ALERT WARNING: KETTLE ON & BISCUITS AT THE READY. THIS BLOG IS A MONSTER
Finally leaving Bali on a JetStar flight we were in for a little bit of luxury with being code share passengers where we got our own comfort pack. It was like receiving a present and people around us must have thought who, are these two scruffy buggers living it up? Another time change we touched down in Sydney in the early morning where we were greeted by our good friends Danny and Kathryn. It was time for welcome sign number three.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Fancy seeing you guys here |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| A little culture shock. What do they mean 'you will not be approached by taxi drivers'? |
<><>
Pretty tired and running on adrenaline it was great to finally be in Australia. The jumpers were straight on due to the cold weather after being used to the blistering heat for the past ten months. We headed to Bondi to check into Danny & Kathryn’s home which would be our base for the next ten days.
Our arrival day in Sydney was all about getting used to some home comforts, primarily sitting on a sofa with a duvet. We did venture out to the supermarket and what a culture shock that was. I spent two hours freaking out being surrounded by people who spoke English, wondering what to do if I ever got to the checkout and seeing if I could cope with the prices. It was a strange feeling I felt like I had been Asian-ised! Danny took me to a bottle shop to pick up a couple of six packs which we would be trying later that night.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Sofa Action |
<><>
The guys were sharing a nice house with another couple Andy and Jenna who they had met while travelling in South Africa. We spent the evening dining in on home cooked food with their friends while enjoying a James Boag’s and Coopers 62 Pilsner, a pleasant introduction into Australian Beers. I didn’t have long Down Under so I had to make the most of it.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Night in with new friends and home-cooked delights |
<><>
JAMES BOAG’S, PURE DRAUGHT BEER, TASMANIA, 4.6%ABV, 375ML BTL
As shown on the bottles label the legend of St George has been an emblem for J Boag & Son since brewing began on the banks of the Esk River, Launceston, Tasmania in 1881. It is said ‘to represent the courage and determination required to make fine beers in the uncompromising Tasmanian environment’. The beers are brewed with fine natural ingredients and pure Tasmanian water, so as you can see my first beer in Australia took me all the way to the south island, in mind and spirit if not in body. We’ll get back to the mainland soon enough. The brewery now a day’s is owned by Lion Nathan Ltd a Trans-Tasman subsidiary company of Kirin.
The James Boag’s Draught is a true Australian style lager. The brewery now produces about ten different beer products and they are all vegan, a nice fact for you.
The liquid itself is what you would come to expect, a nice clean, crisp blonde lager with rich flavours. Easy drinking and enjoyable but not mind blowing, very smooth and fresh. Definitely a step up from most Asian tipples as of late.
<><>
 |
<><>
| James Boag's Tasmanian Draught |
<><>
COOPERS 62, PILSNER STYLE, ADELAIDE-SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 5.0%ABV, 355ML BTL
The Cooper Family have been brewing quality beer since 1862 and the Coopers 62 is brewed and bottled in Regency Park, Adelaide, South Australia.
Being a fan of the Coopers Ale’s I was intrigued to try their Pilsner. Unfortunately overall I was left a little flat and disappointed.
The product looked with a clear light golden colour great but just missed the main thing a distinct Pilsner taste. It was not going on at all and was a little watery with a thin head. The aroma was OK with hints of wheat and citrus notes. The mouth feel was light but had way too much carbonation it was like an explosion had gone off in my mouth. To finish on a positive note the finish was crisp with mild (very!) bitterness.
Not for me this one but hats off to Coopers I love most of the brews and the work the brewery has done. This just left me a little confused, maybe trying a little hard for the non beer consuming Joe Blogs.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Coopers 62 Pilsner |
<><>
Now this is where from plenty of tasting in a past life I am going to introduce you to one of my favourite Australian beers.
LITTLE CREATURES, AMERICAN PALE ALE, FREMANTLE-WESTERN AUSTRALIA, 5.2%ABV
The brewery was started in 2000 by a group of the original brewers of the Matilda Bay Brewing Company. The name ‘Little Creatures’ is inspired by a song lyric from the Talking Heads album titled Little Creatures and refers to the live yeast cells that turn the sugars in malt wort into alcohol.
