The Sip #44 - Barrow Boys Stormy Lager
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
Lager and craft beer are two terms that haven’t mixed well in local brewing.
The mass manufactured industrial varieties that dominate the market have encouraged minor producers to work on Ales, Wheat and Sour styles to avoid the competition.
And Lagers don’t traditionally have as much flavour as some of the drops distributed by micro-breweries.
But some old heads of the Australian beer scene have formed a new venture that has been kick-started by a good, tasty amber nectar.
Stormy Lager is the first release by Melbourne-based Barrow Boys Brewing Company.
While the label might be fresh, the foursome behind the company – Ross Sudano, Ash Hazell, Justin Trail and Dean Romeo – have strong backgrounds in various parts of the brewing caper.
Hazell is the brains behind the beer. A West Australian, Hazell worked at Little Creatures before joining the new venture.
The only problem for Barrow Boys is that they have yet to secure a brewery.
However, the team were determined to get their Stormy Lager on to the beer circuit and borrowed the infrastructure at Mildura Brewery to produce the drink.
Just don’t be fooled in thinking this is just another Lager. This one has plenty to tantalise the taste buds and is a welcome addition to the variety.
There have been a few micro-brewers who have stretched the Lagers style recently, giving their beers a strong bombing of hops.
Barrow Boys’ version does have the great effect from the Tasmanian cones used in the process but it doesn’t detract from the Lager experience.
A biscuit flavour can be detected on the taste but there is that sharp, crisp and refreshing element that makes Stormy Lager an attractive proposition to drink in warmer months.
If punters take a few more sips they can also enjoy a caramel sensation from the malt.
The Barrow Boys are correct when they claim their beer “has more personality than a game show host or two”.
And those that prefer Lager can branch into the craft beer world with confidence that their buds will be satisfied.
The Sip Snip
Stormy Lager
Brewer: Barrow Boys, Victoria
Style: Amber Lager
Alcohol content: 4.7%
Standard drinks: 1.2
Bitterness: 28BU
Bottles: 330ml
Estimated calories: 141
The Sip Tip (rating): A few for a lazy Sunday
Average prices: $5 per bottle at Mane Liquor, Belmont.
