The Mash Tun August: The Suburban Brew next week, ABCSA and more

Gus K

Hello brewers, Here’s what happening next week, soon and beyond.

ABCSA is on like Donkey Kong

The ABCSA Home Brewing Championship for 2024 is open for entry! Formerly known as SABSOSA*, this esteemed event has been celebrating home brewing for over 20 years.

Key Details:

  • Entry Fee: $8 per entry
  • Entries close online: Thursday, August 29

ENTER NOW and don’t leave it to the last minute when your printer is busted. You need a new account in the portal even if you have entered previously.

If you can judge or steward – get involved! Register your interest in the entry portal.

For full competition details, including bottle drop venue and deadlines, visit the website at ABCSA.org.au

Good luck!

*seriously, this is the last time SABSOSA will ever be uttered.

Next Wednesday’s club meeting

Next Wednesday’s monthly club meeting on (August 21) is at The Suburban Brew at 26-30 Provident Avenue, Glynde (not Goodwood!). The owner and brewer, Tony will give us a tour of this brewhouse and give us the secrets to producing the Royal Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards Gold Medal-winning Sunday Session Ale.

A night not to miss. Parking is available on site or bus 174, 176, or H33 from the city.

Xmas case swap – get brewing

We did it last year and it’s on again. Members brew a batch of beer, bottle it and swap the lot for a random selection of other beers. Put 20L in, and get back 20L of Christmas beers bathed in sunshine and good cheer. Put this in your brewing schedule and we’ll get back with more info soon. Swap venue TBC.

SABC members Blessed with good beer in Laura, SA

A bunch of members had a road trip to see the newly minted Little Blessing Brewing in the old church in the small mid-north town of Laura. Completely built from the shell of the deconsecrated church hall, club member Craig Blessing and his partner have done an incredible job building their brewery. All reports are the beers are great and the atmosphere excellent.

Events and meetings

Club dates are below and in our online calendar. After next Wednesday’s The Suburban Brew meetup, we know the September meeting (18/09) we will hear from the club’s best brewers who scored great results at winter comp and ABCSA. Get the low down on their secrets to success and try their beers.

October meeting (16/10) is looking at all the brewing tools, tech, and gadgets you need, you never knew you needed and the garbage ones you wish you kept the receipt for (curse you Temu!).

Beers offered for presentation and member tasting are always welcome, drop us a line and as always, bottle bingo is always on. Bring a bottle, and leave with a bottle. Anonymous or not, it’s up to you.  

Calendar Dates Summary

  • Aug 21: Club meeting at The Suburban Brew
  • Aug 31/ Sept 1: ABCSA Bottle drop closes
  • Sept 7 & 8: ABCSA judging
  • Sept 14: ABCSA Awards presentation at the Wheaty
  • Sept 18: Club meeting, The Wheaty. ‘Best brewers reveal their secrets’
  • Oct 16: Club meeting, The Wheaty. ‘Best brewing kit and stuff you don’t need’
  • Nov 16: Club meeting, The Wheaty. ‘3V vs Brewzilla system wars, can you tell the difference?’ Beers to taste.

View the updated calendar on the website and subscribe to your Google Calendar or Outlook 365 and don’t miss an event.

Membership lapsed? To renew, head to the SABC Shop and pay to keep access to club events, meetings, competitions and knowledgebase.

Cheers team SABC: Lachlan, Sam, Leon, Gus, Nick, Chris, Julien, Gerard, Gary

Announcing the ABCSA Home Brewing Competition 2024!

Gus K

Howdy Home Brewers,

SABC Is excited to announce the ABCSA Home Brewing Championship for 2024 is open for entry! Open to all residents of South Australia, this competition is your chance to showcase your best home-brewed beer, cider, or mead. Formerly known as SABSOSA, this esteemed event has been celebrating home brewing for over 20 years, and we invite you to be part of this year’s competition.

Key Details:

  • Entry Fee: $8 per entry
  • Entries close online: Thursday, August 29
  • Bottle drop-off at supporting locations around greater Adelaide. See the website for more.
  • Drop-off Deadline: COB Friday, August 30, or at the judging venue by 1pm Saturday, August 31
  • Judging Venue: The Irish Club, Carrington Street Adelaide
  • Judging Dates: September 7 and 8

ENTER NOW and don’t leave it to the last minute

ABCSA is South Australia’s largest amateur brewing competition and a qualifying round for the Australian Amateur Brewing Championship (AABC). All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the ABCSA categories will be eligible to enter the national competition. ABCSA is a fantastic chance to showcase your brewing, get feedback on your beers and win the prestigious South Australian Brewer of the Year perpetual trophy.

