While they may not have enjoyed Australia’s brand of cricket, it seems that the Brits rather like Australian beer. Hot on the heels of the success of Redoak, Hawthorn and 4 Pines at last year’s International Beer Challenge, another Aussie brewer has picked up a top title in the UK.
Earlier this year, Richard Adamson, head brewer and co-founder of Young Henrys, was invited to England by the organisers of the JD Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival. There he hooked up with Banks Brewery (pictured above brewing the beer) to create a traditional real ale version of his Real Ale. He was one of 10 international brewers invited to make a special beer for the festival – his third invite to take part – with 30 British brewers also creating new beers for the nationwide event.
At a launch event at the Trent Bridge Inn in Nottingham, a team of judges from breweries, the festival, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) sampled all 40 beers, with Richard’s Real Ale judged best in its class and taking out the Gold Medal as best overall beer in the festival too.
“I wasn’t even aware they did this,” says Richard. “They used to have an online poll of drinkers in which I managed to take the trophy on the previous two occasions I have taken part, but to take best beer of the festival is fantastic.
“When I came back to the guys [at Young Henrys] I said, ‘Don’t expect too much.’ I enjoy English bitters and drank some fantastic ones while I was over there so I thought we would get comments that it was a nice pint but not much more, but obviously the Aussie hops shone through. We used Ella, Topaz and Galaxy, with the star of the show probably the Topaz. The result has been backed up with what we are seeing on Untappd as the punters are really enjoying it too.”
The title is a welcome fillip at what is a busy time for Young Henrys. They turn two this month, after enjoying an incredible start to life in Newtown. A new brewery is due to be installed to make it easier to fill their recently arrived, much larger tanks and they’re about to release their 500th brew, a double version of their popular Hop Ale called Hop Van Damme.
“Since we started, we have doubled our capacity three times,” says Richard. “[Before launching] we set and together, Oscar, Ben and myself, and decided what we wanted the company to stand for and we have stuck to it. I think that has been the secret to our success: let’s make great beer but let’s have fun. Let’s get into the things that we love, like the arts and culture.”
Given how synonymous the brewery has become with Newtown, it seems amazing that initially they were looking to open in Surry Hills but were unable to get the requisite permits. Now they are on every other tap in the suburb, as well as its surrounds, and have even brewed a Newtowner beer.
“The people of Newtown are massively supportive,” says Richard. “We wouldn’t have had this success without them. Being here suits who we are better.
“Oscar and Ben have lived here many years and I used to come down here as a teenager seeking out inner-city punk bands.”
With former True South and Old Salt head brewer at Sam Fí¼ss in place and settling into the team, things look bright for the brewery. They even have another rockstar collaboration on the horizon. Last year, for their Rockstar Brews event at Cherry Bar during Good Beer Week, they originally intended to have Frenzal Rhomb on the bill. Jay Whalley’s nasty illness prevented that taking place, with the event rearranged for Melbourne’s Corner Hotel at this year’s festival instead. Discussions are underway as to what the beer will be, with a rather unusual ingredient being considered.
“We are experimenting with Jay’s dreads to see if we can get some yeast out of it. But the main battle is over the name,” says Richard.
They have narrowed it down to two options, however: Dick Sandwich or Punch in the Face.
The Young Henrys / Frenzal Rhomb beer will be launched at the band’s gig on May 23. Support will come from Front End Loader, will be bring a fresh batch of their 666 for the event. Tickets are available here.
