Trapped in OZ - Belgian Beer Whore

[CinqSense]

Hello,

Currently living in Brisbane Austraila, but moving back to the good ole US of A soon; land of the affordable brew kit (and everything else, for that matter). I have friends who have brewed in the past, but have never had the itch until now. I will wait until my return to the US to purchase what I need.

Is it REALLY possible to brew a beer that tastes like Chimay or Trappist Rochefort? My cousin, who used to brew says "yes, and even better". I find that hard to believe. Looking forward to giving it the old college try.

 

[milldoggy]

You can make very good beer at home, as good as commercial beer. There are certain styles that can be very hard though, like funky/sour ales. Some commercial beers are blends, which makes them harder to replicate also.

I am heading to Oz for 20 days here soon, any suggestions for beer? Where you moving in the states?

 

[CinqSense]

You can make very good beer at home, as good as commercial beer. There are certain styles that can be very hard though, like funky/sour ales. Some commercial beers are blends, which makes them harder to replicate also.

I am heading to Oz for 20 days here soon, any suggestions for beer? Where you moving in the states?

I am from and moving back to Lafayette, LA. Be warned... EVERYTHING here (Australia) is expensive, especially alcohol. A six pack of Bud grade lager will set you back about $17. I really like beer from Murray's. They are a microbrew near Sydney. I hope you have a good time here. Get ready for total wallet rape!

 

[Andrewdk]

Just a tip on buying alcohol in Australia, head to a Dan Murphy's store hands down cheapest prices anywhere. Plus some of our crappest beers are the most expensive for some god awful reason, but yes the excise tax is a bit cruel

 

[KevinW]

I am from and moving back to Lafayette, LA. Be warned... EVERYTHING here (Australia) is expensive, especially alcohol. A six pack of Bud grade lager will set you back about $17. I really like beer from Murray's. They are a microbrew near Sydney. I hope you have a good time here. Get ready for total wallet rape!

Well if it is any motivation to homebrew whether here or in Australia, I can do a basic, all grain, 5 gallon brew for about $23.00 (cost of grain, hops, yeast). I know there are many brewers who brew for a lot less!

Sounds to me like Australia needs more brew shops and more homebrewers!!!
I could not imagine paying such high prices for "lack luster" beer! My heart goes out to all who have to buy beer down under!

P.S. Welcome to the forum CinqSense!

 

[JeepDiver]

Hello,

Is it REALLY possible to brew a beer that tastes like Chimay or Trappist Rochefort?

Nope no one, not even a business has ever brewed a beer that taste like that