How to Host an Epic Aussie Beer and BBQ Tasting Night

Its a  cool evening, the crackle of the BBQ, the clink of beer glasses, and laughter wafting through the air as your friends gather for what promises to be the most memorable night of the year. Sounds like a vibe, doesn’t it? Hosting a beer and BBQ tasting night isn’t just about food and drinks; it’s about creating an experience everyone will be raving about long after the last sausage is snagged. So, let’s dive into how you can nail this!

Step 1: Pick a Theme That Hits the Sweet Spot

The secret to taking your tasting night from “good” to “epic” lies in giving it a theme. A little structure makes the whole event feel polished. Will it be all about local brews or BBQ recipes from around the world? Are we diving deep into DIY homebrews? Maybe a friendly competition where everyone brings their best marinated creation? Whatever direction you fancy, a solid theme ties everything together and makes guests feel like they’re part of something special.

Oh, and if your mates are keen homebrewers, this is their time to shine. Enthusiasts love showing off their creations, and nothing beats sipping on a homemade brew while the grill works its magic.

Step 2: The Beer Line-Up

Now, onto the juicy bit: the beer. If you’re not sure where to start, no worries! Offer a mix to hit all tastebuds. Think malty ales, refreshing lagers, IPAs with a bit of a bite, and creamy stouts for those who find joy in robust flavours.

For the adventurous kind, featuring a DIY aspect is a winner! How about cracking open some homebrew kits before the event? If that’s up your alley, get your gear sorted ahead of time. Your one-stop local brewing haven (wink) is stocked with the essentials – fermenters, hops, yeasts, and more. Even if beginner brewers need a nudge in the right direction, help is always available to take the guesswork out of the equation. Your signature recipe could become the star of the night!

Step 3: BBQ Glory – What’s Cooking?

Now let’s talk food. The BBQ isn’t just part of the show – it’s centre stage. Start with crowd-pleasers: think sausages, steaks, kebabs, and char-grilled veggie skewers. But here’s the kicker – complementing beer with food takes it from good to great. Pair that smoky brisket with an amber ale or match a hoppy lager with chicken wings. Even your vegan mates can revel in the glory of grilled tofu paired with a crisp cider.

If you’re the master marinator, prepare a few blends for people to taste-test. Otherwise, whip up a communal marinade station and let guests get creative. Bonus points if there’s a quiet contest going for best BBQ creation (and you “forget” to tell everyone you’ve had a practice round during the week).

Step 4: Setting the Mood

Ambience matters. Think fairy lights and rustic table settings to give the backyard a warm, inviting glow. Pop on a chill playlist that won’t compete with conversation. And don’t overlook the small touches – labels for beer styles, name cards for dishes (for allergy-friendly reasons), and maybe even a voting system for ‘Top Beer of the Night’.

Factor in some downtime from grilling. Set up a little beer trivia game or teach a quick crash course in home brewing. Who doesn’t want to leave an event with new brag-worthy knowledge?

Step 5: Share the Experience

No Aussie BBQ night is complete without a good yarn. Encourage your guests to share the stories behind their beers or the inspiration for their marinades. Not only does it make for easy conversation, but the mix of passion and pride gets everyone in the zone.

If you or someone else whips up a homebrew for the occasion, share the process behind it. Nothing beats the satisfaction of watching people light up as they sip something you’ve created from scratch. And hey, if guests get lost in the science of it all, our handy staff at Strathalbyn H Hardware can offer the lowdown to streamline their brewing journey.

Top Tips for Success

• Prep ahead: There’s nothing worse than scrambling around for tongs or an extra bottle opener mid-event. Stock up on everything you could need – and then some.
• Taste in style: Pick up some quality beer glasses and tasting paddles to give a proper beer flight vibe. Guests will appreciate the effort!
• Balance the night out: Include non-alcoholic options like craft ginger beer or mocktails for any designated drivers or dry July participants.
• Keep it interactive: A beer and BBQ tasting isn’t a “sit and be served” kind of night. The more involved everyone is, the more memorable it becomes.

The Perfect Ending

What’s the cherry on top of a successful beer and BBQ night? Wrapping up with a toast to everyone’s efforts. Maybe that mate who marinated his wings in stout deserves a shout-out. Or the one who brought their first-ever homebrew suddenly feels like a rockstar. These are the moments that bring everyone closer.

Ready to Make It Happen?

If you’ve got the grills fired and the beers chilled but could do with help on the brewing front, pop into Strathalbyn H Hardware. Our shelves are brimming with everything you need to kick-start your brewing, and our crew always has time for a quick chat or solid advice.

Cheers to sizzling steaks, bold brews, and memories made! Let’s get those beer glasses clinking. 🍻

Best wishes and happy grilling!
Candeece