It seems drinking beer is a whole lot better when the surroundings suit. It always tastes better on a hot summer day or after a long day at work. These scenarios are enjoyable, but have you ever experienced the taste when you are sitting ten feet away from where it is actually brewed? Only one word comes to mind and that is – fresh.
Zierholz Brewery recently opened in Fyshwick and is one of only two breweries in Canberra. The new ‘At the Brewery’ restaurant extends from the brewery offering an atmosphere similar to that of a German beer hall – let’s just call it Canberra’s beer hall. Marketing manager, Tanna Winter, links the German feel to the owner’s background.
“Opening the brewery is a very close thing to the owner Christoph and his parents,” he said.
“As a family they moved from Germany to Cooma, and from then on his father always complained that there was no good wheat beer to be found.”
After ten years as a water and land Scientist, Christoph decided to explore his passion. Now producing fine premium lager, he is solving his fathers issue with Australia.
Zierholz At The Brewery has nine beers on tap, mixing things up every now and then with a special brew for something a little bit different. At the moment, the favourite among customers is the German Pills.
There is also an expanding wine list that caters for the non-beer drinkers (who may just happen to start to liking it after a visit to Zierholz). The beers are available in various bars around Canberra, but actually being at the brewery itself creates a greater drinking experience.
Drinking isn’t the only thing on offer. The new restaurant provides a constantly evolving menu that reflects the ‘beer hall’ vibe. It is German inspired but modernised with a lighter spin on things.
The actual beer itself has also been mixed in to a number of recipes. The dish grabbing the most attention lately is the Zierholz platter for two – a selection of German sausages and pork belly with sauerkraut and bretzels.
The unique thing about this place is the fact that it offers tours. Winter explained how the tours give people a greater insight into the beer making industry.
“We take them around and show them the different procedures and brewing techniques for each beer,” he said.
“They are designed to give people a really solid idea of what goes into it.”
The tours take around 45 minutes to an hour and are a great idea for the Christmas period.
So if you think a beer is just a beer – think again. There is fine detail and skill needed to craft beer like Zierholz and when you taste it you’ll know it’s been handled with care.
So whether you’re popping in on your lunch break or wining and dining, give Zierholz At The Brewery a try because it’s definitely worth the drive.