As ABCSA is closely linked with AABC, we use the AABC Style Guidelines, which are available on the AABC website. Please review the latest guidelines to understand what the judges will be looking for in both competitions.

ABCSA is entirely volunteer-driven. If you’re interested in entering, participating as a judge or steward, or even if you’re a business considering sponsorship, we encourage you to get involved! Register your interest in the entry portal.

For full competition details, visit our website at ABCSA.org.au

Winter comp winners, new committee & August Meeting at The Suburban Brew

Gus K

Greetings brewers. We hope you are enjoying the ‘dark beers’ season. The club met last week for some housekeeping, awards announcements and upcoming events. We also tasted an excellent barleywine that was the result of a member-led barrel project. Delish.

Here’s a big summary of what’s happening below. Get your spex out and read on.

Winter Competition: ‘The Euros’ Results

Congratulations to Russell Saint for winning the Belgian class and Best of Show with his Belgian Single. Other class winners include: German: Kieren Vercoe (German Leichtbier), English: Nat Warnock (English Porter), Scottish: Ben Key (Scottish Export), Irish: Brenton George (Irish Stout).

See the full results on the competition’s page. The judges’s score sheets are available to download. And of course, Spain won the football.

Upcoming ABCSA State Competition

The entry portal and website will update in early August. Key dates to remember:

  • Bottle Drop: closes at drop-off locations, COB August 31 or by 12pm Saturday at The Irish Club.
  • Judging: Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8 at The Irish Club, Carrington Street

The portal will also invite judge and steward registrations. We need help to run the competition, so any time you can give is appreciated. There’s still time to brew a comp-winning beer. Good luck!

AGM / Committee Update

The Annual General Meeting was held at the club meeting as required by its constitution. The minutes including treasurer’s and president’s reports will be available soon.

Lachlan Johnson was elected as president. He’s supported by:

VP: Sam Beard, Treasurer: Leon van der Linden, Secretary: Gus Kingston. The General committee members are: Chief Steward: Nick McCauley, General Officer: Chris Kerr, IT: Julien Gibson, Competition Director: Gerrard Flynn, Head Judge: Gary Waters

The committee meets bi-monthly and welcomes the contribution of ideas and feedback.

August Meeting Venue Change

The August club meeting on August 21 (3rd Wednesday of the month) will be at The Suburban Brew Glynde. Owner and brewer, Tony, a former club member, will give us a tour of his one-year-old facility. This brewhouse produces excellent beers, including the award-winning Sunday Session Ale, which recently won a gold medal at the Royal Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards.

  • Address: 26-30 Provident Avenue, Glynde (not Goodwood!).
  • Transport: Buses 174, 176, or H33 from the city and plenty of on-site parking is available.
The Suburban Brew, Glynde
Mmmm remember sunny warm days at a brewery

Beer tour to Little Blessings Brewing, Laura

The date is getting close, August 3! Join SABC members for a road trip to Laura in the mid-north on the first weekend in August to enjoy beers crafted by our member Craig Blesing at his brand new (old church) brewery!

Limited spots are available, so please RSVP (or email) if you’re certain you’ll attend. Also, let us know if you’re planning a day trip (about 2 hours drive) or staying overnight. Depending on numbers, we may need separate sessions.

For overnight stays, check out the Laura Caravan Park directly across from the brewery. Everyone gets scones on arrival. It’s a delightful place. When we know more, we can coordinate shared accommodation or rides with fellow members.

Membership Renewals

Many of you might not realise your annual club membership has expired. To renew, head to the SABC Shop and pay to keep access to club events, meetings, competitions, discounts and extras, online group and member brains trust. If you’re unsure of your current status, find out how to check it here. The annual subscription of $60 hasn’t changed in many years and will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future. The club aims to give members the best value for money it can, all for the price of a batch of beer.

What’s in planning: another Southern Vales brewery bus trip!

Sling us a line if you need help or want to get in touch.

Calendar Dates Summary

  • Aug 3/4: Little Blessing Brewery ‘Road Trip’
  • Aug 6: Committee meeting
  • Aug 21: Club meeting at The Suburban Brew
  • Aug 31/ Sept 1: ABCSA Bottle drop closes
  • Sept 7 & 8: ABCSA judging
  • Sept 14: ABCSA Awards presentation at the Wheaty (TBC)
  • Sept 18: Club meeting, The Wheaty
  • Oct 16: Club meeting, The Wheaty

View the updated calendar on the website and subscribe to your Google Calendar or Outlook 365 and don’t miss an event.

