Running a nationally-ranged beer brand with breweries in three states can present challenges, not least lining up beer releases nearly 3,500 kilometres apart for an enthusiastic audience. Fox Friday’s solution? Service the West Australian fans with a monthly drop of limited releases, while looking after the East Coast faithful with a separate cohort. Which brings us to this WA-only duo: a pair that services the Greater Perth region’s SoCal climate, while also delivering an intriguing malty affair for the odd day of moody squalls that's coloured winter 2024.
Putting Family Guy references aside, Quagmire flips more literal comparisons with a modern West Coast IPA approach, leading with a light malt chewiness that moves towards a juicy mid-palate before receding dry through soft carbonation. And while bitterness validates its West Coast credentials, hoppy aggrievement isn’t the point here. Instead, the Simcoe and Colombus balance the modern Cryo Citra and Riwaka SubZero Hop Kief in a hoppy homogeny, while restrained resin lurks for those looking for such things.
And now to the Black Sea’s West Coast offering: the Baltic porter. In recent years, it’s become something of a brewers' crush despite being marginal even within the dark beer realm. Instead of rushing towards anyone that looks interested with tales of Napoleonic trade wars and bottom fermentation, Fox Friday have double down on the niche... Why not make it more esoteric? What about a smoked edition? Beats putting ice cream in it, I guess.
As such, a subtle floral edge underscores Fire Pit's initial sweet smoke wisps. Wisely, this soon weaves between a total of nine different malts in a lush reservoir featuring light milk chocolate, crushed granita biscuits, Milo and dark honey. Fleeting bitterness provides countenance to the smooth length, although one wonders what a nitro rendition would contribute here. In the meantime, there’s plenty enjoy as the days get slowly longer.
Guy Southern
Published August 23, 2024 2024-08-23 00:00:00
