Beer Geeks Rejoice! 

A set of four super informative Q&As, delectable tastings and tantalising talks will load up beer fans with all they need to know at this year’s Beer & BBQ Festival. The Festival is set to run over the weekend of July 8,9 and 10, with the brilliant Beer Geek Sessions taking place on Saturday, July 9 from 1pm. Head along to learn up on how to break into the brewing industry, which local beer goes best with which meat and much more in these 45 minute sessions. Read on to learn how to get the very beery best out of the day.

1pm: BEER INDUSTRY (FREE)

Kick off the day with a trip through the ups and downs, trials and tribulations that are synonymous with starting your own delicious brew factory. If you’re looking for the inside word on how to get started in the trade, this session is for you. The Crafty Pint’s James Smith will guide a panel of some of Australia’s best established brewers on their highs and lows in the industry. In this discussion and Q&A session, the audience is encouraged to quiz Smith’s guests on what it takes to cut it in the rapidly growing and diverse industry.

2pm: BBQ MASTERCLASS (FREE)

The humble BBQ is far from a simple thing. Sure, you can throw some snags on a hot plate and feed a crowd, but can you cook up an authentic, American-style meat feast? Dougal McFuzzlebutt of McFuzzlebutt’s Manchen fame is ready to guide attendees through BBQ best practice in a mouth watering class of BBQ 101. From the cuts of meat, to seriously good marinades and rubs, to putting together the best techniques and styles the US tradition of BBQ has to offer, this event will equip you with the skills to blow the socks off everyone crowded around the barbie.

3pm: DIRECTION OF THE BEER INDUSTRY (FREE)

Back to beer now with this afternoon session focussing on the grand and growing future of the beer industry. The craft beer market is frothing over with interest and new players at the moment. It’s uncapped and there’s no putting this genie back in the proverbial stubbie. More breweries, incredible variety and ever higher quality is pushing the industry forward at a breakneck rate. James Smith returns with another panel of seasoned industry pros to chat about where this exploding growth is headed. Covering topics like the battle between cans and bottles, growing selections and market saturation, this will be a look into the crystal ball of beer’s barrelling future.

4pm: BITES AND BREWS ($20 TICKETS)

The afternoon will come to a fizzy crescendo in this meeting of the minds, and the ultimate pairing: Bites and Brews. No BBQ is complete without a tasty beverage, and what goes better with beer than fresh cooked BBQ. Dougall McFuzzlbutt will return to the stage with a trio of brewers to pair three hot dishes with three cold beers. While the audience munches and sips away, the crew will chat about the best way to pair beers with food to bring the very best out of each other. After this session, you’ll never be left clueless before the bottleshop fridge next time you’re hosting a cook up again. Admission is free for the first three sessions and the fourth carries a $20 charge with limited places available.Book now to secure your spot. adelaidebeerfest.com.au This article is sponsored by Beer & BBQ Festival