Canberrans will have an opportunity to explore the darker side of brewing when Farrah’s Liquor Collective hosts its dark beer tasting event on Saturday, 4 June.
Compared to the light beers traditionally enjoyed by Aussies over summer, dark ales are often big, bold and pack a punch, with hints of coffee and chocolate making them the ideal drink for the winter months.
With dark brews, such as stout and porters experiencing a resurgence, Farrah’s is taking the opportunity to show off their range of boutique beers from local producers, including a selection of limited and seasonal craft beers that are sure to make winter more bearable.
Tumut River Brewing Co. director Tim Martin says dark beers have found their feet in recent years and are becoming more popular with younger generations.
“Brewers are experimenting and getting really creative with flavours,” he said.
“People are more open to trying different beer styles, and I think many look forward to seeing the seasonal dark brews that are released each winter.”
Tim says dark brews are traditionally a winter drink, with their heavier, stronger flavours and more dense mouthfeel making them ideal for sipping slowly by a roaring fire.
“Dark brews tend to have a more intense malty character, like dark roasted coffee, chocolate and caramel, than the milder beers that most people are familiar with,” he said.
“They’re great paired with hearty winter meals, but personally, I enjoy a dark brew at the end of the evening – almost like a warm nightcap.”
One of Tumut River Brewing Co’s most popular dark ales, The Bounty Hunter, will be among the beers on offer during Farrah’s tasting day.
Flavoured with chocolate and coconut, Tim created the seasonal brew a few years back and, due to demand, it has now become the company’s staple dark beer.
“It’s really popular all year round and every second person that comes into our brewery asks about the Bounty Hunter,” he said.
Heading into winter, Tim has a selection of dark brews soon to be released, including the Tea Innit, which is infused with English Tea and was created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee.
For those seeking an early morning heart-starter, the Stockade Brewing All Day Breakfast coffee stout is sure to hit the right note.
Stockade’s head of innovations Roland Thieman says the dark brew was launched on Anzac Day 2022 and pays homage to the digger tradition of adding a dash of rum to the morning coffee.
“We have collaborated with a local coffee roaster and use fresh beans to give the beer lots of coffee flavour,” he said.
“It’s a very rich high alcohol stout and best served with a dash of rum.”
Farrah’s Liquor Collective store manager Dave Winmill says dark ales are the most requested beer at this time of year.
“People are looking to try some of the fantastic seasonal beers available during the winter months and some of the brews that are a bit ‘out there’,” he said.
“We’ll have six different producers showing off over 15 of their dark beers on the day, as well as some of their core ranging.”
The dark beer tasting day will be held on Saturday, 4 June, in store from 10 am until 5 pm.
Farrah’s Liquor Collective is located at 8 Townsville St, Fyshwick. Free delivery is available for orders over $180.