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El Loco at the Slip Inn and Aguila Beer
El Loco Hot Dog and Quesadilla
One of Back of the Ferry’s most loyal correspondents, members and readers is returning to New Zealand, and so began the first leg of his work farewell. Another loyal BotF member was up from Melbourne, and we couldn’t mark the farewell on the ferry, the next best thing was to go to a local pub and try some thing new. I used to be pretty dark on the Slip Inn. My primary reason was quite irrational, and that was that it was in the opposite direction to the ferry. I’ve gotten more used to it over the last couple of years (though only if I visit at lunch, knowing I have to return to work – rather than the end of the day. The food wasn’t bad either, but the beer list never challenged.
El Loco menu part 1
So, when Cam suggested a quick farewell beverage to Kiwisinoz, it was about convenience more than anything new. Well, surprise – surprise, the Slip Inn’s had a Mexican makeover (day of the dead wallpaper) in the front bar and the menu’s been updated to match. There’s a Mexican cocktail list and plenty of tacos, quesadillas and churros as well as some main courses – featuring grilled meats with various Mexican sauces. The menu’s hardly haute cuisine, but the hot dogs we all had and the Chorizo and Jalapeno quesadilla I snuck absolutely hit the spot when speed and substance were key. I’ll definitely be back for another crack at the menu including some of the more substantial specials featuring ribs and the like. It’s all under the name El Loco at Slip Inn, and is apparently the brain child of one of Merivale’s star chefs – Dan Hong.
Menu Part 2
As mentioned above, Slip Inn’s beer list is pedestrian, so I’ve had to reach back to the weekend for this post’s unique beer. I tried this blog’s first Colombian beer on the rooftop of the Glenmore Hotel. The highlight of Aguila Beer is its label. Aguila is made by the Cervecería De Barranquilla, which is now part of the SABMiller group. It probably is made in Colombia, but tastes like any old macro that SABMiller flog around the world. Colombia – ticked off.
Aguila from Colombia
3 new beers at 4 Pines
I don’t need a reason to get to the stationary spiritual home of Back of the Ferry, but extra incentive has been provided by the arrival of 3 new beers to the Keller Door family. Photo says it all really.
Before the local derby, I tried two of the three – the Mosaic Amber and the Belgian Dubbel. Mosaic was the slight winner on the day. A brassy, sharp amber with more hop than malt. Great finish and very sessionable. That’s it next to the chalkboard The Dubbel knits a good beer coat. It holds its alcohol content well and it is a big complex mouthfeel. Big fan of both. Might get to the Oatmeal after the game.
The Great Northern – Carlton, Tusk and Dead Guy Ale
Tusk
There’s been plenty of hype in the pointy end of the Craft Beer community about the release of Tusk, Feral Brewing Company‘s infrequently released Imperial IPA. The hype is due to the fact that Feral Brewing Company has won more awards that Ben Hur, the strict conditions under which outlets are able to take on this beer and its blink and it’s gone time frame. To be honest, I didn’t give it much thought because I thought that my chances of getting to a venue serving it in the short window foreshadowed were slimmer than Lamb0 after his return from Sri Lanka.
