A guide to the best beer in town, according to Adelaide’s brewing elite.

Rad Beer Week has begun, and some of the best brewers in the country (world?) are in town for the Adelaide Beer and Barbecue Festival and Australian Craft Brewers Conference, so CityMag thought it’d be a good idea to find out where our local brewers would take their idols for a tipple.

We present to you, a brewer’s guide to our fair city.

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Jade Flavell
Wheaty Brewing Corps

What events will you be involved with during Rad Beer Week?

Monday we’re hosting Gladfield, micro maltsters from New Zealand… We brewed a beer with Gladfield in May… Moule Rouge, and we’re launching that beer on Monday night from six o’clock, and Gabi and Doug [Michael] from Gladfield are going to be in the front bar talking all things malt.

On Tuesday, we’re collaborating with a couple of Tasmanian brewers, Will [Tatchell] from Van Dieman Brewing, and Scott [Overdorf] from Hobart Brewing Co., and we are also hosting official brewery tours, as part of the Craft Beer Industry Association Conference.

That evening, we’re hosting Dr Ron Beatson, who’s an absolute legend of the Kiwi hop industry… he’s developed the Kiwi rockstar hops, Nelson, Riwaka, Motueka, amongst many others, and he’s sitting in for a tasting and technical Q&A.

Wednesday day… we’ll be at the conference. Wednesday night, Hop Products Australia, the biggest hop growers in the country, and the growers responsible for our own rockstar hops, Galaxy, Ella, Vic Secret, and Enigma, to name but a few. They’re hosting a bit of a shindig in the front bar from six o’clock on.

And then Thursday’s the conference and then the CBIA awards.

And then Friday, Saturday, Sunday, we’ll have a stall at the Beer and Barbecue Festival as well.

What’s the most exciting part of the Adelaide Beer and Barbecue Festival for you?

It’s good to have our own festival, it’s good to catch up with brewers, but for me, it’s the conference, and it’s having literally the best brewers and the best judges from around the country, and some excellent international guests, coming over to share their knowledge.

And it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase what SA has to offer, both in terms of beer and breweries, but also in terms of other produce and venues as well. That aspect of it is really quite exciting.

Which non-Adelaide brewer are you most excited to hang with during Adelaide Beer and Barbecue Festival, and why?

In terms of international legends, Charlie Bamforth, I think. Dr Charlie Bamforth is pretty extraordinary. He’s written some of the industry bibles on brewing, extraordinary fellow, and by all accounts a very engaging and entertaining speaker, so I’m looking forward to hearing him.

And then all of the local brewers with whom we’ve been involved over the years; it’s always good when Modus come to town, Fixation, Hop Products Australia, when those guys come to town, we’ve got a good relationship with them, Hopco, meeting Dr Ron Beatson.

If you could take them to any pub in Adelaide, which would it be, and why?

Naturally it would be The Wheaty, we’re a craft specialist venue, have been for 14 years. We have our own brewery, and we walk the walk. It’s a way of life for us, this beer thing. While it’s excellent that the circus is in town, so to speak, pretty much every week is beer week at The Wheaty.

Jason Harris
Big Shed Brewing Concern

What events will you be involved with during Rad Beer Week?

Monday – Saying G’day to the team from Gladfield Malt at The Wheatsheaf Hotel

Tuesday – Doing a quick beer talk and sharing some F-Yeahs at a corporate event.

Wednesday – So far nothing, but I’m ok with this.

Thursday – The Big Shed Brewing Co. and Young Henrys Belgian IPA Launch and tap takeover, with DJ and pig on a spit at Kaffana in Peel Street. Setting up for Beer and BBQ Festival.

Friday – Beer and BBQ day one.

Saturday – Beer and BBQ day two.

Sunday – Beer and BBQ day three.

Monday – Pack up and sleep.

What’s the most exciting part of the Adelaide Beer and Barbecue Festival for you?

It’s the best festival we go to hands down. Having a beer with all of our mates from other breweries. It really is full of great people.

Which non-Adelaide brewer are you most excited to hang with during Adelaide Beer and Barbecue Festival and why?

Too many to choose from, as we have heaps of awesome people in our industry and they will all be here in Adelaide. Fraser Rettie from Exit, as he could pass as my Dad, and the lads from Hop Nation, Sam Hambour and Duncan Gibson. Coincidentally, we will be sharing a stand for the weekend.

If you could take them to any pub in Adelaide, which would it be and why?

Now, that’s not really a night out to go to [just] one. I would suggest at least: The Gilbert Street, The Wheaty, The Kings Head, 55ml, Nola, just to name a few.

Ewan Brewerton
Mismatch Brewing Co.

What events will you be involved with during Rad Beer Week?

We have a beer dinner on at The Havey Hotel, and have a stand at Adelaide Beer and BBQ event. Other than that we’ll be out and about going to other events and attending the conference.

What’s the most exciting part of the Adelaide Beer and Barbecue Festival for you?

The most exciting part of the ABBF is that a group of young South Aussies are putting on a festival in the middle of winter, and it’s set to be one of the best beer festivals in the country.

Which non-Adelaide brewer are you most excited to hang with during Adelaide Beer and Barbecue Festival and why?

There’s a lot of new breweries involved this year, so it will be great to get around and meet some new people. Can’t wait to try a heap of fresh beers direct from the source.

If you could take them to any pub in Adelaide, which would it be and why?

Tough question to be honest. Would start at The Wheaty (Australian Icon), and then make our way around the city visiting some of the great hotels and small bars who support indie beers (too many to name all).

Ryan Davidson
Little Bang Brewing Company

What events will you be involved with during Rad Beer Week?

Friday: Moon Dog/White Labs/Amoretti/Little Bang collaboration brew and PAAAARTYYYYYY!!

Saturday: IPAMAGEDDON at Gilbert St Hotel: Little Bang vs Pirate Life, four IPAs each, and each launching a brand new beer.

Sunday: Brewers’ Brekky at NOLA, Little Bang tap takeover and seriously good food.

Sunday: Bootleg BBQ competition at our place, with Sneaky Pickle and Firebox Smoke BBQ food trucks.

What’s the most exciting part of the Adelaide Beer and Barbecue Festival for you?

Seeing how long before I lose my voice, and meeting literally thousands of awesome crafty types.

Which non-Adelaide brewer are you most excited to hang with during Adelaide Beer and Barbecue Festival and why?

Moon Dog, and we’re hanging out right now. It’s not every day you get to work alongside your heroes; it’s a very special feeling.

If you could take them to any pub in Adelaide, which would it be and why?

So many great places to choose from, but if I had to choose just one I think it’d have to be the Kings Head. There’s no better place to see the full range of SA Craft Beers. And it’s such a friendly, classic old school pub.