Media Release

Weihenstephaner Kreuz des Südens set to shine under the ‘Southern Cross’

Australian-German relations will reach new heights in May, when the world’s oldest brewery brings a very special treat to Melbourne’s Good Beer Week for 2014. Bavaria’s Weihenstephan Brewery has created a beer – dubbed Kreuz des Südens (German for ‘Southern Cross’) – especially for the festival, and brew master Frank Peifer will join local enthusiasts as this strictly-limited, keg-only treasure pours on our shores.

The beer in question has been given a distinctly Australian flavour and reflects the sense of connection, and affection, that Bavaria’s state brewery has with, and for, the Australian market. Weihenstephan’s repeated and regular success at the Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA’s) – where it has collected a whole cabinet of trophies since 2003 – has certainly helped in that regard.

“Every year, the awards confirm to the world how many beer lovers and connoisseurs you can find in Australia; [drinkers] who not only appreciate light lager beers but are also very open-minded to new specialties,” says Frank.

“This gives us, the brew masters, the opportunity to show people how vast the possibilities of the brewing process are – even within the confines of the Purity Law [or Reinheitsgebot].

“We are very pleased to brew Kreuz des Südens exclusively and especially for the Australian market, as Australia is one of our most important partners when it comes to bringing Weihenstephaner beer to people all over the world!”

This ‘Special Edition’, small-batch brew makes use of Australian Galaxy hops and a combination of two top-fermenting yeasts – one traditionally Bavarian and the other a wine yeast. According to Frank, the result is an integration of Weihenstephan’s classic, unfiltered Wheat Beer characters – banana and clove spice – and more exotic lychee, mango and passion fruit flavours. Hardly surprising, then, that Good Beer Week – which coincides with the AIBA’s – will be rolling out the welcome mat for Weihenstephan’s brew master, and his very special Süd’s.

“When we heard Frank was travelling to Melbourne for Good Beer Week, we were delighted that the head brewer from the world’s oldest brewery thought our festival was worth travelling across the planet for,” says festival director James Smith. “That he has created a brand new brew – one featuring Australian ingredients to boot – is a real honour.

“I look forward to tasting it at events during the week, especially when it appears on the line-up at our highlight ‘Foodie’ event, the ‘Mega Dega’.”

For those who won’t be in Melbourne for its annual celebration of beer at its best, there’s a chance that the brew might come to you. Phoenix Beers – Weihenstephan’s Australian Agent – is currently looking at the possibility of taking Kreuz des Südens to other Australian cities while Frank is in the country. More details on all the relevant events as they’re confirmed, so cross your fingers, break out the lederhosen, and get ready for a celebration of Bavarian über-brewing in May!

For more information, please contact Todd Barac, Phoenix Beers National Sales Manager – Ph: (08) 9275 0955 / 0417 170 771 or E-mail: Todd@phoenixbeers.com.au.