If you’re waiting for the Strawberry Sundae Kisses to hit your lips, we’ve got good news! It’s back in 2024 to help us raise funds for much-needed medical research, and brewing is now underway.
It’s nearly that time of year when Brisbane can indulge in the iconic Ekka Strawberry Sundaes to support vital medical research through The Common Good, an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation. And we are so excited that our celebrated dessert will be joined by Stone & Wood’s Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer to raise funds for The Common Good for the fifth consecutive year.
Brewing has officially begun for the sought-after strawberry and cream sour sensation, and over the coming weeks, the brew will be fermenting in tank at their Brisbane brewery.
Every year this creation is crafted with care.
The brew, which pays homage to the original strawberry sundae, is described as creamy and delectable. To achieve this distinctive flavour, 60 kilograms of Queensland strawberries will be added during fermentation, along with lactose and vanilla. This fusion of flavours happens over several weeks, and Stone & Wood Brisbane Head Brewer, Mick Barnes, will keep a close eye on the beer during that process.
The special brew for a berry good cause was the brainchild of Mick and another brewer named Brendan in 2020.
“When the physical Ekka show was cancelled a few years ago (due to the Coronavirus pandemic), we kept thinking of the delicious strawberry sundaes and all the money they raise for the Foundation,” Mick said. “Then we said to ourselves, well, we can’t exactly make ice cream – but what about beer?”
The Strawberry Sundae has been a key fundraiser for The Common Good, an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, for over 35 years. Funds raised have supported significant research breakthroughs and patient-focused projects at one of Australia’s leading heart and lung hospitals, The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, including the newly opened ICU bedspaces which have been redesigned to optimise recovery, ensuring that patients thrive, not just survive.
“The Ekka is a truly iconic event that brings country and city together. We are so grateful to Stone & Wood who have continued their support of The Common Good for a fifth year, not only raising valuable funds for medical research, but by raising awareness of our mission to help people live healthier for longer,” says Chloe Nguyen, General Manager of The Common Good.
“Locally grown strawberries and Brisbane brewed beer – it really is a perfect pairing.”
The tipple will be ready to tantalise the taste buds in early August, but you’ll have to get in quickly as it typically sells out within a few weeks.
This year, you’ll find the limited-edition brew at Craft Beer Alley at the Ekka from August 10-18 and at Stone & Wood’s Fortitude Valley brewery from August 8.
All proceeds from the special Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer are donated to The Common Good.
Read our blog about the history of the Strawberry Sundaes here, or if you’re keen to volunteer at one of our Strawberry Sundae stalls in 2024, click here.
