Few readers will be surprised to learn that Rocky Ridge have jumped into 2025 releasing, on average, at least one new beer a week. The constant drip feed of new and varied beers is in line with their efforts last year but also might be something of a necessity into the new one, with their second WA home in Duncraig – complete with 40 taps – very close to opening at time of writing.
Overdelivering both with what’s in the tin and what’s on the tin, How It Started is a sight to behold: adorned with artwork of a Bob Ross terminator. Why? We’re not sure, but what’s easy to understand is the beer: a simple, modern lager in which malt sweetness is balanced by some well-placed bitterness and firm aromas of fresh citrus, white grapes and freshly-mowed grass.
While How It Started leans modern, Glorious Purpose takes us back to the old school: a true throwback beer with polarising phenolic aromas of banana and clove – albeit not in an overwhelming abundance. It’s a classically-styled hefeweizen with soft notes of nutmeg and white chocolate. ‘The OG hazy’ is the claim from the RR brewers, a fair assessment given it pours with the clarity, or lack of, of just about any hazy pale/IPA on the market.
Speaking of hazy, Cyber Goth Dance Party brings us back to the 2020s’ poster child, hazy IPA. A low but present bitterness counters malt sweetness atop a medium body carrying white peach and sweet nectarine, alongside grassiness and pineapple. The aromatic profile is generously loaded with mango, pineapple, lime and fruited, sweet yoghurt, all persisting after each sip with a touch of grassy bitterness for freshness.
Boallia Rd Warrior continues the hoppy theme but switched to the West Coast. Pouring with great clarity and a burnished orange hue, bold grapefruit, orange and lemon burst from the glass alongside sticky, resinous pine. Bitterness is firm in this IPA, with earthy undertones persisting after each crisp, resinous sip.
Fruit smoothie sours are a good place to finish, and Rocky Ridge do them well. Electric Sex Pants lands at a sizeable 6 percent ABV but it’s a necessary evil to balance rich, sweet mango and raspberry atop a viscous, turbid body. Its pink-hued pour is as inviting as its aroma. Pear, vanilla and guava support as does a medium acidity that acts to retain freshness and give this big beer a surprising level of drinkability.
Jono Outred
Published February 11, 2025 2025-02-11 00:00:00
