Lads and ladies, let’s talk beer.
Firstly I’d like to give a shout out to Sail and Anchor IPA which is currently glistening with a crisp condensation with the light of the afternoon sun. It’s not a standout beer, so to speak, however it is a fantastic sessional IPA for stupidly hot days like today.
The momentum of the craft beer scene is now well established and I for one am loving it. The increase in macro and microbreweries having a fair crack at their take on certain styles and flavours gives the consumer a variety beyond the liquefied bread-water of the larger market. This is the time of year to take stock of your favourites of 2015 and to plan your attack for the coming year.
Challenge yourself in 2016 to try styles you would not normally try, and think carefully what it is you do or don’t like about them. At least you’ll have a whopping review for the next time you stand with a few mates and stares blankly at the taps while the bartender smile politely – all the while just wanting to take your order and get you the hell away from him.
We sat down with W.A. brewer, Simon Innes…
2012 Perth Royal Beer Show – Dark Ale (American Brown) – Gold
2013 Perth Royal Beer Show – Other Specialty (Honey Porter) – Silver
2013 James Squire “You Brew” Competition Winner with ‘Yankee Doodle’
2014 WA State Amateur Brewers Competition – 1st Place for his Bitter Ale (Altbier)
…to get his five picks for the Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers of 2015.
Image: beeratthefox – Instagram
1. Boatrocker Ramjet
Weighing in at a moustache tingling 10.4%, the Boatrocker Ramjet has no equal this year. This barrel-aged imperial stout carries a smooth chocolate taste with a mild whiskey warmth to finish. On tap or bottled, I am yet to experience anything other than magnificence.
Image: Black Hearts and Sparrows
2. Colonial Small Ale
A round of applause for the midstrength that can hang with the big boys. Colonial’s Small Ale is the perfect citrus hopped companion for a summer’s day. The can is also pretty neat. Its 360 degree lid opens up a world of aromatics for your nose tongue, adding to the overall flavour of the beer and making you just a little bit different.
Image: thefrothdoctor – Instagram
3. Bridge Road Dark Harvest
Dark Harvest wins me over every year. Its roasty malts joins with a mild citrus tang to balance the overall chocolate flavour. An excellent excuse to smash down a few dessert beers. At 6.6% it will sit nicely in your knees as you watch the evening take over the sky.
Image: The Beer Drinkers
4. Mountain Goat Coffee Porter
The Mountain Goat was very solid and did the whole coffee thing very well. Its caramelised malts fight against its bitter orange counterpart and mediated by a passive hop finish. If you’re a coffee- nut, this beer is likely more sessionable for you.
Image: @doonus – Instagram
5. Pirate Life Pale Ale
And of course, Pirate Life Pale Ale has to get a mention. It is unequivocally the best Pale I have had this year. It’s fresh, super hoppy and very drinkable. As much as I do like their IIPA, I just couldn’t fit it in! Tough choices as ever.
Cheers,
C.J.