The Sip #54 - Matso's Smokey Bishop
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
It might have something of an identity crisis. But when it comes to taste one of Matso’s more popular brews has the right mix.
The Broome operation’s Smokey Bishop almost gives the wrong impression of what’s inside the bottle or glass.
The beer isn’t smoky at all. And many wouldn’t have come across too many lagers that were as dark as a black piece of paper blowing along Cable Beach on a moonless night.
Also, the bishop after whom the beer was named no longer smokes.
So it is no wonder Matso’s are considering a name change for the beer.
Thankfully the recipe won’t be altered because Matso’s present a wonderful drink with plenty of flavour.
The consumer appreciates the colour but can be pleasantly surprised by the fruity lager element on the tongue.
Chocolate and toffee from the dark malts are also appealing. Nuts can also be detected on the sip.
It might not be holy water but Smokey Bishop does have a nod from the church.
The catholic identity referred to on the label is the Bishop of Broome, Christopher Saunders, who was once renowned for his fondness for cigarettes.
But reports from the north indicate the Most Reverend has less of a smokey edge nowadays after quitting the habit.
Maybe his latest vice is a cheeky Smokey Bishop as a post-meal refresher on those balmy Broome days.
Who could blame him. And the rest of us are also blessed to have the opportunity to enjoy the WA brew.
The Sip Snip
Smokey Bishop
Brewer: Matso’s Broome
Style: Black Lager
Alcohol content: 4.7%
Standard drinks: 1.3
Bitterness: N/A
Bottles: 330ml glass
Estimated calories: 141
The Sip Tip (rating): Always keep a couple in the fridge.
Average prices: $4 a bottle, $22 a six-pack and $69 a carton.
