The Sip #61 - Stone & Wood Garden Ale
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
With some good planning you will have already taken Stone and Wood’s latest limited release to the garden for sampling.
If you didn’t it will take you there anyway.
The brewers that emerged from Byron Bay have returned Garden Ale to their beer menu, much to the delight of Australian summer drinkers.
The label might well tease the psyche of the drinker. But the first taste puts the consumer in a state whereby no matter where he or she may be the feeling of being with nature takes over.
Garden Ale almost stands a reward for a hard day picking fruit with the results squeezed into the 500ml bottle.
Stone and Wood have worked the Ella hop in this brew. It was administered in the kettle and later used in dry hopping to give a wonderfully fruity character.
Australians can’t call on too many brews as specific summer beers. Interestingly, Stone and Wood’s flagship concoction, the Pacific Ale, is considered a highly popular drink in hot climes.
Downing a few 5 per cent or more alcohol brews in the warmer weather can also have the negative effect on mind and body.
So with Garden Ale peaking at 3.8 per cent it can rightly claim the moniker of being a sessionable beer.
The large bottle comes in at 1.5 standard drinks meaning those that have to watch their alcohol intake can still enjoy the experience.
However, the lower rating hasn’t taken anything away from taste.
There is plenty of grapefruit in the aroma and it carries through on the taste, which immediately generates the garden affect.
After careful consideration peach and sugar sweetness can also be enjoyed.
The only issue is that Stone and Wood only release Garden Ale for summer. But at least it makes those sweaty Australian days more enjoyable.
The Sip Snip
Garden Ale
Brewer: Stone and Wood
Style: Amber Ale
Alcohol content: 3.8%
Standard drinks: 1.5
Bitterness: N/A
Bottles: 500ml
Estimated calories: 114
The Sip Tip (rating): Always keep one in the fridge over summer.
Average prices: $8.50 a bottle. Also available in kegs.
