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The Sip #18 - Endeavour Vintage Growers Bright Ale

Long-time beer drinker Ross Lewis puts some of Australia's top drops to the test.

Catch up with other beers on The Sip Archive

Three cheers for three Australian beers.

The recent World Beer Cup in the US recognised a trio of local brewers for their work, a major achievement considering the thousands of drinks up for judging.

Cascade Blonde earned a bronze medal in the American-style Wheatbeer category, Toohey’s Extra Day received a similar honout in the Australasian, Latin American or Tropical-Style Light Lager division while Endeavour Vintage 2013 Growers Bright Ale took third place in the English-Style Summer Ale section.

As Cascade Blonde (CUB) and Toohey Extra Dry (Lionco) are owned by international companies, yet brewed in Australia, Endeavour were celebrating their achievement as a home-grown, home-owned victory.

Endeavour have become renowned for their premium ales, especially their delightful Reserve Pale Ale.

The operation is the brainchild of three beer loving mates and offers a unique experience for beer lovers – vintage beer, labelled according to year and brewed with ‘pick of the crop’ of hops and barley from each year’s harvest.

Head brewer Andy ‘Bear’ Stewart produces unique recipes each year that go down well now and develop over time.

The Growers Ale has been manufactured as a tribute to the barley and hop producers who provide the key ingredients for Endeavour’s brews.

Not surprisingly there is a tropical fruit edge to this beer. Yet it some ways it tastes more like a crisp lager than an ale.

It is sprightly in mouthfeel and you can detect the grain on the tongue. The Vic Secret hops are light but add citrus in the middle.

At 4.2 per cent it is a very sessionable beer and one of which all of Australia can be proud.

The Sip Snip
Vintage 2013 Growers Bright Ale
Brewer: Endeavour Beverages, NSW
Style: English Pale Ale
Alcohol content: 4.2%
Standard drinks: 1.1
Bitterness: 22IBU
Bottles: 330ml bottles
Estimated calories: 126
Awards: 3rd in English-Style Summer Ale section, World Beer Cup.

The Sip Tip (rating): Give it a go

Average prices: $4.00 (bottle), $19 (six-pack), $35 (case of 12).