Phillip Island Brewing Black Cockie

When you both make booze in a coastal community, it doesn’t take long for ideas to develop. That was certainly the case with Phillip Island Brewing and Purple Hen Winery who, over a few drinks, came up with the concept of Black Cockie.

The collaboration combines two of cold weather’s biggest antidotes; this shiraz porter is rich and layered with dark fruit. Crack it open and you’re likely to be struck by the vinous quality that runs through the beer: there's plenty that's akin to a hearty red like cherry, currants and plums. On top of that, there’s a distinct tannic side to the beer that provides a counterpunch to the dark chocolate and roasted tones of the stout.

Will Ziebell