This beer was what introduced the hoppy U.S. Pale Ale Style to the Australian market with its flagship bottle conditioned beer where the yeast is added to every bottle of Little Creatures Pale Ale, allowing fermentation to continue right up until the point of drinking.
The independent craft brewery also produces Rogers Amber Ale, a Pilsner and a Golden Ale named Bright Ale. You can also chuck in an Apple Cider called Pipsqueak.
Now back to the original Little Creatures Pale Ale. It is made with bag loads of Cascade and Galaxy whole hop flowers that are sourced from hop growers in Victoria, Tasmania, and the U.S. This helps create an intense citrus and grapefruit aroma and flavour that is balanced with a mixture of carefully selected malts including a local pale malt made to Little Creatures very own specification.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Little Creatures Pale Ale |
<><>
We were really looking forward to our time in Sydney and getting the insight into what life would be like living away from the UK. Our time wasn’t going to be about backpackers in Sydney. It was more about being guests (with a tight budget).
It was nice that we were going to have a couple of weekends spending time with Danny and Kathryn as everyone would be working during the week.
Our first morning started with the Ultimate English Fry-Up before our own private tour guides whisked us off for the day. We crossed the amazing Sydney harbour bridge to the north shore where we enjoyed a coastal walk through Headland Park. It was a beautiful clear day where we enjoyed amazing views of the city and Danny gave us a tour in the eyes of a Landscape Architect (you will just never look at grass and trees the same again).
<><>
 |
<><>
| The English Breakfast & HP Sauce |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Enjoying the Headlands Park Walk |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Views out over the end of the harbour |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Great City Views... |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| & the Sydney Harbour. Jack Sparrow on his way in! |
<><>
Even though we were sleeping on a camp bed it was the most amazing camp bed we have ever slept in with some much needed nights of perfect sleep. Maybe this was just the feeling of being in someone’s home and feeling safe and not having to worry about our belongings for once.
During the week when everyone was working it was great that our good friend Carissa from the Big Apple who we volunteered with in Cambodia was also in the city for her last stop before heading home. It gave us a few days to catch up, swap stories and explore the city together. We met her down at the Sydney Opera House which was a fitting first stop in the city and it was incredible. We then explored the Royal Botanical Gardens, Circular Quay and The Rocks. We headed home on what would be our new best friend the 379 bus which took us back to Bondi through Paddington which looked like a cool hip neighbourhood.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Kate & Carissa with the Sydney Harbour Bridge |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| The Sydney Opera House |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| The Royal Botanical Gardens |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| The Rocks at Night |
<><>
Our ten days in Sydney were going to be quite a low key affair. It was great to get in the kitchen and enjoy some home cooked food which included meat balls, meat pies, cottage pie and an amazing Sunday Roast it was starting to remind us of home.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Hard at work in the kitchen... |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Sunday Roast being dished-up |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Danny just wanting to tuck in! Beer pic first lad... |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Food shot & of course I know that a darker beer would be a better pairing |
<><>
Remembering that it was winter in Oz at this time we did have some glorious days but we were rained off occasionally. Our first stab at the Bondi to Coogee walk with Carissa was a no go but it didn’t ruin the day because we got to the charity shop for a new leather belt to keep the trousers above my knees for once., living it up before having a night out at the North Bondi RSL Club. It was quiz night baby and the rebel gang came together for the suited and booted quiz master. I always enjoy a good pub quiz and we had a fun night out. We didn’t win, not even the paper aeroplane competition but Carissa’s friend Lochlin (apologies if spelt wrong) did pull out the envelope with $25 of free drink vouchers.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Quiz Night & Time for Paper Plane Throwing Comp |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| We don't answer questions. We just drink BEER! |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Carissa Signing Up her Pals in the U.S.??? |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Drum Roll Please |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Oh Yes...Drinks Vouchers |
<><>
This might sound a bit strange but after a few beers me, Kate, Carissa and Lochlin hit the toilets to take some pictures with the girls on the wall above the urinals. Howling with laughter it was time to leave while we were still on good terms with the bar staff. I just have to say these are the best toilets I have ever been in. Not ready to call it a night we decided to hit the Bondi Hotel Bar where I was able to add a few more to the numerous different beers already sampled this evening. These included Hahn’s Super Dry, Tooheys New, James Squire Sundown, Coopers Pale Ale, James Boag’s Draught and finally Carlton. Six Beers, one night equals good show.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Welcome to the Bondi RSL Men's Room. Now pick your favourite? |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Nice Choice Ladies |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| That Settles It! The Winner Is Girl Number 3 |
<><>
HAHN SUPER DRY, LOW CARB LAGER, NEW SOUTH WALES-AUSTRALIA, 4.6% ABV, TAP
Hahn Super Dry is brewed by Hahn Brewing Co in Sydney, Australia and was launched in October 2006.
