Bottoms up, it's Good Beer Week

Article by Aastha Agrawal

Video report by Nishant Kulkarni

Filming by Aastha Agrawal

Melburnians' growing thirst for craft beer is being quenched during the ninth annual Good Beer Week.

This year's celebration of local breweries comprises of more than 300 events across the state, with 75,000 people estimated to be taking part.

Leo Archer, who organised a collaborative tasting session between Abbotsford bar Dr Morse and boutique brewing company Dollar Bill, said the festival continued to grow year-on-year.

“What we’ve noticed with Good Beer Week is that, as an idea across Melbourne, it’s a lot bigger than it was initially,” Mr Archer said.

Event organiser Leo Archer pours beer samples. PHOTO: Nishant Kulkarni.

“A lot more people are doing events," he said.

“We just want to showcase interesting talent in Melbourne and the world’s best beers."

And it's not just beer on tap. Husband and wife team Fiona and Ed Nolle run Dollar Bill Brewing, where they produce cider.

Fiona Nolle with a Dollar Bill cider. PHOTO: Nishant Kulkarni.

Ms Nolle said it has been their passion for the past 15 years.

“We decided to move [production] out of our house and had our start out of a vineyard down in Mornington and came out with a cider,” she said.

“It went well, and now it’s our third year selling.”

 Mr Nolle said the couple was proud to showcase their unique range, including sours and ciders.

Ed Nolle says patience is key to brewing a good cider. PHOTO: Nishant Kulkarni.

“We make our products at Stomping Ground at their brewhouse. We transport it back to Ballarat, ferment it in barrel, and let it age for six months till up to three to four years,” he said.

Good Beer Week will run until Sunday May 19 at bars, breweries and venues around Melbourne. Find out more here.