The Tip - Friday's Foursome Fix
Long-time beer drinker and The Sip editor Ross Lewis gives some ideas on what to consume over the weekend.
Catch up with other beers on The Sip Archive
The weekend is around the corner and it is time to consider what to drink for enjoyment at various events over the coming days.
So The Sip has looked at four circumstances for enjoying a brew and suggested beers that might suit the occasion.
The list will change on the first Friday of each month.
Stick with The Sip for news on the brews we choose and remember to consumer your beers responsibly.
Cheers!
Night on the town
Carlton Crown Golden Ale
For years on the business strip Crown Lager was the brew of choice. Then the suits decided to experiment with their taste buds. CUB recognised the trend and decided to add another beer to the Crown stable. It retains the familiar bottle shape and a black and gold label to hint that it belongs on the list of premium beverages. The Ale provides an interesting aroma and a nice taste of fruit. It is on the lighter side that might not appease those interested in beer experimentation but might fit in with plans in the CBD.
Alcohol: 4.5 per cent. 1.3 standard drinks.
Watching sport on TV
Two Birds Sunset Ale
Sometimes it is better to come second. While Two Birds’ first foray into the beer market was a very enjoyable Golden Ale, the sequel, Sunset Ale, shows the great development of the team of Jayne Lewis and Dani Allen, originally from Perth but now in Melbourne. The No.2 drop is a tasty Red Ale that has a wonderful malt and wheat backing with great fruity appeal boosted by Citra hopping. Great on tap or in the bottles.
Alcohol: 4.6 per cent. 1.2 standard drinks.
For the dinner party
Gage Road Rapid Fire IPA
This great resin-laced brew comes in a 640ml bottle so it makes a great sharing experience on the table. It tastes mighty fine, too. This was a collaborative effort between master home brewer Jeremy Sambrooks and Gage Roads. It was a clash of two brewing worlds but the result was a win for those that love a hop-bomb brew. Rapid Fire features a great west coast US feel and is a perfect way to start a feast.
Alcohol: 6.3 per cent. 3.2 standard drinks.
Out to impress
Lindeman’s Gueuze
Unfortunately the name of this Belgian beer doesn’t cross well into English pronunciation. Even the correct method of saying the style gets different answers depending on where you are. The Sip has settled for “Gerze”. The imported Lindeman bottles feature a foil wrapping on the cap that immediately suggests this drop deserves a high status. A Gueuze is a blend of young and old Lambics and naturally is very sour. But the natural yeasts give it a delectable taste.
Alcohol: 5 per cent. 1.3 standard drinks.
