Once upon a time, Brisbane’s Story Bridge was Brisbane’s home of good beer. Of course, back in those days Coopers was about the only alternative to the mainstream beers – chiefly XXXX – available everywhere else.

The iconic hotel’s Festival of Beers was then a feature on the national beer map before it outgrew the hotel and moved, briefly, to the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds.

The pub’s decision to move back into craft beer with the first of what is planned as regular beer-focused weeks may be further evidence that the corner has been turned in Brisbane and beer lovers can start to expect more of the city’s hotels. This is an event designed to reach out to all beer drinkers and introduce them to a world of beer wider than domestic and international lagers. While it’s not likely to challenge Good Beer Week or the regular SpecTAPulars, it’s an important step for good beer to go mainstream in the River City…and the journey of a thousand beers starts with the first sip.

The Story Bridge Hotel’s Craft Beer Week will feature:

Meet the Brewer : every afternoon

These sessions will be conducted every afternoon from 5pm – 6pm, with live entertainment in the Shelter Bar from 5pm – 8pm. The sessions will allow patrons to meet the brewers, ask questions and gain a little more insight into the world of brewing.

Beer Masterclasses : Monday to Thursday

These will take place between Monday 18th and Thursday 21st from 6.30pm till 8pm in the Heritage Rooms at the Story Bridge Hotel. Hosted by different brewers each night, guests will taste eight different styles of beers. The evening promises a richer appreciation and understanding of their background, production and, most importantly, taste. Tickets are $20 per person, there are limited seats available, bookings essential 33912266.

• Monday July 18: Andrew Gowdie from James Squires Brewery.
• Tuesday July 19: Jeremy Halse of White Rabbit Brewery
• Wednesday July 20: Matt Kirkegaard for Coopers Brewery
• Thursday July 21: David Gowdie from the Matilda Bay Brewery

The James Squire BBQ School : Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Like a match made in heaven, the James Squire BBQ School is for those who love the quintessential Aussie pairing – beer and BBQ. On Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th from 11am till 3pm on the Shelter Bar Deck, Andrew Gowdie of James Squires will present a full 3-course BBQ Menu matched with James Squire Beers. $50 per person, there are limited seats available, bookings essential 33912266.

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