46. Bitburger Premium Beer

Bitburger Premium Beer

Company info:
Bitburger Braugruppe GmbH,
Bitburg, GERMANY

[www.bitburger.com]

Bottle size sampled: 330 mL

Alcohol: 4.8%
Standard drinks: 1.3

Cap type: Twist

Cost: I picked this up for AU$2.90

Label info: ‘Germany’s No.1 Draught Beer’ and ‘Made using crystal clear water from volcanic springs. Brewed since 1817 according to the German Purity Law of 1516′

What the label really means: This is a beer, presenting itself proudly as supposedly a German top seller. I like the sound of crystal clear volcanic spring water, and I hope to be able to taste some of this earthy purity in the beer.

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: What a classy looking, traditional kind of label. It just reeks of quality, and I even don’t mind the gold on this label. My biggest criticism is that it’s perhaps a little boring. There is nothing on this label that I will remember too readily.

I give it a label rating of 6 out of 10.

AROMA: A delicious citrus, hoppy aroma with a distant hint of cocoa. It’s very intriguing.

Taste: GLASS – The key to appreciating this golden coloured pilsner is to take a big sip, and then let it roll around on your tongue. A pleasant, smooth, freshness hit all my taste buds at once, with soft hints of citrus. This is really fresh, really crisp, and very enjoyable.

I give it a beer from glass rating of 7 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE - While this is certainly enjoyable when consumed from the bottle, and goes back very easily, I feel like the full mouth taste has diminished some what. I can’t get a big all-tongue encompassing sip and it’s just not quite there.

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 6.5 out of 10.

A word from the wife: “Sweet and smooth…”

She gave it a taste rating of 7 out of 10.

Accompanying food: I would love to try this with a fresh plate of beer-battered fish and chips, and a side of Greek salad. There’s just something about this beer that makes me think seafood, outdoors, and contrasts in flavours.

Best season to appreciate: Most definitely a Summer thirst quencher. Take to the beach, take to the park, take to a David Hasselhoff music festival, this is an outdoor in the sun beer.

All-nighter beer? I am sure it is! And, given this beer’s earthy purity, I can’t imagine feeling the bad next day after this.

NEXT WEEK: Gage Roads IPA

45. Bee Sting

Bee Sting Honey Wheat Beer

Company info:
Barossa Valley Brewing
Barossa Valley, S.A

[www.BVBeer.com]

Bottle size sampled: 330 mL

Alcohol: 5%
Standard drinks: 1.4

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for AU$3.40

Label info: ‘This multi award winning all natural ale is brewed with a touch of Orange Blossom honey and double hopped with Styrian Goldings. The result is a complex but refreshing beer. Enjoy with your favourite meal, particularly red meats or anything with a touch of spice. Barossa Valle Brewing…Excellence. Naturally.‘

What the label really means: Before I begin, Bee Sting’s label immediately lets them down by incorrectly listing their website as www.BVBeer.com . If they can’t be bothered proofreading their label, I can’t be bothered amending it on here.
The beer’s description certainly arouses my curiosity and I am most keen to try this. Although it doesn’t dictate my beer purchases, I am particularly happy when the term ‘all natural’ is listed. It hopefully means less of a headache the next day.

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: Bee Sting has a very effective transparent label that runs in a small strip on the front of the bottle. The words ‘Bee Sting’ are in a gold, cursive font, interrupted with a large, sketch of a honey bee. I like the look of this. It’s classy and elegant without being over the top. A simple band on the neck of the label has the Barossa Valley Brewing logo.

I give it a label rating of 7 out of 10.

AROMA: A very enticing wheaty, floral aroma.

Taste: GLASS – Bee Sting packs a very pleasant all-mouth taste with a very faint hint of honey (let the beer roll around in your mouth and you’ll get the honey subtleties). It leaves an enjoyably bitter after taste and is, for my money at least, better than another honey beer I have tried, Beez Neez. This isn’t a perfect beer by any means, and I am not sure I am appreciating the alleged complexity, but it’s still very enjoyable and I finish this all too quickly.

I give it a beer from glass rating of 7 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE - A positive of drinking Bee Sting from the bottle is that it immediately cuts the carbonation hit in half. It goes back smoother and instead spends its time emphasising a strong, wheaty taste. It just got better.

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 7.5 out of 10.

A word from the wife: “A sharp, apple taste…like an apple Warhead”

She gave it a taste rating of 7 out of 10.

Accompanying food: I don’t agree with the label that this is a well-suited red meat accompaniment. I do think it would compliment spiced food nicely, but I feel it would sit well with lightly battered foods such as tempura.