July meeting/ 2024 AGM

Lachlan Johnson

A reminder the July meeting is this Wednesday and we will be holding the annual general meeting to elect a new committee. After the offical proceedings we will be announcing the winners of the Winter competition and tasting a barrel aged barleywine. The barleywine is the result of a member led barrel project that has been in works since late 2023, and base on the sample I had on packaging day its well worth coming along for!

It’s Winter Comp Week!

Gerard Flynn

It’s the week of winter comp so now is the time to get your entries finalised and ready for the knock out stages.


Will you beer perform like Scotland and bow out early, will it sit comfortably mid table or will it perform and soar like Germany and (maybe England) to the top of their groups!

Either way, get those entries registered and get your name down to be steward or Judge. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from the regulars who have vast experience under their belt!

Bottle drop is 10am Sunday Morning along with judge/Steward registration with judging to begin soon after.

Check the comp portal for entry limitations and deadlines.

BeerBQ Next Weekend!

Lachlan Johnson

The SABC BeerBQ is this coming Saturday! 6PM at ETKG tennis club. The chefs are already busy preparing the feast that awaits, which includes:

Slow cooked pulled pork
American style hot wings
Low and slow Beef brisket
Italian sausages
Kransky’s
and for the first time, Beer Barbacoa – mexican style pulled beef!

all that along with sides, salads, condiments.. and thas just the food menu.


There will be a vast assortment of member brewed beers, and a special treat from the recent TAFE x SABC collab. BeerBQ will be the only time you can try the collab ESB served through an English Handpump!

If you havn’t already, PLEASE register via the SABC shop – https://shop.sabrew.com/. We’re catering based on registrations so no rego means no food!

Little Blessing Brewing Visit

Lachlan Johnson

Mark your calendars for August 3rd, SABC are heading up to Laura to visit the recently opened Little Blressings Brewing. Gary has confirmed that Cat and Craig are happy to host us and had the following to say:

“Since starting this project they have transformed a small church into a destination , that serves its own beers.

Provided they aren’t feeding loaves and fishes , Craig could do a brewery tour .

Please organise designated drivers and or accomodation.
For catering purposes, indication of intent and numbers would be greatly appreciated .

The Mid north is a fantastic part of SA, we will leave times open so there is a chance for some to visit this beautiful part of South Australia, maybe a visit to Clare on the way up and Yorkes on the way back.

Seriously there are so many great choices…. As Lee says “ be a tourist on your own door step “

For more information on Little Blessings Brewing checkout their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/littleblessingsbrewing

National BJCP judge recognition

Lachlan Johnson

SABC would like to congratulate Luke Scrivens as the very first SA National recognised BJCP judge. Obtaining a BJCP rank at this level is no short order, and Luke’s commitment on this long journey can’t be underestimated.

A few words from Gary:

“To those whom know Luke he is unassuming with a quick smile and cheeky manner, which belies his huge talent and intelligence .

Luke managed to finish the BJCP online exam in exemplary time and made the rest of us feel like the mere mortals we really are.

We were hoping for others to join him, so we can extend the opportunity for others to qualify as BJCP judges with enough proctors within SA , we were so close with Justin Murdock ( voted recently as the best distiller in Australia) just .5 away from qualifying . The March for more recognised judges go forth , your support of local competitions is not underestimated

Thank you to all. Your support in running these tastings and exams has been fantastic.”

BeerBQ Incoming!

Lachlan Johnson

Tickets for the much anticipated SABC BeerBQ are now up in the shop –> https://shop.sabrew.com/

Join us Saturday June 1st at the ETKG tennis club for a delicious blend of member made brews and mouthwatering BBQ. All financial members receive free entry and can purchases guest passes for their friends and family. Check your membership status before purchasing!

This year there will be two awards up for grabs – Brewers Choice – voted only by SABC members, and Peoples Choice voted by everyone else.

May Meeting Change

Lachlan Johnson

A reminder that due to a clash with Pint of Science at the Wheaty, there won’t be a May monthly meeting. Members who want to attend the Pint of Science event in its place will be elligible for a free beer courtesy of the Wheaty.

Pint of Science is a ticketed event (only $8), see here for more details -> https://pintofscience.com.au/event/from-earth-to-space-cultivating-sustainability-and-innovation

To be elligable for a free beer please email info@sabrew.com ahead of the event so we can get you on the list.