Mark Howes from Newstead Brewing Company in Brisbane

What beer are you making for GABS?
An Australian Spiced Ale.

What’s it called?
Imperial Aussie Tukka.

Where did the inspiration come from?
I love the unique tastes associated with Australian flavours and I guess I wanted to capture that for our GABS beer. I picked two spices I have previously tried in home brewing days, lemon myrtle and wattle seed, and one that I have never used but had loved the flavour when I saw it in other beers, Tasmanian pepper berry.

The base is a 7 per cent pale ale that provides a nice backbone but allows the spices to be the vanguard.

For those who might over-indulge, do you have a suggestion for a post-GABS hangover remedy?
Coffee and water 1:2 v/v. Works every time.

Finally, finish this sentence, craft beer is …
… grouse.

The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular is at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne on May 22-24 and Australian Technology Park, Sydney on May 30.