Their core range IPA might have won AIBA gold in 2021 while their stock with pointier end crafties has risen on the back of higher ABV hazies and oat creams, yet Ocean Reach remain a brewery with a base in the town of Cowes on Phillip Island. Tastes might be changing pretty much everywhere, and Cowes does a good trade in tourists too, but regional brewers know they need something to satisfy everyday requirements, which presumably is where Draught comes in as the newest member of the Ocean Reach year-round offering ahead of summer 2021/2.
There's hay, a whiff of sulphur and cereal on the nose, and a drying earthy bitterness backing up its malt-driven flavours. Very much one for the big brand drinkers not tempted by the entry point offered by their Pale, and a replacement in their core lineup for their Lager.
James Smith
UPDATE 09/2022: In a sign that maybe tastes have changed everywhere, this beer has since been replaced in the core range with a Pilsner.
Published November 25, 2021 2021-11-25 00:00:00
