Arts and entertainment
The XXXX beer brand has been prominently featured in Australian media, particularly through its iconic television advertisements from the 1980s, which helped cement its place in popular culture. These ads, produced by Mojo Australia, often employed humor and stereotypes of Australian masculinity, with memorable campaigns like "Australians wouldn't give a XXXX for anything else" and the "Country Boy" series, featuring lines such as "Australian for beer."[6] The commercials, directed by Allan Johnston and Alan Morris, aired widely on Australian television and contributed to the brand's national identity, though some later campaigns faced criticism for reinforcing laddish stereotypes.[7] In literature, XXXX beer serves as inspiration for the fictional Ankh-Morpork beer "XXXX" in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, where it is humorously depicted as a strong, popular brew, reflecting the real brand's reputation. This reference appears in several novels, including Guards! Guards! (1989), highlighting the beer's cultural export beyond Australia.[8] Notable mentions in film and television are limited, but XXXX has appeared in Australian productions as a symbol of Queensland culture, such as in episodes of soap operas like Home and Away and sports broadcasts, underscoring its role in everyday Australian life. Recent campaigns, like the 2021 partnership with drag artist Courtney Act for Surf Life Saving Queensland, have modernized the brand's media presence to promote inclusivity.[9] As of 2025, XXXX continues to feature in nostalgic retrospectives of Australian advertising history.[10]Biology
Species and classification
Tetrasomy X, also known as 48,XXXX syndrome, is a rare sex chromosome aneuploidy affecting females, characterized by the presence of four X chromosomes instead of the typical two (46,XX karyotype), resulting in a total of 48 chromosomes.[11] This condition is classified as a chromosomal disorder within human genetics, specifically a polysomy of the X chromosome, and is distinct from other sex chromosome aneuploidies like trisomy X (47,XXX). It arises from errors in cell division, primarily maternal nondisjunction during meiosis, leading to an extra pair of X chromosomes.[12] Prevalence is extremely low, estimated at less than 1 in 1,000,000 females, with approximately 100 cases reported worldwide as of 2024.[11] A 2024 study documented a new case involving uniparental maternal tetrasomy X co-occurring with paternal nondisjunction, highlighting ongoing genetic research into its origins.[13]Anatomy and behavior
Individuals with tetrasomy X often exhibit distinctive anatomical features, including above-average adult height (average 178 cm, ranging from 160-187 cm), subtle facial dysmorphisms such as epicanthic folds (in about 13% of cases), hypertelorism, and a flat nasal bridge, along with low birth weight (average 2,810 g).[12] Other common physical traits include clinodactyly (curved fingers in 43% of cases), joint laxity, hypotonia, and potential organ involvement like heart defects (17% complex cases), hip dysplasia, and ovarian dysfunction leading to premature ovarian failure.[11] Behaviorally, affected individuals typically experience mild to moderate developmental delays, with learning difficulties (IQ range 60-80), speech delays (average onset at 3 years), and motor milestones delayed (sitting at 7 months, walking at 21 months). Social and behavioral challenges may include increased susceptibility to infections in childhood and orthopedic issues, though many lead independent lives with appropriate support. Early intervention, such as speech therapy and educational accommodations, is recommended to address these aspects.[12]Food
Culinary uses
Chili peppers, introduced to Europe in the late 15th century by Christopher Columbus following his voyages to the Americas, quickly became integrated into culinary practices across the continent and beyond, initially valued for their heat and novelty before evolving into essential ingredients in diverse global cuisines.[14] By the 16th century, they appeared in early Spanish recipes, often added to stews for flavor and preservation, marking the beginning of their widespread historical use in European cooking.[15] As of 2022, global production of chilies and peppers reached approximately 43 million metric tons annually, with consumption trends following production, reflecting their enduring popularity driven by demand in both traditional and fusion dishes.