Bumbershoot, a 6.7% New England IPA collab between Mountain Culture, Wildflower and Cloudburst. Source: Wildflower Brewing and Blending monthly beer box.
When Mountain Culture and Wildflower combine to make a beer, my expectations are high – I’ve not come across Cloudburst before (a US based brewery) – but if this is the company they keep, they are in good stead! The story behind the name is mildy entertaining. The fact they turned a wet Australian hop into this is superb. The high Ella hop load delivers grapefruit and tropical notes and is slightly grassy. Some stonefruit esters with a moderately bitter and largely smooth, finish – especially considering the dryness. Get one while you can!
Xray Haze, a 7.2% New England IPA from Black Hops Brewing. Source: Dan Murphys!
Probably my favourite commercial hazy this year…touch of stone fruit, big cirtusy and resinous hop – get that spectrum (hop derived liquid) into you! Big, soft mouth feel and a surprisingly smooth, thick and soft mouthfeel. Do yourself a favour next time you are at uncle Dan’s and try get your hands on one.
Sea Water Gose, a 4% Gose from Your Mates Brewing co. Source: Your Mates Brewing tap house
An unsuspecting favourite and one you might struggle to get your hands on. This was surprisingly good, especially on Australia Day week at the Sunshine Coast. The saltiness and sourness are perfectly balanced, with a dry, crisp and refreshing finish and a slightly doughy maltiness. Go for a swim at the beach, then drop one of these and see what the fuss is all about.
Mole Kriek, a 6.6% natural sour (cheery) ale from Seven Sheds in Tasmania. Source: Mixed case from Seven Sheds
I am a sucker for the style. Let alone anything of this style made locally in Australia. A big, tart and freshing sourness with a late oaky-smoothness after the sourness subsides. A big hit of sour cherry fruit.
A Mars a Day, a 5.0% Biere de Mars from Slow Lane Brewing. Source: Slow Lane Brewing monthly beer box.
Give me those old European styles. It is hard to go past Slow Lane Brewing for their variety of beers and frequent use of aging and brett. Loads of complexity in this, doughty, citrusy, tropical, a touch of brett funk, a bit of spicey phenol, moderate bitterness with a dry finish. If your looking for complexity in a pale beer – here it is.
Smoko, a 7.3% Wild Ale from Wildflower Brewing and Blending. Source: Wildflower Brewing and Blending Collective box
Anyone who knows me knows that I have a particular soft spot for Wildflower right now. I could probably build a ‘best of 2023’ list with their beers alone. I love their ability to make beers using local ingredients and build a story with every beer. This is another complex pale beer, bringing zestyness and white wine with a beautifully balance acidity, sweetness and dryness. If you are looking for the pinnacle of wild Australian beers, do yourself a flavour and get a box from Wildflower Brewing and Blending!
The CQ Brewer 