole sections devoted to just ciders in the liquor stores here.
Beer is super expensive, and there aren’t very many craft brews available. Per capita Australia consumes way more beer than America, but it’s all crap beer. I believe that if a bloke were given the choice between a VB or Stone Pale Ale they’d go with the VB nearly every time. VB is familiar, craft beer tastes weird. Beer is for getting drunk, not for enjoying the nuances of the taste.
Craft beer has been getting more of a foothold here, but it’s taking a lot longer than it did in America. Brisbane has a few craft beer pubs such as the Archive Beer Boutique which I’m keen to check out.
Home brewing is popular here due to the high cost of beer. I think if you home brew you can get a beer for about $1 instead of $2-$3. If enough home brewers start making good stuff and sharing it with their friends then the craft beer market might start gaining more traction. Maybe even some ambitious home brewers will start their own craft breweries.
I sure can’t wait to get back home to my local brewery and fill up a growler of Yazoo Sly Rye Porter.
