Chat On Tap is back for 2026, and it makes perfect sense to kick off the year with co-host Cecilia Hollins and a cracking NZ Red IPA in hand. Host David A. Lennon dives straight into the big beer conversations shaping Australia right now, from the fallout of GABS to Australia’s soaring beer prices and the eternal craft vs macro debate.
Recorded at the unofficial “Mazza Hotel” in Marrickville, this episode features some beer news, "You've Got Ale" listener questions, Pub Quiz (once again testing the US education system), and the teachings of tall poppy syndrome. And hey craft beer lovers, what are your thoughts on Budweiser?
1️⃣ Mountain Culture’s Four-Peat & Tall Poppy Syndrome
Mountain Culture Beer Co wins GABS’ Hottest 100 for the fourth year in a row with Status Quo, sparking debate about dominance, independent breweries, and whether Aussies love cutting down success. And what's up with GABS going forward?
2️⃣ Australia’s Beer Prices Are Among the Highest in the World
With Australia ranking in the top 5 most expensive beer countries for 2026, David and Cece unpack excise tax freezes, shrinkflation in pub pours, and why a six-pack in the U.S. feels criminally cheap by comparison.
3️⃣ You've Got Ale - Send in your questions and comments to hello@chatontap.com, or DM on the instagram page @chatontap.
Should you stock your fridge with your favourite beer when overseas? Listener Luke has taken great offence to his mother-in-laws Budweiser habit
4️⃣ Brewery Food: Keep It Simple
Food trucks > fancy degustation. The verdict? Crispy chicken wings, burgers, and rotating food trucks win at breweries. Overcomplicate it and you risk missing the point — beer and community first.
👤 Guest – Cecilia “Cece” Hollins
Cecilia Hollins is a regular Chat On Tap co-host and a American-Turned-Proud-Aussie. She brings a unique cross cultural lens to pub culture and craft beer. Passionate about community, approachable beer styles, and making craft more accessible, Cece offers sharp takes on everything from GABS politics to fruit-forward pilsners. She’s also not afraid to defend Budweiser - when necessary.
Chapters are Auto Generated
00:00 Welcome Back to Chat on Tap
02:54 Holiday Beers
05:34 GABS
08:58 You've Got Ale
11:42 Brewery Food Menus and Recommendations
14:54 Family-Friendly Breweries and Experiences
17:44 Traveling and Beer Recommendations
20:32 Pub Quiz
33:26 Wrap-Up and Future Topics
🍺 Venues & Beers Mentioned
Venues
Breweries & Beers
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,
Insta: @chatontap
Interested in sponsorship? email us!
Email: hello@chatontap.com
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com
