The Sip #57 - Young Henrys Natural 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
The original plan for Young Henrys was to pump up the Sydney brewing scene.
Now the band of avant-garde beer gurus have arrived in a market crowded with mashtuns and fermenters.
That doesn’t mean Young Henrys can’t have a similar impact. After all, the Margaret River region of WA is a superb backdrop for the company’s ethos.
Young Henry’s wants to be innovative, passionate, adventurous and fun. The tree-lined area of Metricup is also a great location for a laid-back brewing enterprise.
The tyranny of distance has meant Sandgropers have missed much of the Young Henry’s phenomenon.
While the Hop Ale has been traditional the seasonal Newtown Brown and Young Doctor Henrys Night Nurse, a collaboration with Doctors Orders, have become renowned in the Waratah State.
But now the brews have infiltrated the west. It was pleasing to be able to pick up a couple of Natural Lager cans from Mane Liquor during the week. It was even better to see Metricup stamped on the vessel.
The Natural Lager is a perfect introductory beer for Young Henrys considering the time of year and weather.
However, make sure you pour the Natural Lager into an appropriate glass because the aroma generated by the right receptacle is worthy of the effort.
The beer is also surprising for a Lager in that it does generate a generous head, keeping the brew fresh.
It invites the drinker with a sweet and floral scent.
And then it hits the tongue with a profile from the three Australian noble hops that makes you second guess the variety on the label. This isn’t a hop bomb but the cones provide a fruity and grassy impact that is ultra refreshing.
Like the canned Kolsch produced by new Margaret River cousins Colonial Brewing last month, this will become a go-to beer over the summer months.
Unlike many of the mass manufactured Lagers, the Young Henrys' type has a great taste and doesn’t give the impression of drinking a brew that seems closer to water than flavour.
Coming in cans the Natural Lager is easily accessible. It can be assumed that many on a trip down to WA’s winery mecca might forsake a Sauvignon Blanc for a Young Henrys. Like the region itself there isn’t any pressure consuming the beer.
Young Henrys are still building their staff at Metricup. A visit will be more than just a beer experience.
But for now just sit back, enjoy those South-West kookaburras and take it easy with a Natural Lager.
The Sip Snip
Natural Lager
Brewer: Young Henry’s
Style: Pale Lager
Alcohol content: 4.2%
Standard drinks: 1.2
Bitterness: N/A
Bottles: 375ml can
Estimated calories: 126
The Sip Tip (rating): Straight to the pool room
Average prices: $4 a can from Mane Liquor in Belmont.
