This release from Phillip Island-based Green Gully Brewing is a melding of old and new – in two senses. It sees elements of old world farmhouse ales combined with the hops and hopping rates more associated with modern craft beer. And is sees Green Gully's Luke Smith combining his fondness for the more traditional European styles with which he launched his farm-based operation with the market demands of the 2020s that saw him release a "clean" XPA in 2023.
The result is Citrus Burst, which features Aussie hops in the boil and dry hop, plus a mix of American hop concentrate before conditions. It's somewhat reminiscent of La Sirène's Urban Pale not just in concept but in character. The can-conditioned hoppy pale – one that pours a deep copper – features Luke's house culture and, in the battle between old and new, the farmhouse-y esters – both spicy and fruity – are just as prominent as the zesty citrus rind.
Think punchy, citrusy Belgian pale ale and you're on the right track.
James Smith
If you're a member of The Crafty Pint's beer club, The Crafty Cabal, you can save 10 percent on Green Gully's beers at their online store. Details here.
Published January 29, 2024 2024-01-29 00:00:00
