The Sip #17 - 3 Ravens 55
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
They might not use the methods of 1611 but 3 Ravens are determined to follow the traditional hand methods in producing their fine brews.
The title “Three Ravens” refers to an old English folk ballad first published in the 17th century.
But in one of their beers, the Victorian-based brewery wants to take you back only as far as 1955 United States. That’s one theory.
The 3 Ravens 55 is an American Pale Ale and while the label features the Star Spangled Banner the reference to the number is a bit more complex, much like the drink itself.
The drop was first produced on the brewer’s fifth birthday and features five varieties of hops.
Yet the beer still takes you back to another time and another place on the other side of the world, even if it is brewed and bottled downunder.
3 Ravens 55 has a brilliant copper colour with a head that surprisingly, but welcomingly, lingers.
It is unmistakably of the American influence with a generous taste of grapefruit forcing its way to the front. But there is a splash of orange at the end that helps this beer resonate after the swallow. There is certainly a sweet edge to the brew as well.
There is a pleasant caramel malt backing which leads to a solid but not overpowering bitterness.
This is a wonderful sessionable beer even at the higher scale of 5 per cent alcohol volume.
3 Ravens has a strong link to Mash Brewing in the Swan Valley and it is well worth a try getting an ol’ 55 on tap for that even better tasting experience.
The Sip Snip
3 Ravens 55
Brewer: 3 Ravens Brewery, Victoria.
Style: American Pale Ale
Alcohol content: 5.0%
Standard drinks: 1.3
Bitterness: N/A
Bottles: 330ml bottles
Estimated calories: 160
The Sip Tip (rating): Always keep a few in the fridge
Average prices: $4 (bottle), $20.50 (six-pack), $73 (carton of 24)
