This is a beer that's been on quite the journey, starting out as Barossa Valley Brewing's take on the West Coast USA pale ales under the banner Organic Ale before becoming Hop Heaven Organic Ale then Hop Heaven Easy IPA. One thing it's maintained over the years is its appeal as a lively, aromatic, fruity beer, picking up some high profile gold medals along the way.
In its most recent iteration, the booze content has been moved to 4.7 percent ABV, while the nigh on copper colour hints at a pretty prominent malt base – in the form or toasted caramel for the main. The hops are punchier than ever, with more pine and an earthiness joining the floral and citrusy elements of yore, and a bitterness that settles in after a few mouthfuls to justify the "session IPA" tag while staying short of being aggressive.
Sign up to our newsletters and get the latest craft beer news delivered free to your inbox. Choose from our Friday Roundup of the week, the quick-read, social feed-like Crafty Cuppa – or both!