Ahead of summer 2024/25, 3 Ravens decided it was time for out with the old, in with the new, albeit a "new" that leans into the old. Confused? Then let me explain...
Responding to tastes that have been moving a little more back to the mean, plus the ongoing lack of disposable income in Aussies' pockets, they replaced their CAW Range beers with the 86 Tram Series: two beers that are new but come dressed in cans that bring more than a little nostalgia to their design.
Alongside a revised Thornbury Lager is Ruckers Hill Pale Ale, a beer that simply had to come with the tagline "Bring The Ruckers", even if the liquid is rather less in-your-face than the 36 Chambers opener. Golden and clear, there's a restrained fruity hop character – stonefruit and orange if you get stuck in with your nose – that expands into something juicier on the palate courtesy of an all-Aussie hop combo of Eclipse, Galaxy and Vic Secret.
The malts accompanying them remind me of those sugar-dusted Nice biscuits or a light fluffy sponge while, as with the lager, bitterness is on the low side in what appears to have been designed as a pint beer for pub sessions.
James Smith
NB If you're reading this in time, we've got cases of both debut 86 Tram Series beersup for grabs for members of our beer club, The Crafty Cabal. Details here.
Published October 14, 2024 2024-10-14 00:00:00
