Wig and Pen, Canberra

So the wife and I had a weekend in Canberra, and we basically eat and drank out way through the place, then on the drive home stopped into a few vineyards to complete the weekend. Between the 'beenhunter' app for cafes and brunches, and 'now tapped' app for beers you will be sorted on where to go (and James Halliday 'wine companion' website for the vineyards on the way back to Sydney). I think they have other things there like a Parliament etc, but I am not too sure. :)

Anyway, our first stop had to be the +Wig&Pen Pub as this brewhouse is a Canberra institution. 

The pub is modelled in an English style pub and it is done quite well - my English wife thought it reminded her of a few of the pubs where she grew up. Personally, I am not to sure of the fascination with themed bars - British styles, German etc, to me the attraction of this place is that it is a brew house, and a damn fine one at that opposed to it looking "a bit British". Well, each to one's own. The front of the bar was full but we managed to grab a seat up the back - there was a surprising amount of seats there, it is bigger than you think when walking in... So if it looks busy, still have a wander in.

This picture could of been taken in many places in the middle of England...

They have the "English style pub" done pretty well. 

Theres a glimpse of the tanks, or tank, I am not a master brewer...

I started with a pint of pale ale; it is an American style Pale Ale, the hops give it a nice citrus taste and light smell, and the body is very light as well. It does have a bit of an after-taste, a bit bitter which was unexpected, but worked well with the sweeter upfront taste. A good beer to get a feel of this place. I would normally really like this sort of beer, but for whatever reason, it was a bit too light for me (I will blame the weather and the rain). So I moved onto a new beer, and I made a mistake, I saw the IPA and went for it, but it is an English style IPA - why didn't I chat to the barman beforehand...? To compound this, the girl who ordered after me was looking for a recommendation on a beer and the staff talked her through the options.... Silly Neil!

Look, if you like an English IPA, in its truest style, with more malty flavours opposed to hoppy tastes (like American / Australian IPA), poured from a handpump and more golden colour, you will enjoy this. I will say one thing - the head stayed the entire time, from my little knowledge of an English IPA, that is a great sign.

A pint of the Pale Ale

This is the IPA "Brewers IPA"

Overall, a great venue, that you can tell is just full of locals who love this place, and what's not to love?