For those of you that don’t know, I write the monthly Bar Column in Australian MAXIM Magazine. Go get a copy. Here’s my unedited version of this months October issue.
MAXIM October 2011
One of the things you learn as a bartender is that different drinks are called for, for different occasions. I’m all for cocktails. In fact, I’ve made a living from them. But when in Rome you should do as the Romans do. When it’s October, do as the Germans do, celebrate Oktoberfest, and drink beer. In fact the actual word, Beer, comes from the Latin word Biber, meaning ‘to drink’.
Germans like beer as much as they like being sex tourists in Thailand. It’s part of their history (Beer that is). In fact it was the German Purity Law or the Reinheitsgebot that put Germany on the map as the capital of good beer. The Czechs would probably argue that, but I don’t care. It was the German Purity Law of 1516, that stated all beer must be solely made from water, barley and hops, that gave beer its identity.
I don’t have to tell you that nowadays almost every country in the world produce their own brew. I’m a big fan of the darker ale styles. Beer with personality. It’s great to see more Australian males taking on this mantra, moving away from chugging insipid lager, and paying a bit more attention to their Friday afternoon staple.
Did I say Australian males? What I meant was Australians. Much like the trend for more guys to drink chilled Sauvignon in the sun throughout summer, more women are enjoying flavour packed Ales and lagers. In the 21st century, beer is Androgynous. In fact even as far back as the late 18th century rulers such as the German emperor at the time, Kaiser Wilhelm was quoted as saying; “Give me a woman who loves beer, and I will conquer the world”.
So, if everyone is drinking beer this October, what is a barman like me to do? Surely a cocktail containing beer is appropriate for this month’s column? I’m going to look past obvious candidates such as the delicious ‘Lager-ita” (A margarita, topped with beer), and the terrible ‘Black Velvet’ (Guinness and Champagne). Instead I’m going to suggest something a little more fresh, and spring-like for the onslaught of summer. Next time you are at home or your local and you have a bottle of good stout around (Guinness is great), drop a measure of gin in your pint. Hendricks, a Scottish brand made with rose and cucumber, works best. As terrible as it sounds, it’s not. In fact it’s fantastic. A most refreshing way to kick off post work drinks on Friday, or a Tuesday, or whatever day you please really.
Auf Wiedersehen for now.
