In the realm of craft beer, 2024 is shaping up to be another exciting year for Shedshaker as they prepare to move into bigger premises. Twelve months ago, the Castlemaine brewers wowed punters at Bendigo On The Hop 2023 with their blinged-up Gold NEIPA, shortly followed by a packaged version without the decorative gold fleck. With head brewer Andrew Cronin settled into his new regional surroundings, he's revisited the NEIPA.
Refined and delicate, it boasts luscious, tropical aromatics and low bitterness, complemented by a juicy mouthfeel and slightly hazy appearance. Andrew aimed for an even more "pillowy" mouthfeel this time around, achieving it through carefully timed hop additions that maximised biotransformation.
In another revisited brew, and at the more traditional end of the spectrum, Shedshaker have brought back the popular Belgian Dubbel from 2020. Pouring a rich amber brown, this dubbel features a lively off-white head with fine bubbles that dissipate quickly. The beer presents a profile of bready, slightly nutty flavours with a dry and sweet character, striking a balance between subtlety and depth.
The boldest of this trio is a barrel-aged imperial Stout called Heart of Darkness – a beer Shedshaker GM Adam Perrett admits has divided opinions. Boasting a full mouthfeel and medium body with oak and raisin notes, complemented by a hint of vanilla, the roasted malt character is notably subdued, and there's little discernible alcohol warmth, creating a unique profile that some will find intriguing while others may find challenging.
Daniel Ridd
Published September 21, 2024 2024-09-21 00:00:00
