Overview and Experience:
GABS (Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular) is more than just a beer festival—it’s a creative playground for brewers and beer lovers alike. Held annually in Melbourne, with satellite events in Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland, GABS is one of the most innovative and experimental beer festivals in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 2011, the festival has become famous for its focus on creativity and pushing the boundaries of brewing, offering a showcase of beers you won’t find anywhere else.
As you enter the festival, you’re greeted by an explosion of sights, sounds, and smells. The atmosphere is electric, with beer enthusiasts from all over Australasia gathering to discover new and unusual brews. GABS is held in the impressive Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, a grand Victorian-style venue that provides a striking backdrop to the festivities.
One of the key features of GABS is the Festival Beers & Ciders—unique, limited-edition creations brewed exclusively for the event. Each year, brewers are challenged to come up with something new and exciting, and the results are often surprising, with flavors and styles that push the boundaries of what beer can be.
The Beer Experience:
With over 170 beers and ciders on tap, GABS offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a wide range of styles, from classic lagers and ales to more experimental brews. The highlight of the festival is the Festival Beer & Cider list, where brewers submit one-off creations designed to showcase their creativity and brewing skills. These beers often incorporate unusual ingredients or brewing techniques, and they’re available exclusively at GABS.
Some of the more experimental beers you might encounter at GABS include:
Fruit-infused IPAs: Breweries often experiment with adding fruits like mango, passionfruit, and grapefruit to their hop-forward IPAs, resulting in juicy, tropical flavors that burst on the palate.
Barrel-aged stouts: Rich, dark stouts aged in whiskey or bourbon barrels for months, imparting deep flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel.
Sour ales: GABS is known for its wide selection of sour beers, which range from mildly tart to mouth-puckeringly sour. Look out for sours brewed with fruits like cherries, raspberries, and even lychees.
Dessert-inspired beers: In keeping with the creative spirit of the festival, many brewers experiment with dessert flavors. You might find beers that taste like salted caramel, chocolate cake, or even pavlova.
Spiced and smoked beers: Breweries often play with spices and smoke to create beers with unique, savory flavors. Think chili-infused porters or smoked rye ales with hints of bacon.GABS also celebrates the growing cider scene in Australasia, with a wide range of ciders available for sampling. From traditional dry apple ciders to sweet, fruit-infused varieties, there’s something for every palate.
The Food Experience:
Like any great beer festival, GABS features an excellent selection of food that pairs perfectly with the beers on offer. The event includes a Street Food Market, where you’ll find a diverse array of culinary delights, from gourmet burgers and tacos to Asian street food and BBQ.
Some of the must-try food options at GABS include:
Gourmet burgers: Juicy, perfectly cooked burgers served with a variety of toppings, from bacon and blue cheese to avocado and spicy aioli. They’re the perfect complement to a bold IPA or a rich porter.
BBQ ribs and brisket: Tender, smoky ribs and brisket that melt in your mouth, served with tangy BBQ sauce. Pair these with a barrel-aged stout or a smoked porter for the ultimate flavor experience.
Tacos: Soft tacos filled with everything from pulled pork to spicy fish, topped with fresh salsa and guacamole. These pair beautifully with a crisp pilsner or a light, fruity sour ale.
Asian street food: Gyoza, bao buns, and dumplings are just a few of the delicious Asian-inspired options available at the festival. The bold flavors of soy, ginger, and chili go well with a hoppy pale ale or a refreshing wheat beer.
Churros: For dessert, treat yourself to crispy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a side of chocolate dipping sauce. They’re the perfect sweet snack to pair with a dessert-inspired stout.Why GABS is Unique:
What makes GABS truly special is its focus on creativity and innovation. The festival is designed to push the boundaries of what beer can be, and each year, brewers come up with new and exciting creations that challenge traditional beer styles. It’s a festival for adventurous beer drinkers who want to try something different, whether it’s a beer brewed with truffle oil, a sour ale aged in wine barrels, or a stout inspired by a classic dessert.
In addition to the beer and food, GABS also offers a range of entertainment options, from live music and circus performances to games and activities. One of the highlights is the GABS Silent Disco, where you can dance the night away while listening to your favorite tunes on wireless headphones. There’s also a Ferris wheel inside the venue, offering stunning views of the festival below.
Pro Tips for First-Time Attendees:
Start with the Festival Beers: The limited-edition Festival Beers are only available at GABS, so make sure to prioritize these when planning your tastings. The festival guide includes detailed descriptions of each beer, so you can decide which ones you want to try first.
Take breaks: With so many beers to sample, it’s important to pace yourself. Take breaks between tastings to enjoy the food, listen to live music, or participate in one of the festival’s many activities.
Try the Ciders: Don’t forget about the ciders! GABS offers a wide range of craft ciders, and they’re a refreshing alternative to the heavier beers on offer.
Plan your day: GABS can get crowded, especially in the evenings, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want to avoid long lines at the beer stands and food vendors.GABS is a must-visit festival for anyone who loves craft beer and enjoys exploring new and innovative flavors. With its focus on creativity, limited-edition brews, and a lively, fun-filled atmosphere, GABS offers an unforgettable beer experience. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast looking to try something new or simply looking for a great day out with friends, GABS delivers on all fronts.
