Good Beer Week will return in 2023, with the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest beer week set to run from May 20 to 27.
Good Beer Week (GBW) was started in 2011 by the Independent Brewers Association (IBA) to celebrate great great beer and those who love to drink it. This year, GBW is spreading the love across Victoria, with over 70 events in central Melbourne and throughout regional Victoria.
“We are excited to have Good Beer Week back in 2023,” stated Kylie Lethbridge, Independent Brewers Association CEO. “COVID 19 taught us a lot and allowed us the time to reflect on the past 12 years to determine how GBW can keep evolving and offer the best possible innovative beer experiences.”
The good times keep rolling, with GBW partnering with Pint of Origin (hosted by Crafty Pint, 12 – 20 May), GABS Melbourne (19 – 21 May) and the Australian International Beer Awards (hosted by Melbourne Royal, 25 May) to bring two extra weeks of events.
“[GBW is] spread over nearly three weeks, thanks to our partners, allowing everyone to get to more events,” Lethbridge enthused.
Festival favourites will be returning, such as the Good Beer Annual Scavenger Hunt at Collingwood’s The Fox Hotel, and the Hair of the Dog Breakfast at Beer DeLuxe Federation Square.
Of course, there are plenty of new events as well, not to mention several special release beers brewed just for the festival.
“We are trying new things this year,” Lethbridge explained. “We have a smaller more curated program, focused on Australian independent beer and Independent Brewers Association members.”
A festival highlight is the Creation Story Feast crafted by Mabu Mabu’s Nornie Bero will be held at Stomping Ground Brewery. The multi-course Torres Strait Islander dinner is inspired by creation stories. A special collaboration beer using native ingredients will also be launched at the dinner.
Additionally, Bar SK Returns ft. Edge Brewing Project will take over MARCH in Collingwood, with a limited-edition Edge Brewing beer available for the night only.
Another highlight is the Great Deeds Bakeoff at Deeds Taproom & Kitchen. Beer lovers will compete to create the best desserts with Deeds beers.
Lethbridge expressed her excitement about the upcoming festival.
“We can’t wait to see beer lovers find their way to Good Beer Week 2023,” she concluded.