James Squire has been synonymous with Australia’s burgeoning thirst for dedicated, quality craft beers over the past decade or so. The success of the cheeky convict’s brand has seen it open up a number of James Squire brewhouses in metropolitan centres throughout the country. Lost At E Minor went along to the opening of The Squire’s Maiden, located in Newcastle’s Honeysuckle precinct, which is perched over the city’s working harbour.

James Squire’s enigmatic Master Brewer Dr Chuck Hahn was on hand to provide his expertise, and his passion resonated through a crowd who lapped up the considerable selection of craft brews and delicacies on offer.

The design of the building and the venue itself, in Newcastle, around two hours north of Sydney, manages to encapsulate old-world, colonial charm while retaining a modern feel. With fine beer, fine food and fine views we can’t think of a better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

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The Terrace Bar in Newcastle, about two hours north of Sydney, is a new small bar and alternative arts/underground music venue with the feel of a San Francisco divebar. A wide variety of craft beers and famous local Hunter wines are available, while local and visiting must-see acts perform in the venue’s intimate gig room. The atmosphere is cool, relaxed, and different to most nightspots in the city – think less meatmarket, less hot TV screens, and more vibe, hipster-chic.

The best feature of the Terrace Bar, is, well, the terrace itself: a rooftop wooden seating area where you can enjoy a chat and a beer under the setting evening sun, or under the moon with a twinkling arrangement of fairylights. Lost At E Minor attended a DJ-set and ‘takeover of the taps’ by young Sydney beer-affectionados The Grifter Brewing Company at the Terrace. Producing small batches as a side project that won’t stop growing, we sampled their surprisingly drinkable special batch 7.2% Drop Dead Red IPA and their go-to brew, an Edward Pale Ale. It’s just one example of an independent mix of art, beer and venue which makes the Terrace unique.

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The world of craft brewery has been growing at speed over the last few years, greatly expanding the beer drinker’s horizons. Beerbods is a subscription scheme that selects and delivers a weekly choice of craft beer. Perfect for those who like to be promiscuous with their beers.

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Newcastle Craft Beer weeks kicks off this Sunday, 18th of November, and in only its second year, has already grown to cover 18 establishments with more than 40 events. Corey Crooks, operator of the craft beer-only Albion Hotel in Newcastle, two hours north of Sydney, came up with the idea over – you guessed it – a couple of beers one afternoon with a like-minded publican.

With a quest to broaden beer drinkers’ horizons beyond the bland, flavourless, fizzy-macrobrews on taps everywhere, Newcastle Craft Beer week. While just a small idea, within two days Crooks and fellow Novocastrian alehouses had organised 18 events with more than 2,500 in attendance.

It’s a move that may help Australia catch up to the USA’s huge range of choice and variety at good local bars and pubs, with the change from only mainstream brews occurring in the 90s. Australia is some 10-15 years behind, at least.

2012′s Craft Beer Week will see collaboration mircobrews tapped for a limited time, a range of craft beer tastings, degustation dinners, extreme-beers, and more.

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