ROBE’S signature event, the Home Brew and Craft Beer Festival, is set to kick off next week for the third time with a large crowd expected to head to the seaside town.
Building on the success of 2016, festival organiser Peta Baverstock said the committee had expanded the program to ensure festival visitors experienced a taste of the region’s broad attractions.
“The main event is the home brew with lots of would-be brewers vying for the win,” she said.
“Last year we had a great turnout at the festival and with home brew entries and we are hoping this year will be no different.
“We have plenty organised on the day, with a number of interesting demonstrations planned, including great brewing techniques, gourmet food from some of the best in the local area and of
course plenty of great brews from some of the best craft brewers both here in South Australia and across the border.”
The festival will also have cider, mead and wine for those not in the mood for a beer.
Last year’s best beer of show winner Dean Ludwig will also be debuting his “Luddy’s APA” – his festival winning brew – for festival goers to try.
The South East local said it was great to work with festival partner Robe Town Brewery and brewer Maris Bietzaitis.
“He is making some really interesting beers with some interesting local additions,” Mr Ludwig said.
“I have been making home brew since 1983 with kit beers and after my son and I attended a TAFE beer making course in Naracoorte in 2011 run by Simon Fennell, I had a revelation.
“He introduced us to full mash brewing using malted barley instead of extract and we haven’t looked back.”
Mr Ludwig’s beer will be on show at the festival along with beers from Odyssey Brewing Co, Cape Brew Co, Robe Town Brewery and The Cide Project, among others.
“There will be so much choice this year that some festival goers might feel a little overwhelmed by which brew to taste first,” Ms Baverstock said.
“We have our Hop Around the Garden beer tasting back this year, which lets people taste the craft brews and Dean’s 2016 winning brew for $2 each before settling on a full brew.
“The idea will have your tasting tray and walk around checking out the brews.”
Festival goers will receive a form which outlines the different brews on sale and will be able to check off the ones they have tried.
“It was really popular last year, this year the trays and cups will be available from the one place and festival goers will be able to come have a chat with committee members before hopping around the festival,” Ms Baverstock said.
The festival will begin on October 27 and run for three days with gates opening at 10.30am.
