The month of May saw the highly anticipated Kiwi Craft Beer SpecTapular take place at theLocal Taphouse bars in Darlinghurst and St.Kilda respectively.

These seasonal beerfests, each revolving around a different beer theme have quickly established themselves as some of Australia’s greatest craft beer events and May’s edition was no different.

With the added incentive of the Kiwi SpecTapular doubling as a fundraiser for those Canterbury breweries affected by the recent earthquakes we needed little persuasion to go and sample some of the good country’s finest brews and throw- in our support.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, BeerNZ.co.nz,New Zealand Hops Ltd and Cryer Malt – The Local Taphouse was able to assemble an impressive line-up of 20 different and unique craft beers. Amongst them were several highlights that both inspired and divided the assembled masses.

In order to make the most of The Local Taphouse’s SpecTapular’s and sample the large variety of beers on offer, we purchased tasting paddles and followed the tasting orders as outlined in the provided ‘passports’.

The evening began with lighter, more subtle tasting beers such as Harrington’s Rogue Hop and Twisted Hop’s Sauvin Pils before progressing through a range of pale ales of the likes of Emerson’s Bird Dog and Tuatara’s APA.

Coming in at number 10 in the tasting list was the single most challenging beer of the evening and the one beer that had everybody talking.  Released just weeks prior to the SpecTapular and appearing on tap for the first time in Australia, Yeastie Boys’ Rex Attitude– a peat-smoked strong golden ale,  was the undoubted star of the evening. The aroma alone – Rawleigh’s Antiseptic Salve, was enough to set tongue’s a wagging, while the flavour of Islay Whiskey coated the mouth and lingered long after the last sip.

The evening was rounded out with a range of stouts and porters including Three Boys Oyster Stout (which uses genuine Bluff Oysters in the brewing process), Invercargill Pitch Black and Mike’s Imperial Porter – ideal beers for quaffing during these colder months.