“My grandfather was a butcher, my father was a butcher and I’m a butcher!”
So starts a great story about a German artisan bringing the best of flavourful European charcuterie and smallgoods to Australia.
After many years spent in the business, Ralf Fink saw everything changing into large scale production and the idea was born to go back to the old style.
Ralf’s passion and driving force is to produce quality products ….his mantra is meat, spices and tradition!
Ralf was born near Dortmund and, like the men in his family, became a butcher. In 1987 Ralf was awarded the certificate of Fleishmeister, as was his father in 1960. To get the degree of a Fleishmeister you have to work and study for 8 years and before getting awarded the precious certificate, Ralf had to be assessed for 6 months while passing 28 written and practical exams. Look out for the original certificate in the Castlemaine shop – his and his fathers are displayed as well as a picture of the old shop in Germany. He is very proud to be only 1 of the 5 Fleischmeisters in Australia.
Oakwood Smallgoods’ traditional time honoured techniques and carefully sourced ingredients come together to create high quality artisan smallgoods.
At this time of the year, as our thoughts turn to Christmas, we caught up with what’s on offer for the festive table… and we strongly suggest you order your Christmas hams now to avoid disappointment.
Using only certified Free Range Otway pork, Oakwood Smallgoods offers a choice of hams to suit every taste and size. They carefully use traditional brining methods of salt, honey and spices then hot smoke the hams in their wood fired smokehouses or sous vide them to perfection to finish off the most succulent hams in Victoria.
There are several varieties of hams…
HAM ON THE BONE – hot smoked over red gum and finished over beech sawdust to provide that mild traditional flavour. This ham is the traditional centrepiece to many Christmas tables or special occasions.
JAMBON BLANC – sous vide cooked 12 to 15 hours in its own juice to create that old fashioned flavour. This ham is boneless so you get to enjoy every morsel.
GYPSY HAM – This is done in the double smoked classic style and the flavour is enriched by that subtle taste. This ham is also boneless for maximum value.
NUGGETS – These are made in our Gypsy and plain styles and are boneless for easy use.
You can order full or half hams – as the amount you are entertaining dictates – and the staff or Ralf are happy to chat and advise on the best choice for you.
Of course they also have their full range of charcuterie and smallgoods for you to enjoy on those platters for your guests or Christmas party. Call on 0449 857212 or pop into the shop at The Mill Castlemaine where you can view the selection Thursdays to Mondays 9am to 5 pm.
