Overview
If the arrival of August has you thinking about carnival rides, sideshow games, fairy floss, Bertie Beetles and strawberry sundaes, congrats — you clearly live in Brisbane. We've been well-conditioned that way, because this time of year heralds the Ekka's arrival, as well as the crucial annual return of its famed ice creams.
2022 is no different – in fact, it's a return to normal, with the Ekka making an in-person comeback after not one but two years of pandemic-related cancellations. And if you'd like to combine the Royal Queensland Show's beloved strawberry desserts with a brew or several, Stone and Wood has something extra special on offer.
For the third year running, the brewery is bringing back its Ekka-inspired Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer. Yes, it's a boozy version of iconic dessert, and it tastes like strawberries and cream. Stone and Wood whip it up in the traditional Berliner Weisse style, using 60 kilograms of strawberries, with the brew also featuring lactose and vanilla — and it'll be available in two places around town.
Your obvious port of call: the Ekka itself. For the first time given the events of the past two years, Strawberry Sundae Kisses will be served at the Royal Queensland Show, pouring through the event's taps between Saturday, August 6–Sunday, August 14.
(Yes, that means that you can definitely eat a strawberry sundae immediately before or after sipping the beer the dish has inspired.)
Your second destination: Stone and Wood's Brisbane brewery in Fortitude Valley, which is getting the drinks started early from Thursday, August 4.
Originally, the brew came about as a way to help support charity The Common Good, which uses the sundaes as a fundraising effort for The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation. And, that's exactly where Stone and Wood is directing proceeds from the beer, too — so getting sipping will mean helping a great cause.
One note: 2022's batch of Strawberry Sundae Kisses is around for a good time, not a long time, and will only be available at the brewery until sold out. In past years, it has lasted just three weeks, so getting in quickly is recommended.
Stone and Wood's Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer will be available from its Brisbane brewery at 99 Bridge St, Fortitude Valley, from Thursday, August 4 — and from the Ekka at Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, between Saturday, August 6–Sunday, August 14.