Visually the colour was a light golden colour with an extreme carbonation. The head was very bubbly and airy with no cling. Moving onto the aroma it was quite pleasant with sweet malty tones with a hint of caramelised banana. The beer is brewed as a low-carb lager and you really could tell with the taste being non-existent. The grain had been stripped away and it was very light and watery. Also not much sign of any hops which meant nothing of a dry finish.
Overall pretty disappointed with the standard lager. The advertising and marketing is pretty entertaining though, check out the link below, and you can watch it without drinking it.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Hahn Super Dry-Tap |
<><>
TOOHEYS NEW, LAGER, NEW SOUTH WALES-AUSTRALIA, 4.6% ABV, TAP
The Tooheys Brewery was started by brothers John and James Toohey in 1869. In 1931 as Australia was finding its National Identity, Tooheys realised that there was a change in the Ozzie taste buds with more demand for a beer less English. A brew more suited to the hot climate was made and it was called Tooheys New Special Lager, better known today as Tooheys New.
The beer is a classic draught, easy drinking Australian lager. It has some malty character and light hops which offers quite a nice balance. Pure and simple it is a session beer used for refreshment and found everywhere running from the taps. Always seems to be served ice cold and is not offensive in the least. Well priced for the crazy prices of most alcohol in Sydney and would happily have more when having a crack with friends. Not really for you if you’re looking for flavour.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Tooheys New-Tap |
<><>
JAMES SQUIRE SUNDOWN, CRAFT LAGER, NEW SOUTH WALES-AUSTRALIA, 4.4% ABV, TAP
The James Squire trademark dates back to 1806, when First Fleet Convict James Squire built his brewery, The Malting Shovel Tavern, on the shores of the Parramatta River. 150 years on the legacy is brought to life with some great craft brews.
The James Squire Sundown Lager is the latest edition to the permanent Squire Beer range since 2008 and it allows for some crisp drinking with fresh grassy aromas with a hint of citrus.
The beer has a light amber colour, the frothy head didn’t last long and the beer seemed to have little carbonation. The aroma had some sweet malt, grass, honey and some toasted wholemeal bread, quite interesting and unexpected. The mouth feel was light and the taste was quite doughy, with burnt sugar and caramelised oranges. There did seem to be quite a lot going on but a little confusing because there were no dominating factors. Everything was a hint. It was however more enjoyable from the tap than the beers I had previously tasted this evening.
A local was kind enough to inform me that it was a beer from the brewers to be more of a session lager on a grander scale losing its craft heritage. He went on to say that the ales produced were fantastic and that he was a huge fan. Just not of the Sundown. It seems I will be on the hunt for the James Squire Ales.
<><>
 |
<><>
| James Squire Sundown Lager-Tap |
<><>
COOPERS GREEN LABEL, PALE ALE, ADELAIDE-AUSTRALIA, 4.6%ABV, TAP
The Coopers Brewery Ltd story began in the new established Australian Colony in 1862, and it all came from a brilliant accident. Thomas Cooper became a brewer when he created his first home brew batch as a tonic for his ill wife.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Sign In the Sky |
<><>
The Pale Ale is a great brew for an introduction to the Coopers Beer Family. It is in reach of most palettes and a great place to start.
