A big event on the calendar, the Great Australian Beer Festival, is to be held at Geelong Racecourse on Saturday, February 21.

The organisers are yet to announce details of entertainment and food at the event but they expect to offer more than 200 craft beers and ciders.

Brewers supporting the event include the two big boys, Lion (Little Creatures) and CUB (Matilda Bay) as well as a number of smaller independents. These include Prickly Moses, Southern Bay Brew Co, Mountain Goat, Murray's, Stone and Wood, Napoleone and Holgate.

The website (gabfgeelong.com.au) provides updates on the event as it takes shape. Entry to the event costs $44 online (including online transaction fee) but will be $50 at the gate. Drink tokens cost extra.

4 Pines Brewing Company Brookvale Union Ginger Beer
★★
500ml $7

Ahh, yes – sugar, alcohol and a twist of ginger make a palate pleasing combination for many. And that's exactly what 4 Pines offers in this blend of "water, cane sugar, alcohol, fresh ginger, citric acid, natural ginger flavours, preservative". An alcoholic soft drink, it is; beer, it is not.

Thatchers Gold English Cider
★★★★
500ml 

Thatchers Gold won three trophies at this year's Australian Cider Awards: best in show, best cider and best international cider or perry. It's available in bottle and on tap (kegged by Coopers). The cider has a bright, pale-golden colour an aroma of very ripe apples and flavour to match, with delightfully brisk acidity and dry finish.