By Keeva Stratton
In their latest ad campaign, man brand Victoria Bitter attempts to woo the modern man back to what they purport to be ‘real beer’. However, the insinuated ongoing feminisation of beer has its advantages – especially for women.
Addressing the demands of a more sophisticated palate, beer is no longer the heavy, harsh and wheaty drink it once was, and to help you step gracefully across the threshold, Rescu. has once again saved the day with this simple guide.
Low Calorie or Low Carb
While beer might be in fashion, beer bellies are not, so when more than one schooner, pot or pony is on the agenda, a light choice is a good choice. Generally, the darker the beer, the greater the calories. Be careful with the low-carb claims, as many beers, like many diet products, can prove a little deceptive in the area. 1-2 grams per 100ml is a genuine low carb option.
Must Try: When it comes to low carbohydrate options, it would seem the blondes have it – Pure Blonde and Bondi Blonde that is.
Great For: Summer afternoons at the cricket, beer garden or barbeque, when more than one beer is likely.
A Sweet Note
Harry Potter may have got our fantasies a-flowing with fictional butter beer, but in real life, everything from coffee flavours, chocolate beer, to honey beer and other sweet treats are well worth a try if a dry beer is not to your taste.
Must Try: Beez Kneez from Matilda Bay, Black Giraffe from the Burleigh Brewing Co.
Great For: Girlie get-togethers, or for those just venturing into the new world of beer
International Designs
Just like in fashion, there is something a little exotic about international brands. And when it comes to beer a step outside the Aussie offerings, it only takes a sense of adventure to discover a big wide world of vast and varied flavours. From the heavier German drops, the fun-filled flavours of Mexico, beer, like its nation of origin, offers different tastes of the world.
Must Try: Superdry Japanese offerings of Asahi and Kirin with a wedge of lime.
Great For: Casual group dinners informed by meals of an Asian inspiration.
Limited Edition Local Brews
From Matilda Bay in the West to the Balmain Brewery in the East and everything in between, local microbreweries offer an interesting small scale selection and flavour filled tasting experience. Give your taste buds a local tour with these limited to location offerings.
Must Try: Young and Jackson’s Naked Ale, Little Creatures Pale Ale, Mountain Goat Beer, Fat Yak Pale Ale (if only for their fabulous names).
Great For: Local beers are all about local pubs – but if you think pubs are passe, you clearly haven’t experienced the up-market trend of inner city rooftop terraces and balcony bars – a fun and relaxed friends affair.
Much like experiencing a new cuisine, to really get a feel for the fine offerings of this beloved beverage, the easiest way to dip your toe in the water is at your local beer cafe, where tasting plates of beer come in small yet varied options.
More Rescu. articles you may enjoy:
1. RESCU’s Semillon wine cheat sheet
2. Stop and smell the rosé: RESCU’s Rosé wine cheat sheet
3. Wines to serve for special occasion dinners
4. Learn the art of Wine Tasting