Coopers Pale Ale pours a pale straw colour with a little haze throughout the body. The head was white, tight and sticks around for a while which I always see as a good early sign. The aroma had an organic feel with hoppy bitterness, straw, earth and a hint of green apples. Maybe even a smoky touch of tobacco. Maybe this was not quite what I had in mind as I found this combination unappealing for my own palette. The taste was a little bland. The earthy tones were dry with a slight metallic flavour and the bitterness from the middle to the end was too much, lacked a pleasant balance. The body was also light and the high carbonation seemed a little out of place in ale. Something was not quite right about this tipple on draught for me, much better in the bottle.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Coopers Original Pale Ale-Tap |
<><>
JAMES BOAG’S, TASMANIAN DRAUGHT FROM THE TAP, 4.6%ABV
Not going to waste much time here as we have already tried the bottle version. Pretty similar as it should be, but maybe not quite as crisp and the flavours seemed to be a little less apparent. As a tap version though there are much worse around. OK if on a session with friends on a sunny afternoon.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Boag's Draught-Tap |
<><>
CARLTON DRAUGHT, PALE LAGER, VICTORIA-AUSTRALIA, 4.6% ABV, TAP
Carlton United Breweries was formed in 1907 and five years later the breweries tug-of-war team took the World Championships in Sydney. At the time it was said that brewery men were respected, more muscular and better nourished than men from other trades, ‘must mean that beer is good for you’.
Carlton Draught’s is now brewed by Carlton & United Beverages a subsidiary of the Foster’s Group. Its home state is Victoria but it is sold on draught in all the other Australian states and is one of the most popular draught lager options. Originally the beer had a 5.0% Abv but this was changed in 2003 when the alcohol content was reduced to 4.6% in response to increased alcohol taxes introduced by the Federal Government at the time. Like most Australian lagers they use a wortstream brewing process and use a portion of cane sugar to thin out the body. This is done because of consumer preference, apparently!
The liquid pours a pale yellow colour with very high carbonation, much like a soft drink. The aroma is very faint with maybe a little grain. The flavour is pretty dull with a little malty sweetness and no hops anywhere. Light body with no aftertaste a little like water. On a positive note you could easily sink a few without realising when with friends so served cold on a social occasion/session might do the trick. Would not run out to buy another but no worse than the tap beers found by its side.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Carlton Draught-Tap |
<><>
PURE BLONDE, LOW CARB LAGER, VICTORIA-AUSTRALIA, 4.6%ABV, TAP
Pure Blonde in brewed by Carlton & United Breweries which is part of the Fosters Group and was introduced to the Australian Market in 2004 as the country’s first low carb beer. The Pure range also includes Pure Blonde Naked Lager and Pure Blonde White Lager which is a wheat beer.
The Pure Blonde Premium Lager inspired an avalanche of low carb beers but seven years on it is still the most popular in its class especially amongst the diehard health fanatics. Expecting another standard Aussie lager I was quietly surprised. Don’t get me wrong it is still a regular high volume lager but it did seem to retain some positive notes. It had more of a full flavour, was crisp and had a nice aromatic quality. With having 70% fewer carbohydrates than a regular full strength beer it was not half bad. Refreshing even if was not something I would usually go for.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Pure Blonde-Tap |
<><>
It was great that we had managed to meet up with Carissa. Before she headed off we managed to have one final day with her. We wandered down through Kings Cross and Potts Point where she introduced us to Harry’s World Famous Pie Shop which was awesome especially for a Pie Man like me.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Nice Houses & Architecture from Kings Cross down to Potts Point |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Lunchtime & the Runners of Sydney are out in force as per usual. Makes you feel a little unhealthy... |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| ...especially when your off to Harry's Pie Shop... |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| ...the girls putting in our order... |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| ...& if its good enough for the KFC Colonel... |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| ...its good enough for me. Awesome Meat Pie, piled with Mash, covered with Mushy Peas, topped with Gravy xxx |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| OK then thanks for the heads up |
<><>
We also explored more of the city including Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay Wharf and some amazing shopping arcades which included QVB (Queen Victoria Building) and The Strand. It was sad to say goodbye to Carissa but we hope to see her in NYC soon and hope she settles back into life and the real world after her journey.
<><>
 |
<><>
| In the city the harbour seems to be a sight from every turn |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Darling Harbour |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Cockle Bay Wharf |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Sydney Tower |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Queen Victoria outside the QVB |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| The Strand shopping arcade. Beautiful place reminding me of the Victoria Quarter in Leeds |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Hunting for Ugg Boots Downunder seemed to be a must but this is ridiculous. We need 1 for the left foot as well! |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| The realisation HITS! Minutes after Carissa left I had forgotten to share the White Tim Tam Biscuit in my bag. Nooooo!!! |
<><>
It was nice to finally have some leisurely days to recharge the batteries after our stretch in Asia before we hit South America.
