Coca Cola Amatil : Yenda Wheel of Beer returns to help FightMND

Media Release May 16, 2017

The Yenda Wheel of Beer is back for 2017 and this year, its sights are set higher than ever.

The giant Ferris wheel made its debut beneath the frescoed dome of the Royal Exhibition Building at last year's Great Australian Beer SpecTapular (GABS) festival. This weekend, its glorious rotation will again take Melbourne to new heights and, for the first time, it will then head to the Sydney event too!

Towering 18 metres above the festival floor, the Yenda Wheel of Beer offers incredible views over the entire event. Rides are just $6 and all proceeds are donated to charity partner FightMND, in partnership with Brewmanity.

David Neitz, Brewmanity founder and FightMND supporter said, "Last year, the wheel raised a whopping $10,000 from the Melbourne festival. This year, we're bringing it to both cities and we're relying on the generosity of the 30,000+ Sydneysiders and Melbournian beer lovers coming through the doors to jump on board and help us smash that record."

The guy responsible for dreaming up the concept is Sam Johnstone, marketing manager at Australian Beer Company, where Yenda is brewed. "Last year we were blown away with the response to the wheel and this year, we're delighted to be able to make an appearance at the Sydney event as well," added Sam.

"Once again, we've had fantastic support from the craft brewing community, with loads of brewers lined up to ride the wheel, have fun and help make a difference for a worthy cause. A big thanks also to Steve and Guy from GABS and David at Brewmanity for making this happen."

Among those riding the wheel will be Aus Beer Co's head brewer Andy Mitchell, who will be joined by fellow well-respected craft brewers from Two Birds, Hawkers Beer, Stomping Ground (all Victoria), Batch Brewing (NSW) and Pirate Life (SA), as well as internationally renowned craft beer pioneer Keith Villa. All will be making a series of guest appearances to treat lucky beer lovers to special mid-air private tasting sessions, giving them a truly memorable and educational beer experience.

Founded in 2015, Brewmanity adopts a unique fundraising model. Set up to be ultruistic with its brews and donate a portion of funds to FightMND (formally known as the Cure for MND Foundation), it encourages craft breweries and hospitality venues across Australia to do the same.

Another of the festival's highlights will be the extensive (and at times, outlandish) range of festival beers and ciders brewed exclusively for GABS 2017 and unveiled at the event by the impressive line-up of Australian craft brewers. Australian Beer Company will be debuting its three-year barrel-aged India Pale Lager called Nitro Cherry IPL (ABV 9%), brewed with local Hillston cherries and served under nitrogen for a tart yet refreshing flavour and creamy mouthfeel.

Since its inception in 2012, GABS has become a widely anticipated and revered festival, ranking in the top 20 beer festivals around the world. Tens of thousands of beer enthusiasts are expected to attend this year's events, which take place at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton from May 19-21 and at Sydney's Olympic Park on May 27. Tickets are on sale now.

Established in 2013 in the NSW Riverina town of Yenda, Australian Beer Company's small team of brewers brew award-winning craft beer and cider that celebrate its rural heritage and showcase local ingredients. Further information on Australian Beer Company, the Yenda craft beer range and Pressman's Apple Cider, is available from www.australianbeerco.com.au.

For more information on the Yenda Wheel of Beer, including images or interviews, please contact nicki.drinkwater@australianbeerco.com.au.