Black Cockatoo Smoked Lager is the brainchild of Josh Batten, a homebrewer who won Eumundi Brewery’s "Brewed By EU" competition. The comp challenged people to submit ideas that captured story and flavour combinations inspired by the Sunshine Coast.
“My unique ingredients were peat smoked malt and cold brew coffee and I was inspired to create a beer that reflected the bushfires of 2019, and the rural fire brigade who put their lives on the line to protect our community,” Josh says. “The crisp, clean body and hint of smokiness reminds us of the formidable beauty of our landscape.”
As well as brewing the beer and slinging Josh his prizes, the team at Eumundi Brewery donated $5,000 to the Eumundi Rural Fire Service to tie in with Josh’s recognition of the firies.
The beer itself defies expectations – or defied mine, at least. I heard "dark lager" and thought I’d be tasting chocolate or coffee or roast… but I didn’t. The malts bring rounded dark fruit flavours, prunes, cola and brown sugar. I heard "smoked" and thought I’d get smacked in the face with the peated malts, but instead it’s all gentle wisps of peat smoke lingering in the mouth. I heard "cold brew coffee" and expected, well, more coffee, but instead it brings those fruity notes of a smooth Ethiopian cold brew coffee.
A smoked dark coffee lager that’s clean, subtle and nuanced. Who’d’ve thunk it?
Mick Wust
Published September 10, 2021 2021-09-10 00:00:00