We got quite into the Bondi lifestyle chilling in cafes drinking Lattes and you knew when the weekend was about to hit because Marshy arrived home buzzing and bouncing for the weekend.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Bondi our new Aussie Home away from Home |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Chilling at Cafe Bondi... |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| This is the life. Kick back with Tea & Lattes... |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| ...& get some writing done |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Some local street art in surf-town Bondi |
<><>
Danny and Kathryn took us to a cool Falafel joint and a trip to Watson’s bay with a nightcap of hot chocolates at the unique cafe Katipo which was on Bondi road. It was great to have a nice night out together discussing life and what the future may hold.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Sabbaba Falafel Joint |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Doyles-124 years of Fish & Chips, a washed out Watsons Bay |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Living on the edge. A white hot choc nightcap at Bohemien Cafe Katipo |
<><>
I probably need to mention at this time with our final weekend looming that the ash cloud from Chile was not looking good. A Qantas flight hadn’t gone on time to Buenos Aires for the past month, fingers crossed. We had to keep checking daily so we would be good to go when needed.
Our final Saturday was an amazing day where the four of us decided to tackle the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Danny and I did find making it to the walk was a little strange at times, especially when we saw Kate and Kathryn walking into people’s front yards where you see them selling their belongings. This apparently is a popular Aussie past time, as is leaving unwanted goods on the street for any passersby to claim. Our lovely hosts picked up a table, not before the walk I may add.
<><>
 |
<><>
| We'll have that. Anybody fancy a TV or plug in heater? |
<><>
It was a perfectly clear day for the walk with some amazing views as we passed through the different bays including Tamarama and Bronte to name a couple. The highlight of the walk was seeing lots of Dolphins sharing the surf with the local surfers, just an amazing sight. <><>
 |
<><>
| Down at Bondi Beach. Time to hit the Bondi to Coogee Walk |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Nice winter day looking back towards Bondi |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Surfers out with the Dolphins. Amazing Sight |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| The Coastal Walkway |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| All the walks are so well built and organised-Free outdoor activities and lifestyle |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| 7-8 Km later. We make it. Yeeesssss! |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Bondi to Coogee is a must just watch out for the traffic of fitness fanatics |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| The renouned Coogee Bay Hotel. I heard this place serves more beer than anywhere else in Australia. We like that fact! |
<><>
It was time for a Saturday night out in the city but before getting ready I helped Danny with a house move for one of his friends Mike. It was pretty funny, four guys getting a huge sofa down the stairs of a brand spanking new apartment building praying we didn’t scratch the walls. As soon as we touched the thing we managed to nearly take a door frame off. One lasting memory I will have of this experience, you’ll know what i mean if you watch Friends is Pivot, Pivot, Pivot. When wetting your pants, strength vanishes.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Before a night on the tiles. A funny sign we saw in the window of a bottle shop about Intoxication and when you can't be served. Try and have a read! |
<><>
We had a great night on the tiles in Sydney with our first port of call being the Summit Restaurant/Orbit Bar which is situated 47 floors above the city and rotates. Amazing panoramic views, great ambience, fireworks over Darling Harbour and quality drinks were enjoyed. I was able to try the James Squire Amber Ale while Kate just loved the red wine; she was sharing none of it. Although she is a fan of good beer she was glad to be off the beer sampling for a night.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Panoramic views from the Orbit Bar |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Saturday night fireworks over Darling Harbour-8.30pm every week |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Great drinks, Kate enjoying her Red Wine |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| D & K Cocktails & Spirits |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Sydney alive at night with lights |
<><>
http://www.summitrestaurant.com.au/orbitbartapas/orbitbar/tabid/2977/language/en-US/Default.aspx
JAMES SQUIRE ORIGIONAL, AMBER ALE, NEW SOUTH WALES-AUSTRALIA, 5.0%ABV, 345ML BTL
<><>
 |
<><>
| James Squire Amber taking in the view |
<><>
Here are a few more words about the legend that is James Squire. Soon after his arrival he was caught stealing supplies to brew Australia’s first beer and the result was so palatable that the colony’s ranking offices only gave him 150 lashes.
