Boatrocker are doubling down on the current mini-renaissance* being enjoyed by English beer styles. Hot (or should that be "flat and warm", real ale haters?) on the heels of their English pale, red and brown trilogy comes English IPA. Not only do the cans cram in references aplenty to the old world – a coat of arms, the addition of "Houghton's Fine Ales" between heads of barley – but it's pouring on hand pump at their Braeside Barrel Room.
The copper liquid comes across very much like an English bitter ratcheted up a few notches. Stewed fruits swirl within the chewy, dark caramel malts as a wily, woody, persistent bitterness commands your attention – it's not in a hurry but does put down roots, signalling an intention to stick around a while.
Give a can (or dimpled mug) to someone who's only had modern IPAs (of the pre-haze days) and they'll likely recognise how such beers are essentially the kernel of the idea around which America's craft brewers built a movement. The essence of IPA, but without the drama.
James Smith
*Who knows? Maybe such beers will return to a place of some permanence in the Aussie beer market after years of almost total absence. Time will tell...
Published June 28, 2024 2024-06-28 00:00:00
