Overview
Festivals, much to our loudly vocal approval, have lately been inundated with epic foodie collaborations, bringing about a new wave of bespoke, one-off edible creations that float in and out of our grasp on the festival tide. And now, this special edition trend is taking over events that aren't traditionally known for their food or drink offerings — more for their cosplay dress code and Xena-starring headliners.
Proving there's a beer for every occasion, the boys from Sydney's Young Henrys have announced they've crafted a limited release lager just for this year's Oz Comic Con. It's a one-off collaboration with legendary Melbourne artist Doug Holgate (Regular Show, Red Sonja), who's created the anti-hero personality you never even knew you wanted in a beer.
Meet Dr. Röt Fifer.
Yep. Terrifying.
Apparently Young Henrys were asked to create a hero, and they came up with this sinister character. He's been magicked up by Holgate as known for two things: his bloody pied piper melodies and the keg of Vienna Lager strapped to his back. We're not entirely sure if this bloke is an anti-hero or an actual, no-holds-barred villain, but the beer he represents is the real star.
Young Henry's Dr. Röt Fifer Vienna Lager is brewed with Hallertau Blanc hops and stone fruit flavours and is available at the Melbourne 2016 convention, alongside appearances by Lucy Lawless ((ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧), John Barrowman of Torchwood, Doctor Who and Arrow and Robert Patrick of Terminator 2: Judgement Day. You can also grab longnecks from various bottle shops around the city (keep an eye on the website for a distribution list). Sydney and Brisbane, keep 'em crossed.
Oz Comic-Con kicks off in Melbourne on June 11-12, Sydney on September 10-11 and Brisbane on September 17-18. The official (and free) launch party for Dr Röt Fifer is happening on June 10 (RSVP here) so start planning your cosplay now.
*looks dramatically at night sky* Friends, Dr Röt Fifer is the anti-hero beer Melbourne deserves but also the one it needs right now.