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The Sip #68 Modus Operandi Zoo Feeder

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

Beer lovers who aren’t in Sydney are going to need a good old “MO” to track down one of the rapid risers of the Australian brewing scene.

Roughly translated the abbreviation means method of operation. Those who enjoy an Ale now just use the latin term Modus Operandi because that just happens to be the name of the brewery that has had an instant impact on the craft crew.

Over eight months Modus Operandi have committed an assault on the Australian market. There were a few casualties at the inaugural Craft Beer Industry Association awards in October when the MO team pinched four awards.

Not bad for a set-up that had only been running eight weeks.

Like a fiery shot across the sky Modus Operandi had become an attraction amongst beer crowds.

The only problem is getting hands on any of the brews if you happen to live outside the NSW capital.

However, The Sip’s friends at Mane Liquor in Perth were lucky to get a keg of some of the prized fluid. But Modus Operandi do have a takeaway system called the CANimal, which involves 946ml aluminium vessels being sealed on premise.

After devouring the Zoo Feeder IPA from squealer the taste buds can confirm that owners Grant and Jaz Wearin alongside head brewer DJ McCready are definitely living up to the hype.

This is a beer for those who like their hops to mug a drop. There is no crime here. Modus Operandi have put together an arresting brew that releases the old English IPA variety from its shackles.

McCready has not spared the Australian and US hops in his version. Zoo Feeder IPA hits first with pine and grass on the nose before a silky blanket envelopes the mouth as orange peel strikes through.

There is just the right bitterness at the end to leave a lingering appeal.

Zoo Feeder, the champion IPA at the CBIA awards, was named in respect to Sir Edward Hallstrom, a renowned philanthropist who helped Taronga Zoo by buying land near where the brewery stands to grow food for the animals.

Modus Operandi are using predominately local products to help feed our appetite for quality beer.

So now the MO is no mystery.

The Sip Snip
Zoo Feeder
Brewer: Modus Operandi, Sydney
Style: India Pale Ale
Alcohol content: 7.2%
Standard drinks: 5.4 per litre
Bitterness: N/A
Bottles: 1 litre squealer/946ml takeaway cans from brewery.
Estimated calories: 400 per litre
The Sip Tip (rating): For impressing your mates.

Average prices: $16 per one-litre squealer when available at Mane Liquor.