Dead Guy Ale
Low and behold, I found myself having to do in a fly-in-fly-out trip to Carlton – without any certainty of sneaking any visit into any fine Carlton establishment. Stars aligned and the next thing I knew, I was enjoying a quick lunch in a pub I’d been wanting to visit for a while. The Great Northern has been on the radar and whilst it was a fleeting visit, it ticks many boxes and I’ll be back as soon as possible. The Great Northern had clearly met Feral’s conditions in relation to Tusk and is one about 10 venues selling it. According to Crafty Pint, they are “venues who have guaranteed that there will be cold refrigerated transport from brewery to bar and that it will be tapped the instant it arrives“. Highly regarded US Imperial or Double IPAs like Pliny the Elder emphasise this need to engage in as immediate consumption as possible, so this isn’t hyperbole on Feral’s part. So what’s it like? This is as big a beer made by an Australian brewer as I’ve had. My companion for the day simply went “Phew!”. He immediately commented on the alcohol. Without prompting he reckoned it tasted spirituous. Interesting reaction from a bloke that doesn’t drink craft often. Tusk is a classic sipper, squintly so on the first taste – but one that works up to a magnificent crescendo as it goes on. I was actually keen for a second – but at 9.5%, on this instance, one was enough. Delighted to have had a crack at the Tusk
Worth a visit to Carlton
The Great Northern is putting on an event during “Good Beer Week“, where thirteen of their taps will be turned over to some of the USA’s finest. They are clearly warming up to that event. They have a good range of Bridgeport beers available in their bottle, there’s plenty of Brooklyn Beer paraphernalia up and they have an iconic beer on tap – Rogue‘s Dead Guy Ale. The tap head’s marvellous and the beer’s even better. The back stories of many of Rogue’s beers are pretty interesting – not surprising for a craft brewer that’s been around since 1989. Dead Guy was a private label for a Day of the Dead promo many years ago. It was so popular it became a perennial name for Rogue’s Maibock – and the tap handle is iconic as they come. Bloody fine beer that held it’s own despite coming after the Tusk. I will return to the Great Northern – if that could be during Good Beer Week – even better.
Rhett – a long overdue inductee
It’s been a long time between inductions. The stars aligned on this one and our latest inductee was welcomed by no less than 5 salty seadogs, including Lamb0 who’s
been absent from the BotF for some time.
Our latest member, Rhett, was treated to full blown BotF experience including beverages at favourite BotF haunts before and after the voyage. Frankie’s Pizza didn’t fail to disappoint with its usual eclectic range of tap beers including a Rhubarb Wit. The post voyage venues almost don’t need to be stated – but 4 Pines and Murrays got a run.
So to the questions.
Favourite beverage Tooheys New (seriously)
Favourite sport to spectate Test cricket
Area of trivial expertise War
Induction ceremony witnessed by Pommy_ch, Lamb0, Gerald, Oompaloompa and Bladdamasta.
Groovin’ the Moo, Canberra and Carlton Dry 3.5
Kim rules the crowd
First held in 2005, the Groovin’ the Moo has been growing size and popularity as a musical festival for alternative acts that is held in oddish locations. First held in Gloucester, the 2013 version has been through or will be held in Maitland, Canberra, Bunbury, Townsville and Bendigo. There’s a common line-up at all venues, with local bands opening. 6 bands played in 2005 – at least 27 bands appeared on the 2013. On the weekend, I effectively chaperoned 5 teenage girls to the 11 hour concert in Canberra. They were far more familiar with many of the Canberra line-up than I was, but there were enough acts to keep me interested.
Regurgitator
The big names (those that I’d heard of anyway] included Regurgitator, the Kooks, They Might Be Giants, Tame Impala, Temper Trap and Flume. The first three acts, in particular were fabulous. The ‘Gurge were wonderful. They played at twilight and played during the setting of the sun. Their blend of thrash, tongue in cheek lyrics and ebullient stage craft simply delighted the crowd. A great Australian band – the crowd went beserk. They Might Be Giants played some new stuff, but wheeled out their big hit “Dr Worm” (but not “You’re not the Boss of Me”). Really, really solid set and great show men. The Kooks were simply awesome. They fed off the crowd enthusiasm and just rocked out.
The Kooks
The suprise act for me was Matt and Kim. I had absolutely no idea who these guys were. I’ve spent plenty of time since looking at their clips on YouTube and reading up on their history. Boyfriend and girlfriend, Matt and Kim put on one of the most unique and wild live performances I’ve had the pleasure to see. Matt plays a keyboard and Kim thrashes a very simple kit with the vigour of John Bonham. She takes it to a new level with multiple ascents of her bass drum to engage the crowd with foul mouthed exhortations and gyrations that have to be seen to be believed. Her venture into the crowd, standing on the hands of an adoring audience was visually stunning. Two people creating so much noise is remarkable, even if some of it is computer generated. If you ever see these guys playing near by – get out and see them.
