Neglected by most of the beer world, save for macro’s infinitely light lager, the micro beer realm teems with possibly. Lighter styles might not be the first pick for many, yet offerings like Otherside's Slight Stout call to mind beers such as like Mann’s Brown Ale and various English dark milds [which have been enjoying a renaissance in recent years – Editor]. They're the kind of beer that normally conjure in your mind exposed beam and carpet-that-was-installed-before-you-were-born public houses. Or as the enriching adjunct to a gravy base, perhaps – not that Otherside are championing either of these very English options.
Instead, Slight Stout would very happily service a night of bands at Freo.Social, or afternoon sipping with responsibilities awaiting later in the day. Despite the petite ABV there’s ample light and dark chocolate characters and faint caramel – almost dark Milo if that was a thing. A shot of near-neighbour Jessie’s Coffee adds another layer before things resolva a little ashy, and with just enough toasted malt and bitterness to earn its stout tag.
Returning Vinyl has more company than in previous years. The past month has seen a brood of churlish Western Australian dark hoppy IPAs hit the market, although it’s something from which this black IPA needn’t feel any pressure. Milk and dark chocolate malt meld with Strata, Simcoe and Mosaic hop influence, imbuing the whole as smoothly cohesive and moderately bitter.
Liquid aside, the label shift from obi-strip info to Parlophone 45 "Hold Your Hand" homage finally adorns this beer with spiritual cladding. Sure, a double A-side is confident. But why no B-side?
By this point in time, Otherside’s Redliner needs no introduction, and while the recipe evolves each year there’s a dependability and throughline that only adds to its esteem. The 2024 release carries the caramel and toffee malt hallmarks, although is more straightforward than 2023’s juicier offering. As such, while Mosaic, Strata and Citra are listed – raw and stewed stone fruit, dried tropical fruit, and berry themes appear – the focus is very much on the integrated malt profile, dry length and tightly wound, bitter resolution.
Guy Southern
Published May 24, 2024 2024-05-24 00:00:00
