Mash Brewing‘s Yesterday series features nostalgia-fuelled beers, with Kola Beer Sour the second instalment, following on from the Lolly Shop Sour that appeared at the end of 2023. Drawing from classic Aussie milk bar treats, as well as 1880s' cola recipes, the Swan Valley team arrived at a dark amber sour riddled with youthful flashbacks.
Misty memories aside, initial thoughts are that Kola Beer Sour could pass for the kind of post-mix vanilla cola that swirls in frozen slushy machines. Indeed, I can imagine this kind of setup at the end of Mash's venue bar, each pour topped with vanilla ice cream in a sour beer float.
As for the rest of the glass, vanilla and caramel keep the theme running on the tongue, and, while the cola element is more restrained than the aromas suggest, the balance greatly aids drinkability. Likewise, the acidity that cleans up the sweet festivities in a neat resolution, proving this series is more about playful fun rather than the sometimes-absurd avant-garde.
Guy Southern
Published September 16, 2024 2024-09-16 00:00:00
