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How to Get the Most out of a Hunter Valley Beer Tasting

How to Get the Most out of a Hunter Valley Beer Tasting

Love beer? Us too! And despite what you may have believed, the Hunter Valley isn’t just about wine and cheese tasting – there’s a special place for beer aficionados as well. And now that you’re excited, knowing you can check out some local brews, we’re here to tell you that a beer tasting in the Hunter Valley can be an even greater experience.

Go prepared by following these tips that will change every beer tasting you’ll ever have – for the better!

Hit up the experts

We’re going to clue you in on the difference between a beer tasting and a pub crawl. A beer tasting provides the space and the expertise for you to learn about beers you haven’t tried before. And if you’ve ever spoken to the Two Fat Blokes – you’ll know they love to talk about what they know! And that includes beer.

Experts are only experts because they know more than other people, so you don’t need to fear that you’re asking a silly question – they want to share their knowledge with you. And if you’re looking for someone else who really knows their craft beer stuff, speak to the brewmasters at Lovedale Brewery.

Take tasting notes

If you’re interested in attending more beer tastings in the future, it’s a great idea to take notes about each beer you try. Don’t be worried that people will think you’re taking things too seriously! Not only will this help you communicate your thoughts more effectively to the group, but you will be able to compare new beers you try with those you taste now.

To get the most out of your notes, you might like to learn a little bit of beer tasting lingo. Here are a few examples to get you started when you attend a Hunter Valley beer tasting:

  • Finish: The flavours you can still taste after swallowing
  • Mouthfeel: How a beer feels while it’s in your mouth
  • Opulent: Rich and balanced with an enjoyable mouthfeel
  • Thin: Lacking in complexity or flavour

Drink your beer flight or sampler in order

Follow the lead of the expert in charge of your Hunter Valley beer tasting and taste each one in the order they suggest. Usually, that will involve starting with beers that have the lightest mouthfeel and progress towards the stronger, heavier brews. It’s done this way because moving from heavy to light beers will only overwhelm your palate and make it difficult to identify the aspects of each beer that you enjoy.

Take more than one sip when trying a new beer

Don’t be in a hurry to decide whether you really do or don’t like a beer. After all, a first taste can be deceiving when there are aromas, flavours and aftertastes at play. Give each beer a chance by taking a few considered sips and contemplating the different aspects that may be appealing to you. You’ll find this particularly true if you venture to IronBark Hill Brewery with their exotic array of seasonal beers. These are definitely worth a second sip!

Don’t drink on an empty stomach

Now, this one shouldn’t be news to you – it’s never recommended to drink on an empty stomach. And when you’re attending a Hunter Valley beer tasting, getting tipsy right away will mean you’re not quite able to savour each beer as you should. We’re not the fun police! But think of it this way – if you stabilise your body with some food, you’ll able to enjoy more beer!

hunter valley beer tasting

But, of course, we’re not saying you just eat for eating’s sake. That’s why we suggest trying beer tasting plates to team with your beers. Our Beer Tasting Plate from the Two Fat Blokes Kitchen features a selection of savoury tempters to get your taste-buds watering and support the flavours of the beers we know you’re enjoying.

Don’t wear perfume or cologne

Surprised? A large part of understanding and enjoying the taste of a great beer is in the aroma. But, if you’re giving off some pretty strong smells, that can, unfortunately, interfere with how you experience the aroma of a beer – particularly those that are lighter. So, do yourself a favour, and leave the perfume or cologne for later.

Arrange a designated driver

How to Get the Most out of a Hunter Valley Beer Tasting -We, of course, advocate drinking safely, and that means having a sober driver. But, it can be challenging to find a volunteer when you’re venturing around the Hunter Valley on a beer tasting!

That’s why the Two Fat Blokes Beer Belly Tour in the Hunter Valley is the perfect solution! Take all your transport worries away when you know you have a driver designated to give you and your group the best experience possible. Not only will they be driving you around, but you’ll also get all the wisdom of a Hunter Valley local, just to yourselves. What more could a beer-lover ask for?

Feel ready to dive into a Hunter Valley beer tasting? I know we are!

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Group Information

What is the minimum number of people you will pick up?

There is no minimum restriction to book so singles and couples can book tours, but there is a minimum number of people needed to run tours effectively.

We do our best to make sure every tour runs, which sometimes means shuffling minimum numbers together so tours can operate.

We need to group together at least  4 people (minimum number shown on each tour) for it to operate.

Do you take parties like a 40th or 50th?

Yes. A day tour with your friends enjoying drinks and tasty food is one of the most enjoyable but hassle free ways to celebrate a birthday. We take care of the details and let us know if you would like something extra special too!

What size groups can you cater too?

Each tour vehicle contains passengers from multiple bookings until it is filled to the ‘maximum guest limit’ (shown on each tour). This limit keeps our group small so it’s fast and fun with premium access.

A tour will operate when a minimum of four seats are booked. If there are only four seats booked, great you will have the tour all to yourselves in one of our smaller vehicles. The more a tour fills up, the bigger the vehicle we use until our maximum guest limit for that tour is reached.

If you would like a completely private tour for two, or, have a larger group than the ‘maximum guest limit’ please contact us for options.

We can cater to larger groups by combining multiple vehicles for any tour.

Transfer Locations

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Sydney Transfers

  • SYDNEY direct transfers are not available.
  • To arrive from Sydney customers can catch the train between ‘Sydney-Newcastle-Maitland’ and request a Two Fat Blokes pick-up/drop-off at ‘Maitland’.

Transfer Fee Information

  • Flat rate is a single price for pick-up/drop-off at that location whether it’s two people or a full group of people.
  • Minimum 2 person pickup is required to operate the pickup service to fee based locations.
  • Fees are in addition to your tour booking and will be collected by your guide at time of pick-up. Please pay these fees by cash, ATM’s will be available on the tour.
Visit Wineries

Discover up to 3 great wineries handpicked for you.

How do you determine which wineries are best for my group?

Because we know the area so well and try to deliver the best experiences based on:
– Rave reviews from previous tour groups
– Boutique, non-touristy locations
– Excellent wines, moderately priced
– Warm & friendly service
– Perks available (cellar tours, barrel-tasting, wine-maker available, etc.)

Which wineries do we visit?

There is no set schedule of wineries. Our tour guides will take advantage of the best winery experiences available on that day, including special events, to make sure you get the most value from your itinerary, have an enjoyable day and maximise your taste time of the Hunter Valley.