Best season to appreciate: With its hints of honey, and light sparkle, I feel this another good Summer thirst quencher.

All-nighter beer? It goes back so smoothly, I can’t imagine myself getting sick of it. So yes, it’s an all-nighter in my books.

NEXT WEEK: Bitburger Premium Beer

44. Lucky Beer

Lucky Beer

Company info:
‘Imported and distributed under license’ by
Barons Brewing PTY LTD
WOOLLAHRA, N.S.W

[www.luckydrinkco.com]

Bottle size sampled: 330 mL

Alcohol: 4.8%
Standard drinks: 1.3

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for AU$3.99

Label info: ‘Imported Beer – Product of China‘

What the label really means: I feel a bit stupid after buying this beer. I read the printed details, ‘Imported Beer – Product of China’ and assumed this is a Chinese beer. Apparently not. I can find no connection to this being brewed, consumed, or even remotely related to China. Instead, those crafty Beer Barons make it. Or is it Australian Independent Brewers? I feel duped. Even their website lists only Barons as the brewers. What makes this revelation harder to swallow is that I have specifically tried not to review more than one beer from any one label until further down the line. Now, here is my review for a second Barons beer. [EDITED 27/01/2010: A clarifying comment has been posted in the comments section, from Barons Brewing]

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: While there isn’t exactly a label to review, the beauty of this bottle lies purely in its design. It’s difficult to see from my photo, but the bottle is molded in the shape of a big, fat, smiling, Buddha holding a bowl of goodness above his fat double chinned head. A necklace of extravagance hangs from his portly neck, or perhaps serves as a reminder of his over-indulgent tour of duty serving time in the military. The bottle is something to be marvelled at and helps endorse the myth of this being an imported beer. I’m afraid the whole imported Chinese beer charade lessens my rating of this spectacularly molded bottle.

I give it a label rating of 5.5 out of 10.

AROMA: A very pleasant, citrussy, hoppy aroma.

Taste: GLASS – Lucky Beer pours out a beautiful golden colour with noticeably small bubbles of carbonation. I take a sip and note that it is again another easy to drink, smooth lager. It has a real mild taste, but with a delicious all-mouth bitterness. I put my marketing problems aside and taste a really enjoyable beer.

I give it a beer from glass rating of 7 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE - Just as smooth, just as delicious. Lucky Beer loses nothing in taste when consumed from the bottle but gains everything when you feel that cool contoured bottle grasped between your fingers. It really does feel good to hold.

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 7 out of 10.

A word from the wife: “Light and fruity with a tangy after taste”

She gave it a taste rating of 6.5 out of 10.

Accompanying food: Ok, it’s predictable and cliched, and I wrote this review before learning the great Barons charade, but this is a beer that would go down beautifully with Chinese food. I’m thinking the spicier the better. And for my money, when it comes to Asian [inspired] brews, this is far superior to Tsingtao.

Best season to appreciate: This is a great Summer thirst quencher.

All-nighter beer? Without a doubt! I finished this before I knew it and was looking around for another. I had to settle for smashing the empty bottle of my first against a cop shop.

NEXT WEEK: Bee Sting

43. Fat Yak Pale Ale

Fat Yak Pale Ale

Company info:
Matilda Bay Brewing Company
DANDENONG SOUTH, V.I.C

[www.matildabay.com]

Bottle size sampled: 345 mL

Alcohol: 4.7%
Standard drinks: 1.3

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for AU$3.70

Label info: ‘This garage engineered beer is golden in colour and has sizable floral aroma. We added hops to the kettle early and late in the boil to balance the bitterness, while dry hopping late in the fermentation delivers some big citrus and fruity hop character. Drink it any time of the year‘
AND
‘A blend of premium pale malted barley and a truckload of hops!’

What the label really means: Despite struggling to understand if this label is even remotely grammatically correct (it may have rubbed off on me too), I appreciate the fact this beer is given a very home-brew suggested origin. By saying it was ‘engineered’ in a garage it makes me believe that the fine folk at Matilda Bay are spending their weekends working on secret concoctions, perfecting new brews.

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: The label for Fat Yak Pale Ale shows a silhouette of a yak’s head, stencilled onto wooden planks. The wood is old and faded, splintered. Underneath, ‘Fat Yak’ sticks out in a strong, bold font. This label makes me think of the wild west. A saloon door, emblazoned with the mark of the vicious, ball-tearing yak. The yak that aint afraid to order a sarsparilla and drool a foam of froth at the suddenly quiet saloon. With blood shot, booze riddled eyes he stares at the astonished piano player, frozen mid tune and snarls, prompting him to return to a banged up version of ‘My darlin Clementine’. Sorry, where was I…..yeah it’s a great label, and the theme is carried through onto the neck label. Great stuff.

