COLONIAL ALE AND THE CALCUTTA EXHIBITION.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1316, 14 June 1883, Page 4

COLONIAL ALE AND THE CALCUTTA EXHIBITION.

Mr William John Dlsher, consulting brewer, Melbourne, writes to the “Argus” as follows The opportunity presented to the brewers of the Australian group by the forth, coming Exhibition in Calcutta, to ejt - tend their operations in the East, constrains me to submit to them my views in relation to the great advant. age they have over either the English or Continental brewer- in that market. First, that Australia and New Zealand are certain to become the greatest producing countries ia the world for the two most essential elements for the manufacture of ales and stout—viz., barley and hops—there can be no doubt I saw samples of Vtotorian grown barley to-day that are not to be equalled in Europe, and perhaps only surpassed by New Zealand. Next are hops. Anyone that has examined a carefully-picked and dried hop of Nelson, Tasmanian or Victorian growth, and who is a judge, must admit although they have not the pungent bitter, they have decidedly a much superior aroma, and possess much more lupuline. I am of opinion that hops can be grown as cheaply as they can in England or on the Continent, from the cheapness of our land and being more free front blight. The next item is casks. Now in England you cannot get an oak cask under 17s 6d. Here, from Tasmanian blackwood, which to my mind is much superior to oak, the cost wonld be 14s; here is a saving of 8s 6d. Next, the many ships that leave our shores in ballast for the East would be glad to take onr ales at a very nominal freight, whereas English ales cost something like £1 per hogshead. These are only a few of the leading advantages we have over the English producer. In conclusion, I would earnestly solicit the brewers of Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand to embrace the present grand opportunity of the Calcutta Exhibition by brewing a small brew of ale— say 271 b weight of prime malt and bops —the season is admirably adapted for it—to try the Eastern markets, at the same time forwarding samples for exhibit.”