Posted on 06/26/2005 11:08:39 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
AUSTRALIANS are drinking less full strength beer but more wine and ready-made spirits, according to figures released today.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics said full strength beer consumption fell to 80.1 litres a person in 2004 from 85.9 litres a year in 2003.
But mid-strength beer consumption increased slightly, to 15.5 litres a person from 13.8 litres previously while low strength beer consumption fell to 14.3 litres a person from 14.9 litres.
The amount of beer available for consumption fell to 1.76 billion litres, down from 1.81 billion litres.
However, it appears Australians are increasingly turning to wine, consumption of which rose to 27.5 litres a person from 26.8 litres previously.
This may be partly due to the greater availability of wine. There was almost 440 million litres of wine available for consumption in 2004, up from 432 million litres in 2003.
The amount of ready-to-drink pre-mixed spirits increased 13.8 per cent to 13.9 million litres.
Just five years earlier the bureau did not keep records on pre-mixed spirits because there was so little of it available.
The increase in available pre-mixed drinks is perhaps the driving force behind the sharp lift in consumption, which is now at 2.05 litres a person.
...ang great BLOKES!!!!
Can't argue. We got some damn fine wines down here.
Kronenbourg is available in one-liter "mini-kegs" (a big can), that are handy as "boat-beers". I used to by them by the case in Charleston when I lived in SC. Unfortunately, one case I bought was completely uncarbonated....turned me off to Kronenbourg.
I never could develop a taste for Shiner Bock. A much better one is Paulaner Salvator (pronounced sal-VAH-tor), which may not be available in Texas, although I think I remember seeing it at the Gingerman. It's definitely worth hunting up. Ayinger also makes a good bock. For a great Doppelbock, try Samichlaus (brewed by Hurliman of Switzerland) (again, your best bet is probably the Gingerman). There is a Gingerman in Austin, too.
It's an outrage! We're always having to work harder because of slackers.
I'll tell ya. I just watched the Aussie TV interview of Douglas Wood. A very remarkable man.
Someday I'll get to the Barossa Valley and drink Shiraz to my heart's content.
I got to say that when I lived in Carrollton, TX, I had a BALL when I discovered mini-breweries. Those are great!
I'll make it a point to try the Paulaner Salvatore, and I guess there's a much better chance of seeing the Gingerman in Austin before I see the one in Houston.
Not JUST the Barossa. We've got sensational wine districts right across southern Australia. They've stitched me up more than a few times!
Stop! Stop!
Get down here and give it a try! I'll be happy to be your drinking partner.
I just might take you up on that! ;)
Any time!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.