Sydney Craft Beer Week kicks off

By James Atkinson

Strong attendances at the opening weekend of events got Sydney Craft Beer Week (SCBW) off to a flying start.

At the Vic Hotel in Enmore on Saturday afternoon, the SCBW Launch Party (pictured left) hosted thousands of revellers who were able to sample beers from 15 brewers large and small, including Matilda Bay, Cascade, Little Creatures, James Squire, Bacchus, Mountain Goat, Cavalier and more.

"What a way to kick off Sydney Craft Beer Week. We couldn't have fit more people in to the venue and the beers tasted fantastic!” organiser Joel Connolly told TheShout.

Other standout events on the opening weekend included The Gathering, hosted by Stone & Wood at a warehouse-style venue in Newtown and featuring live art, DJs and food from Eat Art Truck.

Karl Cooney of Yulli’s, Darren 'Doc' Robinson and BrewCult's Steve Henderson 

Feral Brewing’s Sunday Sounds Session at Collaroy Beach Club also enjoyed a strong attendance, while the Welcome Hotel in Rozelle played host to Beer Mimics Food (pictured below right), which saw brewers and chefs team up to create nine bespoke beers infused with different food ingredients.

And last night, Darren ‘Doc’ Robinson of Doctor’s Orders Brewing and Karl Cooney of Yulli’s previewed their Beer & Cheese Sensory Explosion to a small media contingent at Yulli’s restaurant in Surry Hills.

Doc and Karl have expertly matched four different sour beers with delicious cheeses, with the inventive combinations set to feature on the Yulli’s menu throughout SCBW from today onwards.

Sydney Craft Beer Week continues until next Sunday. See the festival calendar for more information on the packed schedule of events.