Next time I’m heading into the city to meet up with friends at Federation Square they will find me round the back enjoying a beer (or two) at BEER DELUXE – isn’t that just the most fabulous name for a place serving over 250 types of beer plus a decent food menu! Tucked at the back of Federation Square in Melbourne (also opposite the Forum Theatre; they have more than one venue) is this absolutely delightful gem of a venue.
Beer DeLuxe announces they have the largest beers on offer in Melbourne and can boast that their iconic beer culture is taking over the city with people flocking to taste the abundance of beers on tap and in the bottle. Let’s not forget you can dabble in wines, cocktails and of course, enjoy some tasty grub cooked and prepared for you by chefs with passion for cooking.
You’ll fine the freshest Carlton Draught on tap because Beer Deluxe is the only place you will find unpasteurized Carlton beer outside of the brewery. Even CUB brewery will say it’s the freshest Carlton Draught beer where the beer is stored in large copper vats on the Beer DeLuxe premise.
You can also taste great craft beers, Aussie beers and International beers from around the globe. Whilst it may sound very blokey in writing, I can guarantee the décor and vibe of the venue has a great deal of atmosphere for men and woman with decent music playing, chandeliers, humorous beer slogans on one of the walls, bench and booth dining downstairs and the large room upstairs for busy times. Whether you’re after a quick gourmet treat or a lavish sit-down dinner, this place has it all. On a warm night, sit outside in the beer garden and experience the pop up bar and indulge in the ambience of what Melbourne has to offer, share some great stories with your mates and just live in the moment.
On my tasting paddle tonight consists of a range of ten beers to sample, in an order that compliments each other. Don’t be afraid to ask the bar staff for suggestions of beer to sample, whether it be a pale ale, Indian pale ale, stout, lager or wheat beer – you will find beers here that cannot be purchased just anywhere.
Beer tasted:
Panhead, Pilsner – a New Zealand beer with a hoppy taste, a mix of passionfruit, grapefruit and sauvignon blanc,
Stone and Wood, Pacific Ale – a winner here for my palate. It’s famous in Byron Bay and has a taste that any non beer drinker will love. A hand crafted light coloured beer, fruity taste blending barley, wheat and hops. Delicious,
Two Birds, Tea Party – designed by two ladies in Spotswood, Melbourne. It’s styled to be reminiscent of Belgium ales. Infused with earl grey tea and this beer has a tasty light texture and sinks down the throat with ease,
Murray’s, Punk Monk – a lager with character. A Belgium styled beer. The body of the beer is complex with German malt flavours finishing with a summery feel,
Fullers, I.P.A (Indian Pale Ale) – Imported from UK with half hops and half malt flavour. I discovered this beer goes well with pulled pork and meat ribs,
Buxton, Fair Skyline – this beer is aged in a chardonnay barrel and you can taste the fruity bliss. This is definitely for the non beer drinkers and another sessionability winner for me. Literally a taste of summer in a glass,
Stillwater, I.P.A – Traditional IPA beer. A country style complex beer,
Parrotdog, Bitterbitch – Made in the NZ, a tropical hopped aroma with a rich, copper coloured malt base with a lingering bitterness to finish. This beer is hoppy and jaggered but refreshingly ancestral,
Hargraves, E.S.B (Extra special bitter) – A UK style ale made in the Yarra Valley. Malty yet toasty loaded with hops without too much bitterness due to the delicious fruits that are ‘dry-hopped’ in its making, and;
Mornington, Summer Porter – Made in Mornington. Amber ale balanced with a stout taste. Transparent light recipe for summer. A dark ale that translates as an amalgam of chocolate, ice coffee and fruit aromas leaked into its light bodied palate. I am not usually a dark beer drinker but I found this my third winner on the paddles tonight.
Other beers styles on their list include; Bock & Weizenbocks, reds, ambers & browns, porters & stouts, scotch ales, old ales & barley wines, sours & fruits, ciders, low alcohols, ginger beers, gluten free drinks and a reserve selection. Beer costs are from $7.50 and upwards or treat yourself to a paddle of four beers and nuts for $16.00.
You can purchase beer to take away with its 25% discount for doing so.
Not only is the beer worth checking out, the food gustation ticks all the boxes.
Food tasted tonight:
Pulled pork belly with lime caramel ($11.50) – goes with fullers I.P.A beer divinely,
Wagu beef and pork sliders ($12.50) with cheese, pickle and lettuce on a lightly seeded bun that melts in your mouth.
Tuna tataki ($16.50) with ginger soy and pickled beetroot (I’ve never enjoyed tuna until now).
Braised lamb ribs ($14.50) with za’atar spices (break apart in your mouth).
Southern style chicken ribs ($13.50) with sweet n sour plum sauce.
Other grub on the menu includes; pizzas ($11 to $24), burgers, tacos ($11), mac and cheese cubes ($10.50), nachos, peking duck crepes, pumpkin gnocchi, salads, prawn and cabbage gyoza, fries and more.
A huge burger menu (and plenty of extras to choose from) where for $15 you can get the ‘Little ripper burger meal” – choice of burger, with a side of fries and a schooner of Little Ripper beer or a soft drink. A dozen pizza choices and a favourite, the cheese board ($11 – $26.50)!
Wednesday night you can experience the night food market and enjoy the live jazz band and eat paella to your hearts content, all at a hidden gem at the back of Federation Square, a perfect meeting point in the city. I’ll definitely be back!
Beer DeLuxe
Address: Federation Square (Between NGV Atrium and ACMI)
Contact: 03 9663 0166
Website: http://www.beerdeluxe.com.au/fed-square
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