What with their homes found in coastal areas of Victoria and New South Wales respectively, shared connections with the world of restaurants, a fondness for experimentation in the brewhouse, and brand designs that stand out from the crowd, it's easy to see why the founders of Sailors Grave and Dangerous Ales get on. And why they'd want to brew together. They first did so on Double Sunk, [a "yuzu ocean lager"[(https://craftypint.com/beer/9613/sailors-grave-and-friends-let-them-eat-cake-the-fruit-thereof-and-double-sunk) and are at it again with Trade Winds, a grapefruit ponzu gose.
Ponzu is a Japanese citrus dipping sauce, which Dangerous Ales founder Damo Martin created at his Milton pub restaurant (recipient of a third straight Chef's Hat in the most recent Good Food Awards) to be added to this beer along with locally harvested sea salt. The beer they appear in could almost pass as an oat cream IPA, such is the density of the haze, but it's a rather sprightlier affair.
The ponzu – presumably aided by some citrusy hops – delivers its zestiness with real zing, while there's something a little more savoury and herbaceous lurking within too. The finish is dry, tangy and with a touch of salinity, the overall experience such that you might consider swapping out a glass of white for a Trade Winds at dinner.
James Smith
**NB If you're reading this in time, they're holding a launch party for the beer at the Moonah Hotel in Hobart on November 10.
Published November 8, 2023 2023-11-08 00:00:00
