Why settle on just one new release when you can drop four? This seems to be the mandate for the Phat crew so, in the interests of time – not in the least because there’s probably another quartet readying for release – let’s get into July’s malt-focused offerings.
If you ask a casual Phat observer about any overarching brewery themes, their answer would likely be "lactose". Little surprise, then, that their in-house Crew Brew comp was won by the lactose-infused Phat N Ripe Cherry Ripe stout. Teesh’s winning beer ably nails the desiccated coconut and cherry sans-medicinal vibe, however the triumph is the dark chocolate character. This tastes exactly like the chocolate bar’s coating, with a subtle bitterness balancing some of the glee.
Next up is the return of their Bintani, NZ Hops and Copper & Oak collaboration, now known as NZ Nitro Red IPA. What’s become an iterative release showcasing a different NZ hop each time features Nectaron here – with a little Superdelic and Galaxy in support. As The Crafty Pint champions impartiality, and I’m connected with the retailer, here’s a selection of attendee quotes from the launch event which should paint a picture: “The stonefruit aromas are juicy”, “I like the balance of the soft nitro with the bitterness” and “It’s very smooth, and that Necatron really comes through.”
Staying in the red realm is Big Red Dawg, a draught-only double red IPA collaboration with their mates at Margaret River Beer Co and Mallokup Malt. Inspired by each other, the two brewers have combined their core range red IPA recipes into a bold take that features Mosaic, Strata, Centennial and Citra. The former drives proceedings through local maltster Mallokup’s smooth toffee malt base, with bitterness holding its own for size.
And to finish, another collab: Big Phat Tenner is a big stout brewed with the Tenfold group whose pubs include the Ashby, the Gate and the Brook. A classic dark malt nose teases with roast notes and dark chocolate. Being a Phat beer, there’s always something else going on, and here that going on is vanilla and oak – both of which serve the whole rather than vying for attention. Lactose free, yet super smooth, the late light bitterness and dusty cacao maturely close proceedings.
Guy Southern
The Crafty Pint is co-hosting City Slickers vs South-Westers ahead of Froth Town 2024, a four-course, eight-beer, four-brewery face-off, complete with discount for Crafty Cabal members. Details here.
Published July 17, 2024 2024-07-17 00:00:00
