By REBECCA BILLS
ALL ABOARD the inaugural Hargreaves Hill Beer Train taking place on the iconic Puffing Billy.
As part of the 2014 Good Beer Week running from 17 to 25 May, Hargreaves Hill Brewing Co is bringing some of the activity to the hills.
Hargreaves Hill Brewery owner and brewer Simon Walkenhorst said the Beer Train was a great opportunity for people to drink great beer as well as learn from some of the industry’s best. “It’s a week that celebrates everything wonderful about craft beer,” he said.
“So we have teamed up with Deschutes Brewery which is a big brewery in Oregon to bring local and international craft beers in our local area.
“Technical director at Deschutes Kris Scholl is coming out on the train as well and together we will present four of our beers with four of their beers alongside four courses to match.”
Mr Walkenhorst says he has loved working with Puffing Billy in the lead-up to the event.
“Being a regional, out of town, brewery like we are we love to do things this side of the countryside,” he said.
“A lot of activity usually happen closer in to Melbourne and this is a great way to bring the hype out here.”
Puffing Billy’s Commercial Operations Manager April Williams said the railway had increased the number of themed trains this year.
“It has brought a bit of diversity for us,” she said.
“It’s very exciting to have the extensive calendar of events that we now have and if a success we would be really happy to host the Beer Train again.”
The Beer Train is on Sunday 18 May, departing at 12pm at Puffing Billy Railway – 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave.
Tickets are $140 per person and available from goodbeerweek.com.au
Good Beer Week runs from 17 to 25 May and for more information on the Beer Train visit www.hargreashill.com.au or www.facebook.com/hargreaveshill