Today’s revived Malt Shovel Brewery is in a former furniture factory that dates back to 1900. This brewery was established in 1988 by an American Chuck Hahn, who had previously worked for Coors. Since being headhunted to brew in Australia he was the man that encouraged the birth of more flavoursome beers in Australia, which as we can still see is renowned for light, sweetish tasting lagers.
‘James Squire Original Amber Ale is a handcrafted blend of Pale and Crystal malts, three distinct hops and 140 year old top fermenting ale yeast’. It had taken me a while but at last a beer that I could take seriously in Australia. Inevitable that it would be Ale and Amber Ale at that.
The liquid pours a deep copper colour with a creamy head. It also has a full flavour while at the same time being soft in body. The aroma is warming with Christmas spice and hops which flows through the beer with a balanced nutty dry finish, along the way introducing you to a delicious malty creaminess, with rich fruits and marmalade. Refreshing and rewarding. I now have restored faith in Australian beer but you really do need to hunt them out.
<><>
 |
<><>
| James Squire Original Amber Ale |
<><>
Back down on the city streets we passed the oldest pub in Sydney, Fortunes of War established in 1828 before making our way to The Rocks to try and find the Lord Nelson Brew Pub. Nobody seemed to know where it was probably a good thing as we persevered and found the little gem and it was packed so you must need to be in the know and we were in the know. It was a great place with the brewery on show and it was like walking into the greatest British country pub you could imagine. A little parting gift for Danny, I think this could be his new local. Kate still loving the red wine but this didn’t matter because I had a new beer buddy and me and Danny sampled four of the house ales which were lush. A great night had by all.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Back at ground level. Sydney's Oldest Pub |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Off beer duty for once Kate was never sharing the Vino Tinto |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| That was fine. I now have a beer buddy in the form of Mr Daniel Marsh. 'Whoever blinks first gets the next round' |
<><>
THE LORD NELSON BREWPUB, THE ROCKS, SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES-AUSTRALIA
<><>
 |
<><>
| We eventually found The Lord Nelson |
<><>
On 1st May 1841 William Wells before selling had once owned a pub across the street firstly called the Sailors Return followed by the Quarryman’s Arms. He then obtained a liquor license for his home which he called The Lord Nelson. It is now the city’s longest running brewpub and it has been pumping out English-style Ales for more than two decades. Its home is a beautiful historic sandstone corner building and it is a must find for all ‘beer perverts’ out there. Once you pass the threshold you are entering a different world. This is a world where you can sample and enjoy a number of the in-house brews...
<><>
 |
<><>
| A true English style pub with bags of atmosphere & beer lovers |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Old beer barrel hanging from the ceiling |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Where the good stuff is made. The brewery on show |
<><>
VICTORY BITTER, BRITISH PALE ALE, 5.0%ABV
Amber in colour this malty pale ale called Victory is mixed with caramel overtones. It is generously hopped with Fuggles for a spicy bitter finish. Great start, next...
<><>
 |
<><>
| A great partnership from the brewpub |
<><>
OLD ADMIRAL, STRONG ALE, 6.1%ABV
The Lord Nelsons Old Admiral pours red with black highlights. This strong, full bodied, malt driven ale has hints of caramel, toffee and dark fruit, balanced with plenty of hop bitterness and a warming afterglow. Yum-Yum...
<><>
 |
<><>
| The boys with an actual pint glass. Non of those little scooner things. Old Admiral & Victory Bitter |
<><>
QUAYLE ALE, SUMMER ALE, 4.5%ABV
This beer has a gentle balance between, Pilsner, Wheat Malts and Saaz Hops ‘A warm weather quaffer’! It pours a pale golden colour. Refreshing...
<><>
 |
<><>
| Round Two, 3 Sheets and mine is the Quayle Summer Ale |
<><>
3 SHEETS, AUSTRALIAN PALE ALE, 5.0%ABV
Our final beer of the evening poured a medium golden colour. It had delightfully balanced malt, overtones of herbaceous hop characters, citrus floras and aromas, another stunner. The Lord Nelson-DONE!!!