I give it a label rating of 8 out of 10.

AROMA: Ok, I don’t get where this is coming from, but I smell a delicious waft of wheat-baked cookies. I smell warmth and I smell honey. Smells great.

Taste: GLASS – A full-bodied pale ale with a strong taste and softly bitter aftertaste. If you aren’t normally a pale ale fan, I suggest you give this sucker a shot as it’s pleasantly surprising with a lot more complexity than you could imagine. It’s very tasty.

I give it a beer from glass rating of 7 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE - Still a very tasty beer when consumed from the glass, with noticeably fruity, big flavours. I’m giving it a slightly lower rating than from the glass because although small, I can spot something missing that I can’t quite put my finger on.

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 6.5 out of 10.

A word from the wife: “Goes down smooth with a subtle, mellow aftertaste of…caramel”

She gave it a taste rating of 8 out of 10.

Accompanying food: Ribs! Give me hearty meats with delicious full flavoured marinades. Pork ribs, lamb ribs, yak ribs. Bring it on. With a side order of chipotle buffalo wings.

Best season to appreciate: I agree with the label when suggesting a season for the Fat Yak Pale Ale. It’s definitely an all-season brew. It’s full bodied enough to be a Winter warmer, while still maintaining hints of fruit to be a Summer quencher.

All-nighter beer? Yes! And the fact that I have seen Fat Yak Pale on tap in many places, makes this a genuine possibility.

NEXT WEEK: Lucky Beer

42. Mythos Hellenic Lager Beer

Mythos Hellenic Lager Beer

 

Company info:
Mythos Brewery 
THESSALONIKI, GREECE

[No website listed]

Bottle size sampled: 330 mL

Alcohol: 4.7%
Standard drinks: 1.2

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for AU$3.50

Label info: N/A

What the label really means: N/A

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: Mythos Hellenic Lager has a bold, in your face label. It has a strong, fun font reading ‘Mythos’, surrounded by a wreath of gold. The Mythos brewery logo has a very cool unicorn. I like this label for its simplicity, its hint of being a fun beer and label, and for the first acceptable use of gold that I have witnessed on a beer label.

I give it a label rating of 6.5 out of 10.

AROMA: A zesty, wheaty aroma.

Taste: GLASS – From the zesty aromas arising from the glass, I expected on first sip to taste something bitterly sharp and was instead surprised with its unique citrusy smoothness. It is very lightly carbonated and as such, it slides back very easily, urging you on for more. This beer is definitely light on in taste, and as such will appeal to many people. The delicious lingering sweetness acts to put the final icing on the cake of a very welcoming beer.

I give it a beer from glass rating of 8 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE - Hmmm….it’s still a nice drop, but we lose the lingering sweetness. Instead, it is reduced to something resembling slightly bitter water.

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 6 out of 10.

A word from the wife: “Soft yet robust…with a bitter/mellow after taste”

She gave it a taste rating of 5 out of 10.

Accompanying food: I can picture myself drinking this with a huge seafood platter. 

Best season to appreciate: A real Summer thirst quencher.

All-nighter beer? It sure is! When looking for an all-nighter beer, you want something smooth. And Mythos Hellenic Lager Beer is so smooth it makes Jimmy Smits look a two-bit hooker.

NEXT WEEK: Fat Yak Pale Ale

41. Mountain Goat Organic Steam Ale

Mountain Goat Organic Steam Ale

 

Company info:
Mountain Goat Beer 
RICHMOND, V.I.C

[goatbeer.com.au]

Bottle size sampled: 330 mL

Alcohol: 4.5%
Standard drinks: 1.2

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for AU$3.50

Label info: ‘This is a certified organic steam ale. It’s the product of an all-natural brewing process that incorporates cool fermentation and a hit of wheat malt. The result is a crisp, palate cleansing ale. Handcrafted in Melbourne by Dave and Cam‘

What the label really means: I am really intrigued by steam ale, having sampled on many occasions the awe inspiring ‘Anchor Steam Beer’ from San Francisco. [For an interesting read on what steam ale is, head here]. But for me what makes this beer seem attractive already (beside the fact it’s ‘all-natural’ – always a bonus when considering your hangover plans), is the final sentence letting us know Dave and Cam were involved. This makes the beer assuredly a friendly label, non-pretentious and very welcoming. I am ready to crack the top off this sucker immediately.

