From Mustangs to Masterchef, beer and back to basketball, Andy Allen has made some good passes in recent times.
In his latest venture, the popular former Newcastle-based apprentice electrician will return to his roots.
He has joined forces with Australian actor Travis Fimmel to produce beer brand travla.
And, he plans to launch it at one of his favourite former haunts – Maitland Basketball Association.
Allen played as a point guard for the Maitland Mustangs from 2005 to 2012.
“One of the biggest things I’ve missed since having to move away from the Hunter region to explore opportunities, is playing for the Mustangs,” he says.
“I miss my teammates, the fierce battles on court, the culture of the club and obviously the fans.”
Raised in Ashtonfield, Allen became an overnight success in 2012 after he accepted a dare to enter the popular TV show Masterchef.
Just one exam shy of graduating as a qualified electrician, he left it all behind when he became the youngest contestant to win, aged 24.
Now, a decade later, Allen has joined forces with Fimmel, famed for his roles in Vikings, Danger Close and Black Snow.
The pair has created a mid-strength lager with the help of brewer Blake Bowden.
The beer is 3.5% and 89 calories per can.
“If you love a beer but you still want to be able to wake up the next day to play sport or do whatever you fancy, travla is for you,” Allen says.
“In the past, low carb meant low flavour, so our mission was to create a beer that’s better for you and actually tastes bloody good.”
Fimmel says he’s confident travla is one of the best tasting low cal beers on the market, thanks to Allen’s culinary experience.
“Travla celebrates Aussies’ collective desire to get out there and experience the world,” he explains.
“We needed a beer that would be the perfect addition to any adventure – great tasting but very easy to drink.”
Travla will become the official beer of the Maitland Mustangs.
It will be launched at the Bent Street basketball stadium on 15 April.
“It’s going to be pretty special to head back to watch the Stangs play Newcastle (Falcons) and have a couple of travlas with old teammates and friends,” Allen says.
“When I was playing for Maitland for many years, the home game against Newcastle was one that you highlighted in the draw every year.”
Fimmel and Allen plan to saturate the stadium with merchandise and giveaways on Saturday 15 April.
This will be followed by an after party at The Junction Hotel in Maitland, before a ‘Sunday Session’ at the Hotel Carrington the next day.
For more stories like this:
- Allen dishes up on organic food
- Former Maitland NRL star praises current crop
- Bonza launches direct flights to Whitsundays
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