The Sip #47 - The Heartbreaker
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
One great element to beer is that it doesn't discriminate.
No matter your walk in life it is easy to enjoy, even share, a good brew. Indeed, the wonderful nectar can bring a variety of people together.
Stone and Wood like that philosophy. They have actually embraced the credo. Brewing great drinks isn't just about them. It is designed around a community feel.
So for the fourth time the team that grew their Byron Bay enterprise into one of Australia's most successful brewing establishments has put together a Mash Collective.
Basically the Mash idea is to bring together a raft of creative minds to put their talents into producing a new beer.
And the result of the work by musician Darren Middleton, designer Damian Kelly and chef Clayton Donovan is enough to warm your heart, of break it according to the funky label on the recently released bottles.
Middleton is a guitarist with iconic band Powderfinger, Kelly has worked on some of the country's biggest brands while Donovan is highly skilled in cooking indigenous food.
While there was a lot of debate about what type of beer to produce The Sip understands there was even stronger discussion over the name.
The trio all shared a love for beer, rock music, the land and Australia. They wanted to convey this connection while drawing reference on the fact that this beer is a limited release, a special batch, a one off that was made by them. It won't be around forever but that wouldn't stop them or you from falling in love with it.
Damian Kelly and Clayton Donovan discuss The Heartbreaker process at Stone and Wood.
The Heartbreaker has toffee on the nose but is very fruity in taste. There is peach with spices on the back end. And it is very refreshing.
It is a rich amber ale that combines beautifully the Ella, Sorachi Ace, Centennial and Mosaic hops.
In keeping with the nature aspect the peach flavour comes through the quangdongs - a native bush fruit - that was put in the fermenter.
The big issue is that after one taste you want another. Yet as a limited release there will be a time when there isn't any left. So enjoy it while you can.
The Sip Snip
The Heartbreaker
Brewer: Stone and Wood
Style: Amber Ale
Alcohol content: 5.5 per cent
Standard drinks: 2.2
Bitterness: N/A
Bottles: 500ml
Estimated calories: 165
The Sip Tip (rating): For impressing your mates
Average prices: $13 a 550ml bottle