Crap Beer
The beer list was appalling. I was being the responsible chaparone so was grateful for the presence of some mid-strength beers, but gees – I may as well have drunk water. Carlton Dry 3.5 (apparently especially made for festivals) is the worst beer I’ve drunk. It’s water with some carbonation and light dusting of beer flavouring. I’m convinced that when a beer states on a label “Smooth Finish” it really means no discerbible flavour. Once ticked off, I actually moved to real water for the rest of the day.
ANZAC Day 2013 and Monteith’s Autumn Amber Ale
A very early start this morning. I went to an ANZAC dawn service on Manly’s Corso. I wasn’t alone. I reckon another 700 people ranging from young kids to 80 year olds braved the early hour to pay their respects to our fallen soldiers. I must admit I was puzzled by the start time for the “dawn” service (4.25am), when sunrise wasn’t until 6.23am. A quick text exchange with a mate who had been in the army explained that the first Australian hit the shore of what is now ANZAC Cove at 4.25am. That Australian died. The service was solemn, reserved and respectful. One can’t but be moved by the lone bugler’s tune hanging in the air. It’s hard to read about the Gallipoli campaign, an exercise in utter futility, without getting emotional. It’s undoubtedly fused Aussies and Kiwis together and serves as the way to honour the 100,000 plus Australians that have died in war (still dying).
Respects paid, it’s time to raise a glass. Fortuitously, I had a stubbie of a new variety Monteith’s. Their Autumn Amber Ale is a single batch brew that is a terrific blend of malt and hops. Quite a fan of this one. ANZAC Day is as much about the Kiwis as the Aussies, so cheers to NZ on this day.
Lest we forget.
The Smugglers Inn, Stanley and Edelweiss Snowfresh
The Smugglers Inn
It’s only a 45 minute bus ride from the skyscrapers and constant noise and motion of Hong Kong’s Central District to a place that feels a world away. Stanley is on the south side of Hong Kong Island and is well worth a visit. In one respect it can be microcosm of Hong Kong in that there’s a market with stalls and haggling and a bar street that can probably get pretty raucous, but it’s in a lovely setting overlooking Stanley Bay with a promenade, a pier and a beach nearby.
Wonder if anyone drinks it?
The bars all line up along Stanley Main Street and whilst there might be a couple of classy restaurants hidden here or there, the majority of these places look like watering holes and party places first and foremost. It would be a great place for a pub crawl, particularly if you want to minimise walking. Like LKF, the beers lists aren’t challenging – but Vern’s Place looked like it had a decent range of British Bottled Beer. Many offer outside stools where you pitch up and have a good session of people watching. The sunset would probably go off as well.
Classy
Now THAT’s classy
I couldn’t go past The Smuggler’s Inn. It’s low ceiling is covered with business cards and currency signed by visitors over years. It was eerily similar to a bar I visited in Mexico in 2007 that inspired much of the internal decoration of the Cantina in my backyard. There’s a jukebox, a tight range of tap beers and plenty of spirits. Even though it was only 4pm in the afternoon – a crowd of tattoed younger folk decided it was early enough to start ripping into a few shots. The bathrooms had some of the more tasteful door signage to indicate who goes wear. Clearly a trademark, as this signage also features on their souvenir t-shirts – a painting shirt I think.
Cantinaesque
They did offer a unique on tap, which Edelweiss Weissbier Snowfresh. Poured beautifully, it was also ice cold. Now, you’ll often see a wheat beer being described as having a banana nose. No doubting that on the Snowfresh – but this was like sniffing and tasting a bag of Allens Banana lollies – which I don’t mind, just not in a beer.
