If you’re a lover of all things craft beer, then you’ll be spoilt for choice at The Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular, A.K.A GABS. The festival is bringing together the best breweries from Australia and New Zealand under one roof. There will also be epic eats to keep you going throughout the day and live entertainment as well.
It’s a place where tasting paddles become the new buffet and, as usual, the main drawcard of GABS is the exclusive list of unique and first-time brews that have been concocted for the festival. This year there are craft beers inspired by breakfast treats and savoury snacks plus delicious desserts and classic cocktails among the offering. but that’s not all…
This is one craft beer fest you won’t want to miss out on. Nab your tickets here.
We’ve even heard there’s a chicken salt-inspired brew on tap alongside other boundary-pushing and taste bud tantalising creations. From peanut butter, coffee and earl gray tea flavoured brews to pizza, gravy, fairy floss, bubblegum, and sour gummi bears, the list goes on. You’ll find them all in the three shipping containers fitted with 120 taps each and litres of beer. The best way to delight your senses will be to grab a paddle and order five different tasters at a time.
This year’s lineup of exhibitors ranges from new and emerging brands to the well-established. Breweries repping Victoria include Bad Shepherd Brewing Co, Blackman’s Brewery, Wolf Of The Willows Brewery, Colonial Brewing Co, Dollar Bill Brewing, Jetty Road Brewery and Westside Ale Works.
They’ll be joined by interstate brew legends such as 7th Day Brewery, Moorebeer Brewing Co, Seven Mile Brewing Co, Revel Brewing Co, BentSpoke Brewing Co, Mismatch Brewing Co and Beerland Brewing. From farther afield New Zealand’s Panhead Custom Ales and 8 Wired Brewing as well as Hong Kong’s Gweilo Beer are making the trip and coming in with the goods.
Although, if you’re not a beer drinker, then not to worry. There will be something for everyone at GABS Festival, including plenty of wines, seltzers, gin, and cocktails. Plus, you won’t just be filling up on bevvies either.
You can expect a tasty selection of street food, as well as circus performances, silent disco, panel discussions, roaming bands and more. Your ticket will also include a souvenir GABS Festival Glass and a guide to all the beer tasting notes.
GABS will be held at the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building across three days and five sessions on Friday 27 May (Session 1: 11.30am – 4.30pm, Session 2: 6.00pm – 11.00pm), Saturday 28 May (Session 3: 11.30am – 4.30pm, Session 4: 6.30pm – 11.30pm) and silly-hat Sunday 29 May (Session 5: 11.30am – 4.30pm).
So, what are you waiting for? Gather the gang for a tremendous day out tasting some of the best beer around.
Be sure to follow GABS Festival on socials @gabsfestival
Please drink responsibly.