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The Sip #63 - 4 Pines Citrus IPA

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

Catch up with other beers on The Sip Archive

Any drinker would be in the foulest of moods if they didn’t approach 4 Pines' latest release with a sense of fun.

The label has that effect. The colourful cartoon design that provides a cross between a Where’s Wally picture and a snapshot of Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory, generates a sense of summer fun.

It is a similar feeling when the nectar wafts across the nose and falls into the mouth.

4 Pines Citrus IPA is the current item from the company’s Keller Door, or limited edition small batch, range.

The timing is just right. Summer is about enjoying what Australia has to offer and the Manly team has provided plenty of encouragement.

According to the 4 Pines crew summer is also about going big.

“As a kid you would pull endo 360s on your BMX, stuff your mouth with sour warheads and sneak peeks at your best mate’s sister by the pool while nailing backflips off the balcony,” is the missive from the brewers.

They have channelled Dr Seuss for the label but it also provides plenty of hints as to what is inside the bottle.

Grapefruit hits the nose early. It hit the eyes first with a big cut piece of the fruit in the picture. It continues on the taste.

At 60 IBU it also gives some zest and plenty of orange and lime mixed in on the first sip.

There is no doubting this is a hop-driven beer. But it isn’t over the top and lives up to its reputation for being a brew to saviour on a hot, lazy Sunday afternoon.

4 Pines' previous keller door release was the 8.0 per cent Imperial India Brown Ale.

The Citrus IPA continues the trend of higher alcohol brews of a superior quality.

Drinkers await the next in the line with great anticipation.

The Sip Snip
Citrus IPA
Brewer: 4 Pines.
Style: India Pale Ale
Alcohol content: 3.8%
Standard drinks: 2.7
Bitterness: 60IBU
Bottles: 500ml
Estimated calories: 210
The Sip Tip (rating): Straight to the pool room.

Average prices: $9 a 500ml bottle