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The Sip #43 - Northbridge Beer Company

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

The doors have been ajar for a few weeks. But in the tradition of soft openings Northbridge Brewing Company wanted a few test runs before its grand launch.

With Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi present, the team behind some of the city’s trendiest bars officially welcomed the newest member of their stable during a gala function last week.

It was the first time the full range of Ken Arrowsmith’s concoctions were available to the thirsty.

The beers are the cornerstone of the new brewpub. A full working brewery has been built over three floors of the new premises in the central entertainment district and Arrowsmith, a former guru at Swan, has been called out of retirement to deliver a quartet of local products.

The Sip was among the throng of connoisseurs at NBC Beerland to wrap their tongues around Arrowsmith’s gems.

The result was a flavoursome feast. So the team wants to spread the word about a unique WA brewing operation.

Wheat Beer

Even before the brew has touched the lips banana reaches out and draws the drinker to take a sip.

There is a vanilla essence once the beer is on the tongue before a spicy character shines through.

As expected there is a low hop profile and very little bitterness so this is a smooth beverage with plenty of taste.

Lager

The Sip has been fortunate to have a couple of experiences with the NBC Beerland Lager.

The beer takes the drinkers back 30 years when Emu Export was king in WA.

Arrowsmith has used imported German malt to help the sweetness of the beer.

As expected from the variety there is little aroma but the key is the taste and this will be popular when the weather warms.

Pale Ale

Cascade and Galaxy hops give the green labelled beer a solid standing.

But Arrowsmith also used a blend of malts in this brew and it results in a slight chocolate taste midway through.

Dry hopping with Cascade gives the citrus edge a kick and there is a distinct bitterness on the swallow.

Mild

This took a little longer than expected to hit the bar.

However, Arrowsmith has provided a 3.8 per cent beer that is full of character.

The stand-out element is the colour. No lightweight see-through liquid here. This is brown and retains a creamy head.

The Mild is based on an old English Ale and Arrowsmith has used Challenger hops to lift the taste but not add too much tartness.

A wonderful brew for those watching their alcohol content.