XXXX Brewery

We had a friend visiting Brisbane for the first time and what better way to introduce them to the Queensland way of life than a trip to the XXXX Brewery.  XXXX beer is to Queensland what Tooheys is to New South Wales, VB is to Victoria or Coopers to South Australia (I won't go too overboard by bringing in the Tasmania north/south divide over Boags/Cascade). 

The XXXX brewery was established in Milton (now inner city Brisbane) in 1878 and is still very much the active, working power house - pumping out this favourite tipple for many Queenslanders.  It's a great looking factory - it has an art deco facade, which gives way to a more modern brewing plant behind.  I'd never been there before (sad fact I know for someone who claims to be a true Queenslander) and didn't realise that it had a bar open to the public.

It worked out as a good idea not just to indoctrinate Richie into Queensland culture, but a couple of the group were heading to the rugby that night and the brewery is just up the road from Suncorp Stadium (aka Lang Park).  Given it's proximity to the stadium, I was surprised it wasn't busier.  But after an hour or so - we did discover the whole bar was booked for a private function that evening, which probably had something to do with the rugby.  In the meantime, we did get to enjoy a few beers from the source.

Don't go thinking that we were sampling the many varieties on offer.  Unlike some of Australia's other beer institutions, who have a vast range to choose from (ie Coopers) - XXXX have kept things very simple.  There's the original bitter, GOLD (the popular light alternative) and some Summer Lager (which was obviously targeted to the "Corona" crowd).  I can't go past the original bitter and enjoyed having a pot or two.  Don't get me wrong - this is no Little Creatures or Red Oak masterpiece.  But as an "everyman's" beer, I think it's solid.  It was my introduction to beer (cringe-worthy for some) and I think there's a time and place for a XXXX (like on a stinking hot day watching cricket at the Gabba).

I would definitely recommend the Ale House (as it's officially known) as a good venue to catch up with friends for a beer or two, especially if they're touristas to Queensland or you're going to catch a game at Suncorp Stadium later on.