The Great Australian Beer Spectapular (GABS) will return to Melbourne for the 14th year in April, with a lineup of unique brews crafted especially for the event.
Celebrating the best breweries and distilleries nationally and internationally, guests will be able to choose from 120 festival-exclusive, limited-edition beers and cocktails. From peanut butter stouts and vanilla custard ales to rum barrel-aged stouts and sour gummy bear IPAs, patrons can pull up a seat at the 30-metre-long bar and discover something for every taste.
While the event promises a selection of one-of-a-kind beers, classic fan favourites will also be available from local breweries such as Molly Rose Brewing, Stomping Ground Brewing, Moon Dog Brewing, and Tallboy and Moose.
Taking place over Friday 4 and Saturday 5 April at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event also offers hands-on experiences and masterclasses with brewers and industry experts.
GABS Managing Director Mike Bray says: “We’re proud to be a place where punters can taste cutting-edge, experimental beers and connect with the breweries shaping the future of the industry.
“While the event is a celebration of beer, GABS is also a sensory experience, offering everything from live entertainment and interactive activities to gourmet food trucks and masterclasses with leading brewers.”
As well as a wide selection of beers, cocktails, spirits, wines and non-alcoholic beverages, festival goers will also be able to enjoy live music from the Hot Potato Band, live circus acts and stage performances, vendor displays, eating competitions and a silent disco.
Once again, there will be a range of food trucks and stalls at the festival, with Australian chef Miguel Maestre in attendance this year to promote his Spanish beer Rubia and prepare a giant chicken and chorizo paella each day.
Finally, the People’s Choice Awards will allow ticket holders to vote for their favourite brews, celebrating the best beers of the festival.
Once the Melbourne sessions conclude, beer fans can expect to find the multi-city GABS festival in Sydney from May 30-31 and Brisbane from May 23-24.