Aether have referred to their 2024 GABS beer as a “sea monster of a stout”… uh, they do realise kelp is an algae, right? What, are they picturing some kind of seaweed-covered behemoth bursting forth from the depths, like Godzilla in a ghillie suit?
Yeah, OK, that would be kind of scary.
This beer isn’t scary. And although Tasmanian kelp was added several times through the brewing process, it’s not a seaweed-y slap in the face, which will be a relief to many of you (though perhaps a disappoint to some nori fiends).
Chocolate malt and cacao husks work together with the sweeter malts to bring an aroma that’s strong on the chocolate, with just a hint of salty sea spray. A less sweet, more grounded cocoa character comes through in the mouth – think Arnott’s Choc Ripple biscuits or a dark chocolate sorbet – backed with a little umami. The aftertaste is long and drawn-out, smoothed over by French oak and accompanied by just the right amount of roasty bitterness.
Ghillie Godzilla, eat your heart out.
Mick Wüst
Published July 3, 2024 2024-07-03 00:00:00