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: I love the simplicity of this label that conveys strength, class, and the power of goats. The font for ‘Steam Ale’ is perfect and gives an olde worlde charm suggesting traditional methods, and plenty of history. It’s a single band, matte label and just seems to work. No gold, no shiny bits, no pretentiousness. I love it.

I give it a label rating of 7.5 out of 10.

AROMA: A delicious citrus, wheaty aroma.

Taste: GLASS – Despite the power shortage we endured at the time of this tasting, I could still see the glowing gold of this ale as it emerged from the bottle. I notice first of all that it is a super-smooth ale. Yes it’s a little gassy, but it slides back so easily you hardly notice. It has sweet hints of citrus and is certainly crisp. My only complaint is that it feels like it lacks a little depth, I’m not sure what it is. I am a big fan of Mountain Goat Beer, and while the Steam Ale isn’t necessarily their finest hour, it’s still worth an honourable mention.

I give it a beer from glass rating of 7 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE - I am enjoying this just as much as from the glass, and note heavier accents of wheat more so than citrus. 

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 7 out of 10.

A word from the wife: “Sweet, charismatic with a pleasant, lingering after taste”

She gave it a taste rating of 7 out of 10.

Accompanying food: A salty mezze plate, or tapas would really compliment this beer. I’m thinking  a selection of goodies including olives, pruscetto, chorizo, and your favourite cheese. These foods would open up your palate and welcome this ale with open arms.

Best season to appreciate: This is most definitely a Summer beer, ideal for that post-lawn mow drink. Just the incentive I need.

All-nighter beer? Definitely! It goes back super easy, and the all-natural factor will have you up and singing with the birds the next day (I think).

NEXT WEEK: Mythos

40. Weihenstephaner Pilsner

Weihenstephaner Pilsner

 

Company info:
Brauerei Weihenstephan
GERMANY

[www.weihenstephaner.de]

Bottle size sampled: 500 mL

Alcohol: 5.1%
Standard drinks: 2.0

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for AU$4.99

Label info: N/A

What the label really means: N/A

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: The label for the Weihenstaphaner Pilsner is a very regal, traditional, official looking label. It looks like it is designed to be consumed by royalty and it gives the beer instant class and street cred (particularly if the street in question borders a massive castle). It’s not a label that I would design, given half a chance, but it isn’t too painful on the eyes.

I give it a label rating of 5.5 out of 10.

AROMA: A strong wheaty smell wafts up, inviting me to take a gulp ASAP.

Taste: GLASS – This pilsner pours out in a nice, golden yellow. I have a sip and am struck by the smoothness of this beer. It tastes great. It’s very lightly carbonated, and this helps in the smoothness. A traditional pilsener style, the Weihenstephaner Pilsner is distinctly hoppy, very mellow, and with a subtly delicious bitter after taste.

I give it a beer from glass rating of 8.5 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE - Still good, but loses some of the complexity in flavour, and the added aroma. I am still very impressed by this beer.

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 8 out of 10.

A word from the wife: “Soft and mellow with a lingering sweetness of greygum honey”

She gave it a taste rating of 7 out of 10.

Accompanying food: This beer would really compliment some spicy Asian, Indian, or Mexican food. Being that it’s a very mellow beer, I’d love to see it kicked into action against these spicy overlords.

Best season to appreciate: This is the ideal Summer accompaniment. It would go well at any outdoor Summer event from music festivals to beach fiestas. Don’t leave home without it.

All-nighter beer? Yes! The fact this beer is so smooth, and particularly so lightly carbonated means this brew could easily be thrown back all night and you wouldn’t get sick of it.

NEXT WEEK: Mountain Goat Steam Ale

39. James Squire Sundown Lager

James Squire Sundown Lager

 

Company info:
Malt Shovel Brewery
CAMPERDOWN, N.S.W 

[www.james-squire.com.au]

Bottle size sampled: 345 mL

Alcohol: 4.4%
Standard drinks: 1.2

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for AU$TBC

Label info: ’James Squire was an industrious man, but he was also a firm believer in marking the end of a long day’s work with a decent beer. He set up his legendary Malting Shovel Tavern for this very reason. When the sun gets too hot for any sensible work to continue people came from far and wide to relax together during the time they called “sundown”. In honour of this fine tradition, we’ve brewed a crisp and refreshing lager. What better way to unwind at the day’s end?‘
AND
‘A thirst-quenching lager for all occasions, brewed using pale and carapils malts and a unique blend of hops. Crisp and refreshing with hoppy aromas that hint of citrus and freshly cut grass’ 

What the label really means: I love the story behind James Squire and his often recounted tales of convict origins (there is always a small, fascinating bio about Squire on each bottle). It adds to the mythology of early brewers in Australia and impresses upon us their pioneering spirit. The idea of a beer designed to be an after-work drink, to be consumed during relaxation really appeals to me – let’s see if the taste supports this.

