You could be forgiven for looking at Rogue Wave's location – in a vast pub on the Great Ocean Road – and the beers taking up most of its taps – lager, session ale, pale, mid-strength mild – and thinking that here's a place that has every reason to play things safe and is going to do just that. Then you chance upon Cranky Mrs, a beer that says IPA on the label but has a double IPA inside, one that clocks in above 8 percent ABV. no less.
Like Moby, it started out as a showcase for punchy US hops, such as Cascade, Mosaic and Centennial, but has been introducing more Kiwi hops over time in case shortages arise. The aim is to create a leaner beer than in its earlier days without losing the layers of hop flavours and aromas found alongside the dark caramel malts: alternatively piney, forest floor like, spicy, earthy and dank.
