GABS Brewer: Craig Blackmore from Athletic Club Brewery

What sort of beer are you making for GABS?
We’re brewing a Wheatwine, an American style that’s made predominantly from Wheat Malt and has an abv. closer to that of wine than your average beer (as the name suggests).

What’s it called?
Wheat Wine and a Three Day Growth. It’s a nod to Barnesy and the Cold Chisel boys. Thanks to our drinking buddies for having such PUNderful minds & helping us with naming duties.

Where did the inspiration come from?
It’s a style I’ve not brewed or seen readily available in Australia, so I thought it might be fun to try something new and challenging. We only opened our brewery doors in November 2016 and we’ve never brewed something with such a high abv., so it’s definitely going to be an interesting brew day!

What’s the weirdest ingredient you’ve ever added to a beer?
Typically, we brew beers that are true to style to provide our drinkers with good examples of various styles, so we haven’t really gotten too weird yet! However, we do have a Choc Vanilla Milk Stout coming out in a few weeks for Easter that we used 9kg of Cacao Nibs & 6.5L of Vanilla Extract. It’s a chocolate (and stout) lover’s dream!!

GABS drinking preference – tasting paddles or a full glass?
Tasting Paddles all day! It’s the best way to taste as many of the wonderful & unique beers on offer, some of which you’ll never get a chance to drink ever again! It might take a bit longer to get served, so preparation is key!
The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular is on May 19-21 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Victoria, May 27 at Sydney Showground Olympic Park, NSW and June 16-17 at ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland.