Brewer: Rob Lovatt from Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell, UK

What beer are you making for GABS?
Coffee Stout

What’s it called?
FIKA – please see here for info on the choice of name.
Where did the inspiration come from?
I first came up with a Coffee Porter when I was the head brewer at Meantime brewery after visiting the US and tasted some out there. I was lucky enough to pick up a Gold at the beer world cup with that beer. Lets hope I can pick up another medal or two with this one!

Tell us why you have chosen to brew a Festival Beer for GABS
We have heard great things about the festival and offers us a fantastic showcase for our beers. The feedback we have had for our beers in Australia has been really positive and being at GABS can let more people try our beers.

Finish this sentence – one thing I would like to change about craft beer is…
The beards and tattoos.

The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular is on May 20-22 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Victoria, May 27-28 at the Australian Technology Park in Eveleigh, NSW and June 18 at ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland.