River to Sea is a special collaboration which sees South Australia’s Riverland region united with the Yorke Peninsula via a partnership between Woolshed Brewery, based in the former, and Watsacowie, who brew in the latter. The wort for this beer was brewed at both breweries – around 400km by road from each other – then merged pre-fermentation. The combined results are designed to showcase an element of each local area: the Riverland's soft water profile, oats and wheat on the one hand; caramelised local honey from the Yorke Peninsula. Tying the project together is fresh yeast from local SA producer Ferveo.
And tie it together it does, with the yeast extremely expressive in this Belgian strong ale: banana, clove, pepper spice and honey come on strong on the nose from a liquid that pours a golden honey colour. The pepper spice and honey once again make themselves known flavour wise, alongside bready malts carrying a touch of sweetness. The mouthfeel is syrupy and full-bodied, with a touch of bitterness amid the sweetish finish.
Taken together, River To Sea is an undeniably big beer, one oozing Belgian character despite being brewed with all SA ingredients, that takes drinkers on a scenic road trip from one of the state's many picturesque regions to another.
Matt King
Published October 16, 2023 2023-10-16 00:00:00
