Collecting Otherside’s recent output shows a curious diversity. There are, for example, few breweries releasing a Table Beer, yet this well-timed, low ABV sipper should feature in fridges as part of late-December’s long game of beach, food, catch-ups, more food, sunburn and more food on repeat. Given the inspiration is the kind of thing that Belgian monks might enjoy after a hard day’s mediation, Abbey yeast provides subtle fruit and spice character with a hint of bubblegum before a crisp, dry resolution.
In contrast, and a rare puckering outing from the Myaree brewers, Sour To The People – a collab with the Clancy’s Fish Pub group – emits a more maximalist oeuvre, one that captures energy of the Fremantle venue – one of the first in WA to consistently pour craftier beers. Pineapple, mango and guava feature, the latter taking a strong leading role before settling into a harmonious fruity punch that should be paired with loose fitting party shirts, a live Calypso band and conga line – if only in your mind.
Mood now set, Season’s Greetings returns for its annual appearance. It’s a beer that’s so well constructed it seems pointless teasing any individual tropi-citrus characters from it, nor trying to work out where on earth the 8 percent-plus ABV resides. Indeed, as the surrounding Christmas noise builds, the lasting thought is: "What if this beer was released with some clear air space?" as, each year, Season’s Greeting’s is a contender for Otherside’s best.
Finally, there comes a time in most brewery’s development when there’s a request for something "not beer". And, often under duress, this fermented beverage is made knowing that it will likely fund more creative beer-like endeavours. Otherside have made a beer like this called Ginger Beer, with moderate alcohol content, zinging with ginger, and in a can that’s ready for fun.
Guy Southern
Published December 22, 2023 2023-12-22 00:00:00
