Antipodean ales are on the up, with more and more becoming available this side of the equator. These are breweries to you need to know about. Until recently, British beer drinkers have been poorly served by Antipodean ales. Australia and New Zealand grow some of the most sought after hops in the world so it's unfortunate that most folk are only familiar with bland Aussie lagers.
Thankfully things have been changing of late, and it's mostly New Zealand breweries that are leading the export charge. So keep your eyes out for a flavour of those Antipodean hops, brewed by the countries that grow them, along with their unique interpretations of global beer styles — and to get you started, set your sights on this list of It has a soft body with an invigorating fizz and there's a delicious tang to the luscious caramel malts. The hops stir up a medley of fruit notes with that sweet orange essence continuing to shine through an imposing pithy bitterness.
Buy now. Drink fresh to enjoy at its gluggable best. This beer looks every bit a classic stout — thick, black and with a tan head — but it possesses an unmistakably lively tart Belgian aroma. That tartness is the first sensation to announce itself to the palette, tiptoeing towards sour territory with hints of cherry and oak, before dry, chocolatey malt flavours ease their way into the scene.
The balance between those fruit and dry, chocolate flavours shifts the further down the glass you go, resulting in a drink of great complexity and one that is worth savouring every drop. This beer is not for them, for its heady, smoky qualities will leave a cigar ash aftertaste that stays long after the glass is empty. Those with a burning desire to stretch their palettes will be rewarded with an exceptionally unique beer, whisky-like in its aroma, and possessing a sumptuous malty golden body.
The Cascade and Chinook hops bring gentle touches of orange and grapefruit and just enough bitterness to bring out their citrus fruit characteristics. We'll also hold the yeast responsible for an uplifting effervescence, while the other ingredients contribute to some waxy lemon flavours — barely sharp or sour but just prominent enough to counteract that peppery, chalky yeast. Another Adelaide brewery, Coopers began brewing beer in the 19th century and this sparkling ale has become an enduring classic.
