Advertisement

The Sip #56 - Quiet Deeds White IPA

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

While nowadays they might like to look at a full beer glass, Red Island Brewing Company’s ability to peer into a crystal ball has brought Australian drinkers plenty of satisfaction.

For more than a decade Red Island’s Melbourne-based brainstrust of Patrick Ale and David Milstein have been able to see the future for alcoholic beverages.

They were involved in gin as it became the spirit du jour around the country. The pair also introduced Australians to Sweden’s Rekorderlig cider four years ago. Store stock has since been disappearing faster than a cold brew on a hot day.

But the dream for Red Island was to start a brewery. Just over 18 months ago it became a reality.

Under the Quiet Deeds label, Red Island has produced an India Pale Ale, a Pale Ale, Kolsch and Vanilla Porter.

However, a new brew has joined the team. And Quiet Deeds have got into another growing trend in the micro-brewing world by packaging their White India Pale Ale in cans.

The Sip had a chance meeting with the unusual hybrid style. What started as a quick glance at the listing board at Fremantle’s Sail and Anchor Hotel presented an entertaining experience.

The White IPA is a cross between an India Pale Ale and a Belgian Witbier. The mix provides the best of both worlds.

An initial taste produces the base of a Wheat beer with the yeast and spices shining through before the hop of an Ale crashes the taste buds. The Cascade and Centennial hops give the fruity edge.

It is understandable that some may consider this brew to be leading the drinker towards a Saison but it certainly doesn’t have a sour edge.

This is a super summer beer. Unfortunately, it has a limited release at present. But the cans would make a brilliant addition to any summer activity along our shores.

“We chose the White IPA as it is a great, refreshing full-flavoured option with an excellent balance of sweetness and bitterness,” said Ale.

“We have been excited about cans for some time and thought this White IPA would be a great first step.

"Cans keep beer fresher and are more convenient, making it perfect for those warm summer nights."

So why the name Quiet Deeds? Well, the Red Island team believe it is like their business ethos. It isn’t about ego. The “focus is on the products not on us”. The team started brewing out of Brewpack in New South Wales but have been determined to establish their own premises.

If Quiet Deeds continues to produce top quality craft beer then the spotlight will grow wider and put the brewery firmly on centre stage in the brewers’ market.

The Sip Snip
White IPA
Brewer: Quiet Deeds
Style: Witbier/India Pale Ale
Alcohol content: 6%
Standard drinks: 1.8
Bitterness: N/A
Bottles: 375ml can
Estimated calories: 180
The Sip Tip (rating): Top shelf.

Average prices: $4.50 a can, $22 a six-pack.