[16] One prominent traditional dish incorporating chili peppers is chili con carne, a hearty stew originating in 19th-century Texas with influences from Mexican, Native American, and Spanish cuisines; it typically involves simmering beef, chili peppers, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and garlic for several hours to develop deep flavors.[17][18] This preparation method highlights the pepper's role in slow-cooked dishes, where dried or fresh chilies provide heat and complexity, a technique that spread from Iberian kitchens to Mexican culture and beyond. Modern variants include grilled shishito pepper skewers, which gained popularity in the United States around 2015 as a trendy appetizer, often blistered over high heat with sea salt and lemon for a mild, smoky bite.[19] Preparation techniques for chili peppers emphasize versatility, from fresh use in salsas to drying and grinding into powders like paprika or cayenne for broader application. Preservation methods, such as pickling whole or sliced peppers in a vinegar solution with salt and spices, allow them to last up to six months while retaining crunch and heat, a practice common in Mediterranean and American cuisines for year-round availability. Fresh chili peppers are seasonally harvested from July to September in temperate regions like Europe and North America, influencing their prominence in summer grilling and fresh preparations.[20]Nutritional aspects
Chili peppers are nutrient-dense, particularly rich in vitamin C; a single raw jalapeño provides about 107 mg, exceeding the daily value (DV) for adults. They also contain vitamin A, potassium, and folate, contributing to immune support and eye health. The compound capsaicin in chili peppers has been linked to potential benefits like pain relief, improved metabolism, and anti-inflammatory effects, though excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals. As of 2023, studies highlight their role in antioxidant intake for cardiovascular health.[21][22]Organisations
Companies and brands
Castlemaine Perkins, the primary commercial entity associated with the name XXXX, is an Australian brewery founded in 1878 in Milton, Brisbane, Queensland, by Fitzgerald Quinlan & Co.[23][24] The company traces its origins to earlier brewing ventures by the Perkins brothers, who acquired the Brisbane City Brewery in 1872, and formally merged with Castlemaine in 1928 to become Castlemaine Perkins Limited.[25] Originally focused on sparkling ales, the brewery became one of Queensland's largest producers, pioneering lager-style beer in the state by 1889.[25] The XXXX brand, emblematic of the company, debuted with XXX Sparkling Ale in 1878 and evolved to include the flagship XXXX Bitter Ale—a lager despite its ale designation—launched in February 1924 as a stronger variant to compete in the market.[1][3] This product line solidified XXXX's status as a Queensland icon, with variants like the mid-strength XXXX Gold introduced later to appeal to broader consumers.[1] In 2022, the company invested nearly $5 million to expand production of XXXX Seltzer at the Milton facility, marking a push into the growing ready-to-drink category.[26] In March 2025, XXXX entered the ginger beer market with a new low-ABV variant. In October 2025, the brand released limited-edition cans celebrating Queensland's victories in the AFL and NRL premierships.[27][28] Castlemaine Perkins was acquired by Lion Nathan in 1992 and now operates as a subsidiary of Lion Pty Ltd, a major Australasian beverage firm owned by Japan's Kirin Holdings since 2009.[1][29] Lion Pty Ltd reported total revenue of approximately AU$2.12 billion in 2024, with beer comprising a significant portion amid the Australian industry's projected AU$8.7 billion in sales that year.[30][31] The XXXX portfolio contributes to Lion's dominance in Queensland, where it holds strong regional market loyalty despite national competition.[32] A notable controversy arose in June 2020 when Lion, including the Castlemaine Perkins operations, suffered a ransomware cyber attack that halted production across brands like XXXX and Little Creatures for over a week, raising concerns about potential data misuse and supply disruptions.[33][34] The incident, attributed to hackers threatening to release stolen information, underscored vulnerabilities in the beverage sector but was resolved without confirmed widespread data breaches.[35]Sport
- XXXX Derby, a rugby league rivalry involving Queensland teams in the National Rugby League (NRL), sponsored by Castlemaine XXXX since 1994.[36][37]
- XXXX Gold Beach Cricket, a Tri-Nations beach cricket series featuring retired international players from Australia, England, and other nations, sponsored by XXXX Gold beer and held in the late 2000s.[38][39]