Not one but two new releases to report on from Clare Valley brewery Pikes. First up is a trophy-winning, kettle sour with loads of fresh raspberries added post ferment: a re-release of the original Raspberry Berliner that took out Champion Specialty Beer at the 2020 Royal Adelaide Beer & Cider Awards.
As you'd expect, it pours a cloudy pinkish colour, with an off white head from which fresh raspberry aromas and flavours rain forth early. There's a touch of fruit sweetness, a little wheat character, and a decent tartness from the fruit too in a beer that's light in body, refreshing and a reminder of its trophy-winning qualities.
Release number two is Hazy IPA, which utilises El Dorado, Citra and Vic Secret hops. A hefty 7 percent ABV supports the double dry hop and big, juicy flavours. The trio of hops combine to create a fruit bowl of aromas and flavours; it's dominant in juicy pineapple, passionfruit and mango with a little biscuit malt adding ballast. Throw in a slice of orange, a decent body and a measured bitterness and you've got the full picture.
Matt King
- Style
- Raspberry Berliner Weisse & Hazy IPA
