Carwyn Cellars is a name that every Australian Craft Beer lover should know. It’s the preeminent bottle shops in the country. For their advent calendar, they’ve partnered with 24 Australian Craft Breweries to make an exclusive canned release for their “Canvent Calendar”.
In my eyes this is the best beer advent calendar on the market & as I’ve done the last two years I’ll be documenting it all here. Also along for the ride this year will be Richo, after a lot hiatus from Beer O’Clock Australia writing he’ll be back offering his thoughts on the beers of the day. This year the plan is to do 6 posts of 4 beers each – timeliness has never been a Beer O’Clock Australia quality so there should be no spoiler issues as long as you’re only a couple of days behind…
Day 5 – One Drop Toasted Marshmallow & Salted Caramel Pecan Mudcake Nitro Imperial Pastry Stout – Now that is a mouthful! One Drop are beginning to get a reputation for the ridiculous & this is another step in that direction. With that said, all these flavours sound complimentary & I think they are brewing well enough to pull it off!
“With one of the most convoluted names of any beer I’ve ever had, this beer was sure to be something else. The nose is reminiscent of chocolate mudcake and ganache. A strong chocolate and nutty hit on the palate, paving way to a salted caramel finish. Not much in the way of marshmallow – which may be a good thing considering how busy this beer is – a fantastic end to an evening!”
Day 6 – Uraidla Vengeful Resolution – I first came across these guys through a Carwyn pack, whether that was a Canvent or one of their more regular offerings. I’ve loved what they’ve been doing, particularly their hoppy stuff so I can’t wait to see what thy’ve done with a Black IPA.
“Almost conflicting notes of coffee and resin on the nose. Rich malt on the palate cut with a delicious hit of hops. A nice little black IPA, with a clean execution.”
I don’t have a heap to add here, it’s in that sweet spot between roast and pine that makes people either love or hate the style. I really hope to get out there next year if COVID restrictions allow…
Day 7 – Molly Rose Seeing Oranges – God I was excited to see this little Saison come out of the Canvent box on Day 7. Molly Rose are the kings of sessionable funk in my eyes and have never released a bad beer so this was sure to be good.
“The first week down! And with it an absolutely delightful installment. Fantastic sourness from the citrus, slight funk on the nose and palate. The hops provide a delicious floral and fruity kick that complements the orange and funk. This farmhouse ale is dangerously drinkable and the flavors just…work.”
Day 8 – Wildflower The Whole Sheaf – The first of the real wild stuff that Ben promised during our podcast chat a few weeks ago. I was shocked by how many people who got the Canvent didn’t know of Wildflower! They are probably the pinnacle of wild brewing in Australia & producing consistently excellent stuff from their inner western Sydney site.
“The start of the second week comes with a bang! This funky sour has been fermented on wheat straw, giving it a bone dry farmhouse funk. Tart and mouth-watering this is one to savour. Nice fizz without being acerbic this is an impressive brew to tame in a can!” The only thing I’ll add here was this interesting lime flavour accompanying the dry, tart funk.
Four cracking beers for the second installment of the Canvent. I think I’m going to stump for the Pastry Stout as my favourite. As usual I would love to know your thoughts on the beers if you’re also partaking in the Canvent this year; hit me up at angus@beeroclockaustralia.com. Hopefully we’ll be back with the next update in a day or two.
Remember it’s always Beer O’Clock somewhere in the world!
