Transit Bar has a history of providing Canberrans with a brilliant variety of music over the last eight years. Having always been a place to hang out with friends, shoot some pool and enjoy a band or DJ, now, there’s a whole aspect to get excited about: a new range of delicious draught craft beers.
The good news is that amongst some the fascinating brews there are a couple of familiar friends (think: Carlton Draught, Little Creatures, and the wonderful Kosciuszko Pale Ale) so those not used to heavier flavours can develop a touch of ‘Dutch courage’ prior to launching into the world of adventure that’s evident in the ten gleaming taps.
There’s a along history of Aussies poking fun at American beers however, at Transit, you should put all that behind you with a point of Budvar – the original brew imported by the Yanks and sold as Budweiser. As one of the monthly specials, it’s a fantastically refreshing Czech lager (with Pilsner traits) that keeps you coming back for more. Get in quick before the limited stock disappears.
If good things come in little packages, chocolate spring to mind. That’s where Victoria’s White Rabbit Brewery steps in with a Dark Ale that could have come out of a Cadbury wrapper. It’s is warm and delicious and, if you find yourself heading down Transit’s stairs on a surprisingly cool autumn day, a pint of White Rabbit would be a great place to start.
Feral Brewers are certainly more refined than their name might suggest, and the Transit crew have fallen in love with a couple of their brews from the West. The Sly Fox takes the Pale Ale style of Little Creatures and lifts the intensity thanks to a strong floral aroma that belies the gentle Summer Ale flavour.
Meanwhile, their Hop Hog is certainly more warts-and-all experience with an massive aroma you can smell while it is sitting on the bar in front of you. It’s a whopper at 5.8%, so keep an eye on your consumption – but the true believers in hearty brews will delight at its unapologetic style.
In England, the Campaign for Real Ale has long rallied against mainstream and mass-produced lagers such as Tennant’s or Fosters. Young Henry’s Brewery, from Newtown in Sydney, has reinvented the classic ‘bitter’ through a slightly malty Real Ale that has found it’s place among the local hipsters (of course!). Certainly it’s a standout in terms of flavour among the other offerings, so, if you want to be noticed…
Finally, freshen the palate with a treat from the Apple Isle – Willie Smith’s cider from Tasmania. Much like Young Henry’s Real Ale, this harks back to the best of British traditions by presenting as a ‘farmhouse style’ cloudy apple style. The only hint to alcohol (and impending danger) is the slight fizz that emanates from the bottom of the glass. You have been warned!
Put yourself in the hands of Sam and take your own journey across the beer taps. With a well-balanced permanent range and two taps bringing the best from around the world every month, it’s yet another thing Transit Bar does so well… and another reason to hang out with a couple of friends for a session.
Speaking of which, where is that pizza menu…?