<><>
 |
<><>
| 3 Sheets Tap |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| The Beer Buddies agree. Cracking find, great night |
<><>
We couldn’t believe how quickly our time in Sydney was passing as it was already our final day. Feeling a little ropey (I am now a very cheap date) we got moving and visited the awesome Bondi market. Kate would have bought everything in sight if she could. The day was then rounded off at Nelsons Bay for a perfect sunset and picture perfect views of Sydney Harbour before heading back to Bondi Beach for our final Aussie meal of fish & chips from the chippy which were enjoyed on the bench overlooking the Bondi surf.
<><>
 |
<><>
| Back to Bondi final day in Sydney |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| The local Sunday Market very Artisan |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Beautiful Nelsons Bay |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Enjoying our final day in Oz |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
Danny & Sunday's paper and a Coffee
|
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Waiting for the sun to come down on Sydney, Australia |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Beautiful colour at sunset |
<><>
<><>
 |
<><>
| Sydney Harbour gets ready for bed... |
<><>
A little bit surreal but our last activity was probably not what you would expect from visiting Bondi and that was the winter festival on the sand, Ice skating, German market, Christmas Trees and hot Chai Lattes giveaways.
 |
| A true Christmas Festival, Xmas Trees & Beach Sand |
 |
| If its free i'll have 5 |
 |
| Ice Skating on Bondi Beach-Surreal |
 |
| I think I should be at the front?-Nice flowing locks |
 |
| Team Puppet Show/Sunset/Sunrise/Train/Bus and finally Bobsleigh Signing Off |
How could I nearly forget one of my favourite things about my time in Australia! The introduction to the Tim Tam biscuits and I still can’t work out which are my favourite, classic, double coated, caramel or white chocolate? But you have to understand it’s not just the biscuit it’s how you eat the biscuit that counts. It is known as the Tim Tam challenge and Danny will now demonstrate....
It was time to pack our rucksacks for the final leg of our adventure. It was great to meet their new friends in Sydney including of course Andy and Jenna and a huge thank you for our good friends Danny and Kathryn for putting us up. Meeting up with them time after time on our trip has been a delight and we now share so many great memories together. It was sad to say our goodbyes and we wish them all the best for the future and their new lives down under. Who knows when or where we will see them again.
Cheers Oz and Sydney we have had a blast and thanks for the Ale.
It was time to catch our 15 hour Qantas Flight across the Pacific Ocean, time for our first time travelling experience of the trip. We took off on Monday morning only to land in Argentina 20 minutes later on the same day. At least on the flight I was able to sample my final Australian beer James Squire Golden Ale. With being mid flight I will still class this as sampling an Australian Beer in Australia.
 |
| On time & ash cloud out of the way. Next stop Buenos Aires |
 |
| Qantas will be getting us there. The new time travel machine |
 |
| My final Aussie purchase at Sydney Airport was of course a Tim Tam |
JAMES SQUIRE GOLDEN ALE, AMERICAN PALE ALE, NEW SOUTH WALES-AUSTRALIA, 4.5%ABV, 345ML CAN
 |
| Free-James Squire cans of ale on board-Perfect |
Hello Qantas in-flight refreshment and all at the end of a call button.
The Golden Ale out of a can into a plastic cup (well you can’t have everything) poured a pale golden amber with a good creamy head which left lots of lacing. The aroma was of floral hops with citrus notes and a fruity edge of passion fruit and grape, quite tropical. The flavour was mostly sweet malt with a toasted edge and fruitiness balanced out well with a gentle hoppy bitterness. It had a great medium body with creamy carbonation, overall a brew with nice flavours that was extremely enjoyable and a great way to leave Sydney. Signing off or putting a close to the Aussie beer experience. One thing that I did find puzzling was everybody else on board seemed to go for Heineken. Not enough energy to educate I am afraid.
 |
| James Squire Golden Ale |
One final note and it might just be my preference but when it comes to Australian beers. The ales win hands down.
 |
| Crossing the Chilean Mountains on route into Argentina. Hello South America |
Hola Argentina as we touched down in Buenos Aires. It looked like we would be living Monday 4th July 2011 not once but twice.
Welcome to Argentina, South America. The countdown is on, 8 weeks to go of the World Adventure.