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: The Malt Shovel Brewery (MSB) mob are renowned for very old-school, tradition filled labels. They always look as though they could be labels from 150+ years ago when Squire himself would have been brewing the goods. I also appreciate the fact that the bottles have a raised engraving of two shovels, and the company name – it adds to the charm of the brew, and the traditional feel. My only complaint with the MSB labels is that they are often over-ridden with text. Sure the story of Squire and co is intriguing but it seems like every available piece of space is taking up with text. Ahh but I can’t really hold that against them…it’s James Squire – Australia’s original Master Brewer (I can see a TV show in that…possibly involving Matt Preston). 

I give it a label rating of 7 out of 10.

AROMA: This brew has a deliciously enticing smell of Summer fruits! I get mango and citrus hints wafting up, along with a distinct smack of Summer. 

Taste: GLASS – The Sundown Lager pours out a beautiful golden colour, again reinforcing this as the beer for Summer. It’s a refreshing, perfectly carbonated (tiny bubbles of carbonation make this roll off the tongue), citrus infused lager. It’s delicious, thirst quenching, fresh tasting, and flavoursome, while also displaying the boldness of a real lager. 

I give it a beer from glass rating of 8.5 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE - Drink this from the bottle and you’ll lose the refreshing aroma, and a little of the Summer experience. It’s still great and could certainly be consumed from the bottle but somehow it feels a little Autumn-esque. 

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 7.5 out of 10.

A word from the wife: “Relaxed fruity mellowness…delicious! Very easy to drink”

She gave it a taste rating of 7.5 out of 10.

Accompanying food: I’m talking Summer BBQ’d goods with this stuff. Roll out the ribs, roll out the buffalo wings, the sausages, steaks, and chargrilled vegies. You can’t go wrong!

Best season to appreciate: Probably the most refreshing, thirst quenching lager I have tasted and definitely a Summer brew. It’s a beauty and a highly recommended beer of choice for Christmas.

All-nighter beer? Yes, yes, yes! I’ll be drinking this all-night, and keep going until the sun goes down once again.

NEXT WEEK: Weihenstephaner Pilsner

38. Spitfire Kentish Ale

Spitfire Kentish Ale

 

Company info:
Shepherd Neame
FAVERSHAM KENT, ENGLAND

[www.shepherdneame.co.uk]

Bottle size sampled: 500 mL

Alcohol: 4.5%
Standard drinks: 1.8

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for AU$TBC

Label info: ‘This 4.5% Kentish Ale was first brewed in 1990 to celebrate the Battle of Britain which was fought in the skies above Kent 50 years earlier. The beer is named after the legendary aircraft designed by R J Mitchell. The versatility of the aircraft and the courage of its pilots were essential to victory and were a key symbol of the spirit of the time. Through our award winning advertising and fundraising activities for veterans’ charities that spirit lives on’.

What the label really means: Definitely a bottle that rings of history and heroics, commemorating an important battle. I like the background this beer has been given.

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: Despite talk of air battles involving Spitfire aircraft, battling it out in the skies about Kent, the label shows no visual evidence of this. Perhaps I am thinking a bit too literally, but I expected to see an image of a grand ol Spitfire cruising through sunset lit clouds. In the cockpit I expected an image of a war hero giving a wink to the drinker as if to say ‘Bottoms up ol chap’. Instead, Spitfire Kentish Ale has opted for what looks like a typically conservative, patriotic label, using the very British red white and blue colour scheme. Sure it looks distinguished, and sure it looks like a label that could well have been around during the Battle of Britain….but where is the Spitfire with guns ablazing? This is too ’sit on the fence’ for me. 

I give it a label rating of 5 out of 10.

AROMA: A deliciously fruity, malty smell.

