Pub Visit: The Local Taphouse, Darlinghurst

Pub Visit: The Local Taphouse, Darlinghurst

Went out last night to celebrate a couple of mates getting jobs, and what better way to celebrate than with a few cold beers? After a couple of Kilkennys at Scruffy Murphy's near Town Hall, we decided some fancier beers were in order, jumped on the 339 bus, and 10 minutes later we were at The Local Taphouse

Was rainy and miserable when we went there, so this'll have to do for a photo

As soon as we walked in, we could tell we were in a place dedicated to beer. Beers line the shelves above the bar, and twenty taps adorn the wall behind the bar. The beer list is split into two halves, on one side the twenty beers they have on tap, and on the other side a selection of another twentyish bottled beers.

The Tap List for the night we were there

We were given sheets of all the beers on tap, and told to select five for a tasting paddle. I chose the Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale, Happy Goblin Bitter, Mornington Peninsula BONZA IPA,To Ol by Udder Means, and the Clown Shows Blaecorn Unidragon, which were served in that order (from lightest to heaviest) along the paddle.

Pictured: Our Three Paddles, mine being partially finished at the bottom

Each of the beers was fantastic in it's own right, and the order they were served in really allowed us to appreciate each beer separately, especially given the palate-cleansing crackers supplied at the end of the paddle. A later beer review may cover the individual beers, but for now we'll look at the bar.

Following the paddles, we decided to try a few of the other beers of the list. Of particular interest was the HopDog Mocha Brown Ale, which was listed as 'currently being infused with vanilla bean, orange peel and chocolate orange pieces'. I grabbed a pint of the stuff, and I must say I've never had a beer that quite so much made me think I was drinking an iced coffee... The different infused flavours were all present, and overall it was a real flavour experience.

There was an open mic night going on, so we got to hear from a number of great performers

We stayed for a few more pints afterwards, going through a few favourites such as the Feral Brewing Hop Hog and the Stone and Wood Pacific Ale (Review coming soon). Eventually we had to head off, trekking back to central through the rain, all up taking about 20 minutes

Overall, a fantasic venue with great ambience, fun live music and an amazing selection of beers on offer. Would recommend to anyone keen on beer, and will definitely be going back!