What To Drink In Australia
Although Australian have been known to be large beer drinkers, we are also lovers of fine wine. There are approximately 10,000 different varieties of Australian wines, as well as alcoholic lemonade made from Australian lemon crops, and a beverage made from rhubarb. You can also purchase imported wines, beers or spirits, however when you are there it is highly recommended that you purchase an Australian brand. There are also many non alcoholic drinks for those that prefer to take the healthy route or are nominated as the designated driver.
White Wine: Australians first adapted table wine in the 1960’s and 1970’s. At first they prefer a sweet type of wine and later became found of the drier styles such as Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. A passion also began to evolve for wood matured wines, and today varieties such as Marsanne have become very popular.
Red Wine: Australia’s benchmark red is Grange Hermitage, the creation of the late vintner Max Schubert in the 1950s.He preferred wines that required at least a decades cellaring. In contrast, Wolf Blass, a winemaker o the current style, championed the drink now approach with quickly maturing wines. Winemakers frequently blend wines from different districts and states. Lighter reds which may be served chilled have recently been introduced.
Beer: Most Australian beer is vat fermented real ale or lager, both consumed chilled. Full strength beer has an alcohol content of around 4.8 per centime strength beers have around 3.5 per cent, while light beers have less than 3 per cent. Traditionally heat sterilized, cold filtration is now becoming increasingly popular. Among the hundreds of fine lagers and stouts are James Boag and Cascade from Tasmania,Castlemain XXXX from Queensland ,Fosters and Victoria Bitter (VB) from Victoria ,Tooheys red and blue labels from New South Wales and Coopers Sparkling Ale (known locally as lunatic soup) from South Australia.Aficionados of real ale should seek out one of the pub breweries throughout Australia. Beer in Australia is ordered by the glass size or by the brand name.
Spirits: Australian distillers produce fine dark and white rums from Queenslands sugar cane plantations. The more notable labels are Bundaberg from the town of the same name and Beenleigh.Australia’s grape vintage is also the basis of good value domestic brandies .Popular labels include St Agnes and Hardy’s.
The one thing to remember is that it is okay to enjoy yourself but you must not drive after drinking EVER! Please designate someone as the driver for the evening or hire a car service. It’s the only way to keep a happy and fun evening safe as well.
