Straddie released Local Lager in early 2023 as part of their Sandpit Series. It was a simple idea: a cheeky name, a familiar style for some of the Stradbroke residents who enjoy macro Japanese lagers, and a chance to partner with local venues. But that simple idea took off, and people loved it so much that the brewery’s brought it into their regular lineup.
The core version is mostly the same beer as the original, with the malt bringing a bready note and Australian rice bringing a lightness, a sweetness, a crispness. It’s had a tweak to the hop bill, with Motueka hops replacing the previous Sorachi Ace, but even here the brewery’s managed to capture a similar character: lemon zest and lemongrass, with a late herbal bitterness.
Unlike Straddie’s other core beers, Local Lager is only available on Stradbroke Island itself, both at the brewery and at a few other venues. This Japanese-style lager made with Aussie malts and NZ hops is a local beer. It’s in the name.
Mick Wüst
Published May 24, 2024 2024-05-24 00:00:00
