salt spring 17

ABOUT MIKE
When Mike Bennie isn’t wandering vineyards on the four corners
of the globe, he is a freelance wine and drinks writer, journalist
and presenter. His work appears in the highly regarded Australian
Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine, and he is wine/drinks editor for
delicious. magazine. He is editor-at-large and contributor/writer to
Australia’s most interactive wine commentary website, WineFront.
His work is regularly found in The Sun-Herald Style magazine, Virgin
Australia airline’s Voyeur magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald
Good Food section, Men’s Style magazine, Wine Business Magazine
and various other publications. Mike is a wine judge in Australia and
overseas, and a graduate of the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial. He is
a co-founder and co-director of the artisan and sustainability focused
Rootstock Sydney food and wine festival. He is prolific with his wine
work, is a regular presenter at corporate and industry events, and
between travels to exotic vineyards around the world, enjoys long
walks on the beach with a bottle of wine (or sour beer).
WHAT JOSH DONOHOE OF SUNSHINE COAST
CRAFT BEER TOURS IS DRINKING NOW:
SESSIONABLE:
Brouhaha Brewery Dry Hopped Saison
“The fact that Matt can make a saison shows the versatility
of this brewery, and this one has requisite tang, freshness
and fruity-herbal interest.”
THE BIG TICKET, FANCY NIGHT OUT BEER:
Moffat Beach Brewing Co Double IPA Iggy Hop
“I like a big, hoppy style, and here the hops, though
prominent, are well balanced with malt. Not too punchy;
really well done.”
ICON BEER:
Your Mates Brewing Co Larry Pale Ale
“A simple, easy drinking beer that’s made for the conditions
up here. These guys are still gypsy brewing but doing great
things. Two local guys doing local beers for local people.”
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
10 Toes Rye Amber
“This is a slightly different style that no one really is making
on the Sunshine Coast, and to me is increasingly popular
for its point of difference.”
sunshinecoastcraftbeertours.com.au
The rise and rise of the cult around craft and independent
breweries is a leading light for increasing the diversity of tourism
opportunities, but it’s also increasing the culture around local
Sunshine Coast food and drink. While most of these breweries are
in their infancy, and chasing down a limited opportunity for tap
space, there’s vibrancy and vitality in the burgeoning Sunshine
Coast independent brewing scene. Three cheers for that.