Appetising
The Globe Pub, Soho, Proper Job IPA and Fyne Ales Avalance
Some funky signage
It’d be fair to say that most of the bars in Lan Kwai Fong and Soho tend to focus on pints and pints of macro beers and shots, shots and more shots of spirits. Asahi, Carlsberg, Kronenberg 1664, Heineken, etc dominate the taps and the craft beer culture hasn’t really taken hold here. If you look hard enough though, some hidden gems turn up. You really have to look hard to find the entrance to The Globe, but once armed with the address (45A Graham Street, Central) – it isn’t hard to find. The door belies how sizeable this great beer pub is, which it needs to be as its reputation spreads.
Fyne Ales Avalanche
The beer menu is broadest in its bottles (upwards of 75 beers) and there was a random range of brewers and nations offered. I think that the list changes all the time – and the paper menu didn’t list the 4 varieties of Stoke Bomber that were scrawled above the men’s urinal. I hadn’t tied the Smoky Ale before – well worth it. Nothing like a Rauchbier, just a very pleasant lightly smoked flavour balancing good malt. The food menu is pub classics with some slight nods to more modern fare (Pork and Peach something or other). Big pies are a speaciality with about 8 varities being available.
Proper Job Beer Label hyperbole
Whilst there are US, NZ, Australian beers available, I think that British beers are the most prevalent. I really love a good British IPA. Proper Job IPA is classic example of a well hopped beer that isn’t squintingly so like its US cousins. The Americans would probably have a giggle at the label – which boasts that it “is a strong golden ale that’s been powerfully hopped”. I’d say exquisitely hopped with a very pleasant light aftertaste that has a touch of sweetness. I’d could see a six pack of this disappearing very quickly. Proper Job IPA is made by St Austell’s brewery, which is located in Cornwall.
Subtle entrance
Quite unintentionally, I had reasonable crack at a Lands End to John’o'Groats of craft beer with my next selection coming from the north of Scotland. Fyne Ales Brewery is from Cairndow and makes it beer using the waters of and around Loch Fyne. Avalanche is one of eight varities they make. This has a beautiful straw colour and another really pleasant light but well hopped beer. The Globe is definitely a bar that deserves a visit if you make it to Hong Kong. The feed’s great and the beer list is as good as it gets.
Bar
Trafalgar – Wanchai, Sneck Lifter, @daniel_thwaites Wainwright
Wanchai has a deservedly dubious reputation, but it also has some gems. I visited during the day and stumbled across Trafalgar – a pub on the 5th floor of a building – that specialises in British Beer.
The lifts are rickety and not all go to the 5th floor, but persistence pays off as you end up in a bar with great inside and outside ambience, high above the sordid going-ons of the Wanchai main drag.
Their speciality is a wonderful selection of British bottled beer. I’ve hankered after Sneck Lifter ever since I saw it on a website. Worth the wait. An absolute belter. Advertised as strong, but just a touch over 5%. Still had that warming spiritous flavour. Outstanding beer.
The second beer I tried was a delightful golden ale named for a travel author Alfred Wainwright. Very finely made, with an uncloying sweetness that made for a very pleasant sip. Nice happy hour times as well.
Hong Kong Beer 102 floors up
A quick post from almost the highest bar in the world. The Ritz-Carlton advertises that it’s Ozone Bar on the 118th level of the ICC building in Kowloon is the highest bar in the world. (Also has the highest indoor pool). It’s shut, so I’m slimming it on the 102nd floor Lounge and Bar.
The views are simply stunning and almost surreal. Boats, cars, barges look like toys. The beer list is compact, but features the surprisingly tasty Hong Kong Beer. Dark gold with a pleasant tang, it is going down a treat. I can’t see any evidence of another HK craft brewer in action, so it’s becoming a favourite. By the way, check out the art work in the photo below.
BotF Bar Review Map
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