The Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular 2017

Overview

The Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular, better known as GABS, returns to Sydney for the third year running on Saturday, May 27. After humble beginnings in Melbourne seven years ago, it has now expanded to cover three cities, two countries, and is rightfully considered by most as the best craft beer and cider festival in the Asia Pacific region.

Creators Steve Jeffares and Guy Greenstone (The Local Taphouse, Stomping Ground Brewing Co.) are making 2017 the biggest year yet, upping the offering to a whopping 180 festival beers and ciders by introducing a third festival bar. These exclusive and often wacky specialty brews are created just for the event and are generally the festival's main draw, giving attendees the rare chance to try brand-spanking new beers while meeting the brewers behind them. This year's festival brews include, strangely enough, three Thai-inspired beers, a mango lassi IPA by 3 Ravens Brewery, a Pinot Grigio wild ale by Yulli's Brews and — possibly the most jarring — a 'mother's milk' beer from Brisbane Brewing Co.

GABS Sydney will also boast the Yenda Wheel of Beer for the first time, an 18-metre-high Ferris wheel in the middle of the festival. Add this to wandering performances and food stalls from some of the best producers in the city and you've got yourself one hell of a party. The single day event is categorised in two sessions, with session one from noon till 5pm and session two from 6.30–11.30pm. If you're a super keen craft drinker, you can purchase tickets to both sessions — we wish those ticket holders the best of luck.