Murray's Craft Brewing Co have announced the beer and interactive events line-up for its highly anticipated annual Dark Beer Month festivities celebrated in July, including the release of three imperial stouts in the bottle.

"We've decided to heat things up again this winter, surpassing last year's dark beer launches with the simultaneous release of three different Imperial Stouts. We believe this is a first in Australia," says brewery owner, Murray Howe.

"Doing three at the same time might seem a bit over the top, but we've always done things a bit differently and the demand for these beers from Australia's craft beer consumers is definitely here."

Dark Beer Month will officially kick off with a Dark Beer Winter Feast at Murray's At Manly on Thursday 5 July.

The evening will be hosted by Murray, head brewers Shawn Sherlock and Ian Watson and will feature seven dark and delicious beers matched to five food courses.

AND, for the first and only time, Murray's Anniversary Ale 6 will be served on draught.

There will be two versions of this beer - one aged in French Oak casks, and the other in American Oak.

A Dark Beer Masterclass run by Murray's head brewers will also be held during July. These classes are a great opportunity to learn about the art of brewing exotic beers.

The three draught Imperial Stouts will be available from 6 July, with the bottled release to follow.

"We're really excited about the release of these three big beers and they will be accessible to beer lovers right around the country. We're proud to reveal the trio as our new 'Seasons in the Abyss' Farmhouse Imperial Stout, 'Heart of Darkness' Belgio Imperial Stout, and of course our 'Wild Thing' Imperial Stout," said head brewer, Shawn Sherlock.

"The three beers are completely different in flavor and aroma - it was a great opportunity for us as brewers to showcase the range within this beer style," says Shawn.

Murray's Seasons in the Abyss' Farmhouse Imperial Stout is dry, dark and roasty - with a wicked earthy yeast character. At 11.3% abv, it's a beer to be savoured on the darkest winter nights.

Murray's 'Heart of Darkness' Belgio Imperial Stout is a unique beer - a mix of styles concocted by Murray's brewers. An Imperial Stout in basic style, but with a stronger accent on the chocolate malt over the roast barley, some rummy notes from the dark brown sugar, and underpinning it all, the classic Belgian esters and a very light phenolics from the yeast.

Murray's 'Wild Thing' Imperial Stout is a massive, intense drinking experience inspired by the great stouts favoured by the Russian Imperial Court. The colour is intensely black. The flavor is an intense hit of mocha with some malt sweetness but an aggressive hop bitterness and roast grain bit to balance.

Imperial Stout Stockists

The beers will be available from Murray's Brewery at Bobs Farm, Murray's At Manly, and Murray's online shop at www.murraysbrewingco.com.au. The full distributor line-up will be announced in coming weeks.

Dark Beer Winter Feast

Murray's At Manly: Thursday 5 July, 7pm

7 incredibly dark and delicious beers matched to 5 food courses. The evening will be hosted by Murray, head brewers Shawn Sherlock and Ian Watson, and will feature seven dark and delicious beers matched to five food courses. 

For the first and only time, Murray's Anniversary Ale 6 will be served on draught. There will be two versions of this beer - one aged in French Oak casks, and the other in American Oak.

$100 per person - limited places, book now!

Dark Beer Masterclasses

Murray's At Manly: Thurs 26 July, 7pm

The 60-minute interactive classes will involve a presentation and discussion on brewing these beers, tasting of four dark beers and food match sampling.

These sessions sold out quickly last year, so please book early.

$20 per person

Tel: 02 9977 0999. email: info@murraysatmanly.com.au

Murray's at Manly is the first Sydney venue of Australia's most extreme brewer, Murray's Craft Brewing Co.

From humble beginnings in Taylors Arm (population 50) on the NSW North Coast six years ago, Murray's relocated its brewery to Port Stephens in 2009.

With craft beer among the fastest-growing alcoholic beverage segments in Australia and globally, Murray's beers are available nationally, and some internationally. Murray's Craft Brewing Co has the highest number of beers in this year's The Critics Choice Australia's Top 100 Best Beers.

Murray's at Manly offers the brewer's full range of craft beers for the first time at a major capital city location, companioning a 250 seat restaurant. Beer and food matching are an integral part of the experience.

For further information, images and media opportunities please contact:
Deborah Dickson-Smith
e: deb@responseworks.com.au
m: 0419 618 466

www.murraysatmanly.com.au
www.facebook.com/murraysatmanly
@murraysatmanly