There’s a festive buzz in the air and the live music on the deck is as chilled as the river below. Finally, you’ve made it to Bright Brewery, a must-do that’s been on your list since before you arrived, but – as you discovered – there are so many wonderful distractions. Now here you are and there’s the bar.

It’s a little overwhelming actually – there are more craft brews than you could poke a stick at: largers, amber ales, sour ales, pale ales, IPAs, XPAs, and a heap of quirky seasonal concoctions and local cider as well. The young fella behind the bar suggests a tasting paddle of six beers, and that sounds like a good idea.

The others have found a table out on the deck and are checking out the menu. Have you ever noticed how holiday memories involve eating? That Hero Board right there is a memory in the making: BBQ-glazed pork ribs, gochujuang chicken wings, friend chorizo, pork belly bites, kimchi, apple slaw and fries, and it will feed the whole table!

The first round of beer has whet the palette so you head to the bar to order. Beside you, a group of 40-somethings are chatting about this thing they're doing called The High Country Brewery Trail and have just come from another brewery over the gap in the Kiewa Valley.

"Another brewery! How could I not have known this!" you exclaim.

One of the guys turns to you smiling, pleased to be the bearer of good news.

“Yeah, Crank Handle Brewery in Tawonga South. It’s small, but that’s what’s cool about it, and it makes a fine brew too,” he says, adding that there's a really good lookout with views of Mount Bogong on the drive there. “Then there's also Old Factory Brewing Co. in Myrtleford. We're going there tomorrow.”

Ahh, Mount Bogong. You’ve heard about this one – Victoria’s highest mountain. The lookout sounds like a goer. And a drive would be good.

The guy takes a sip of his beer.

“Aaahhh,” he exhales. “That’s good. We’re headed off over Australia’s highest sealed road in a few minutes. We here there’s a good pub at 1,500 metres.”

You head back to tell the others of your discovery and find the topic of conversation has turned to the gin distillery up the road. That sounds like a good place for a nightcap! But what should you do tomorrow?

There are decisions to be made, so you sip your pot of Bright Sour Ale. You’d been skeptical – you’ve never had a sour beer before, but your tastebuds tingle with delight: it’s crisp with a light tart undertone and a refreshing zesty flavour. Here’s to trying new things.

Has the sour put you in the mood for adventure? What will you decide?