By James Atkinson
Beer lovers enjoyed some distinctive brews rarely seen in Australia at the launch of the Bavarian Bier Cafe's Pure Bier Fest 2012 this week.
The festival celebrates the German Bier Purity Law – one of the world's oldest consumer laws (legislated in 1516), which declares that pure German bier can only contain four ingredients; hops, malt, yeast and water.
For the month of May, all eight of Sydney's Bavarian Bier Cafes will for the first time be pouring Paulaner Salvator, a 7.9 per cent ABV Dopplebock (strong, malty lager) and the more sessionable Hacker-Pschorr Braumeister Pils.
Guests at Wednesday's launch were regaled by the encyclopaedic bier knowledge of the 'Bier Professor', Dom Dighton (pictured left with Lyndey Milan), who was pouring biers and educating palates through his mini 'bier akademie'.
The blind 'Taste Test Taste Challenge' pitted Pure Bier against mainstream Australian Beer in a battle of the tastebuds.
Over the course of Pure Bier Fest, patrons can participate in a challenge and earn tallies against their name on their local Bavarian Bier Cafe blackboard.
At the end of the festival, the winner at each location will receive an invitation into the Stein Club, an exclusive invite-only bier club, and the accolade of their name printed on a stein in the venue.
Bavarian Bier Café managing director, John Szangolies said Pure Bier Fest gives patrons an opportunity to appreciate the quality ingredients and heritage of Bavarian Bier.
"Most importantly, we aim to put on a fun month where our guests can enjoy great food and bier while joining in the Pure Bier Fest spirit."