2018 Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival

Good company, great music and a beer in your hand: what more could you ask for?

This year the Canberra Craft Beer and Wine Festival, held at the Mercure Centre, was the biggest in its 11-year history with over 200 beers and ciders from around Australia.

This is a significant event for many brewery companies as it creates an opportunity for the companies to pitch new flavours and for people to become more familiar with their favourite brands.

“The craft beer market is booming and there are a lot of breweries out there so this is the best thing you can do to get out there and promote yourself and give people the chance to taste it all,” said Tully from Wayward Brewery in Sydney, who brought along their limited release beers for the festivalgoers to try.

This was their first year at the festival for Canberra based Wignall Brewery and Hunter Valley based Pokolbin Cider House.

Wignall Brewery has been established for six months and according to its stall runner, Paul, the festival goers have provided them with some valued feedback.

“The event had given us validation that we are making good things that people want,” he said.

Meanwhile, James, the stall runner for Pokolbin Cider House has utilised the festival to showcase the unique flavours of Pokolbin Cider House’s cider and the methods they use to create it.

“We use 100 per cent apple and pear juice. We actually used cider yeast this time around, and to give the sweetness back we just add raw juice back in,” said James.

Bill from the Australian Beer Company in Griffith NSW said that the festival provides an invaluable opportunity for budding brewers, “It allows for some individuals in the team to fine-tune their skills, in particular, those that aren’t experts can stand next to experts and better understand the industry”.

The festival seemed have exceeded expectations and delivered a great experience for everyone involved this year.

“It’s bigger than I thought it was and a pretty wide selection of beer. Pretty happy,” said Jordan.

“There are a heap of cool beers. Today is about lot’s of beers, sun and hopefully bed by three,” laughed Pat.

“Very nice, good first impressions. Everyone has a different palate so there is a huge variety here today which is great,” said Tony.

“We have been to a few other beer festivals in Maitland, Kangaroo Valley, and Sydney and this one stacks up really well,” said George.

The festival raised funds for the ACT Cancer Support’s Rise Above organisation and the H-Cee Family provided the musical entertainment for the day.