Sorry to resurrect an old thread... Actually I'm not.
I went to one of these places before Xmas (in WA) if you take akeg along they will fill it for about $50 they have a selection of popular brews that you can always get. I had been a bit slack and was running low on stocks so it looked like a good idea.
While I was in there I chatted to the guy running the place, who seemed knowlegeable and enthusiastic. He told me how much better that shop stuff their brews were, how good their ingredients were etc etc a nice guy. They have some nice kit in there, lots of stainless on display and the smell is fantastic.
I got a keg of Crown clone (for the visitors) and a Little Creatures Pale Ale clone for myself. The word clone is debateable.
So I took them home and hooked them up to the kegerator.
First off I poured myself a pint of Crown. Gassy with a strong "Banana" taste, no other flavour whatsoever. Not a good beer at all. I never asked about temperature control when I was in there, I just assumed (I know
)
So after that I poured an LCPA, even worse or maybe just more disappointing. A bit gassy again, bitter enough and looked good. but no hops. None. No hop taste dectable whatsoever but again the noticeable "banana" esters
Very dissappointed with that one too.
Obviously they sell enough to stay open, it's a popular place but I was very disappointed. I won't be going back again.