Taste: GLASS – The Spitefire Kentish Ale pours out in a beautiful amber colour. It’s enough to make me sit and admire the colour for a couple of seconds before tasting. I take a sip and am pleasantly surprised by the fact that this ale appears very lightly carbonated, with a real creamy texture – in a sense it reminds me a little of Kilkenny in mouth feel. It has a rather pleasant caramelly, bitter, burnt after taste, and while I am enjoying this tasting, I can help feeling as though it is sitting a little heavily. I’d like to suggest that Spitfire Kentish Ale tastes as though it is the bastard son of James Squire Amber Ale, and Kilkenny. It’s very unique, very bold, and very flavoursome – but still sitting very heavily.

I give it a beer from glass rating of 7 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE - The smoothness of this beer is reinforced when sampled from the bottle. I am finding it just as enjoyable…in fact I would say it’s a little better than from the glass and it’s not feeling as heavy. I’d love to know what this stuff tastes like on tap!

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 7.5 out of 10.

A word from the wife: “Definitely don’t enjoy the after taste…not one for the ladies…I wouldn’t be able to finish this”

She gave it a taste rating of 2.5 out of 10.

Accompanying food: Given I found this beer a tad heavy, you’d think I’d suggest something light such as a fresh garden salad but I can’t help thinking the gutsiness of this beer would be best reinforced with a good old Irish stew or shepherd’s pie.

Best season to appreciate: Definitely a Winter brew. One for the apres skiier/boarder or for sitting around the fireplace.

All-nighter beer? I could easily drink 5-6 of these and be satisfied, but realise I’d need to change to something lighter (in colour and flavour) for the rest of the night. All night on the Spitfire and I have a feeling I would wake up feeling like I’ve been run over by a double decker bus.

NEXT WEEK: James Squire Sundown Lager (by popular demand)

37. Beechworth Pale Ale

Beechworth Pale Ale

 

Company info:
Bride Road Brewers
BEECHWORTH, V.I.C

[www.bridgeroadbrewers.com.au]

Bottle size sampled: 330 mL

Alcohol: 4.8%
Standard drinks: 1.3

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for AU$TBC

Label info: ‘Bridge Road Brewers, located in the Historic Beechworth, proudly boasts some of Australia’s best ales. Hands on, small batch brewing ensures these ales are the real deal. Visit us and sample the range at Tanswell’s Old Coach House…’.

What the label really means: Brewed in a town steeped in history, this sounds like it will be a very interesting drop.

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: It’s not too clear from the photo I have taken, but Bridge Road Brewers have a logo that is of a topless Ned Kelly, standing there in his helmet, with a large bridge in the background and road running underneath. Now, I am cool with the fact that they have taken an almost Sidney Nolan approach to their depiction of Ned Kelly, but what is with the no shirt? Ned Kelly, one of Australia’s most infamous historical figures was a feared outlaw. He robbed people blind, shot cops, and probably drank plenty of good Australian beer. So why is he portrayed here without a shirt? He’s gone from feared highwayman to Sydney Mardi Gras mascot with a few quick paintbrush splashes. This blatant mocking of Ned, combined with the massive overuse of gold (I don’t want to look like I am drinking a Carlton Crown here!), and a cramped cursive font leaves me with a real bitter taste in my mouth. And I have even opened the bottle yet.

I give it a label rating of 4 out of 10.

AROMA: A beautiful hoppy aroma that is vaguely reminiscent to Little Creatures Pale Ale.

Taste: GLASS – At first sip, Beechworth Pale Ale tastes quite fruity and soft. And then it hits with a sharp, bitter, alcoholic punch. It has an earthy, dirt taste to it which could be appealing if it was a little more subtle. I was ready on first sip to rate this beer quite highly but like a shirtless Ned Kelly, it’s left me a little confused.

I give it a beer from glass rating of 6 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE - Wow, I think this beer is way better from the bottle. It loses the alcoholic punch and re-emphasises a bitter sweet hoppy flavour. This is really quite enjoyable.

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 7.5 out of 10.

A word from the wife: “Overly wheaty, and overly carbonated on my poor li’l throat…a bit too much punch for me…”

She gave it a taste rating of 6 out of 10.

Accompanying food: I’d like to retry this beer with a pastry item such as a hearty beef and Guinness pie, or vegetable pastie. I think the earthiness of this beer would really shine and compliment the pastry well.

Best season to appreciate: I didn’t feel like it was a thirst quencher, so maybe it’s more suited for the cooler months. This seems an unusual thing to suggest for a pale ale (more destined as Summer coolers in my experience) but trust me on this.

All-nighter beer? Not for me I don’t think. Sure it went back smooth enough, but it would have to be consumed from the bottle. And free.

NEXT WEEK: Spitfire Kentish Ale