Eagle Bay's home of Naturaliste has been enjoying a slow glide into cooler evenings, which naturally sees the return of India Red Lager. The beer first appeared in 2022 and kicked off the brewery's Modern Retro Lager Project and its return brings further autumnal appeal, with the new edition looking towards West Coast IPAs and taking plenty from classic IPLs.
Malt focused, yet nimble and remarkably drinkable, IRL offers torched caramel and light toffee notes that flit amongst the biscuity base. The not-so-retro-and-quite-modern Cryo Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin and Sabro converge as spiced orange peel, lime, apricot and underripe white peach as dank tones feature subtle herbal notes. A crisp dryness elevates the bitterness which leaves a lasting question: "Why isn't this style more prevalent?" before you remember that many breweries would balk at the generous seven weeks of lagering.
Not Eagle Bay, where patience and timing is key in real life and in IRL.
Guy Southern
Published April 4, 2024 2024-04-04 00:00:00
