Staves Brewery XXPA & Ruby Grapefruit Sour

Style
IPA & Fruit Sour
ABV
7.5% & 5.0%

Glebe brewpub Staves has kicked off its limited release schedule for 2018 with a pair of warm weather beers sitting at different points on the spectrum.

The first was brewed in 2017, albeit on the very last day of the year, and has been sitting around conditioning since. It’s been labelled an XXPA, a style you won’t find in any official beer judging guidelines but which could, for reference, be described as a slightly stronger pale ale or perhaps a slightly less aggressive IPA. Whatever you call it, it’s rather delightful to drink; an inviting golden straw coloured beer that’s resplendent with New Zealand hop varieties (Waimea, Riwaka, Wakatu and Moutere, if you’re asking) which help it burst with citrus aromas and lashings of tropical flavours on the palate. The XXPA goes down extra easily for a beer that clocks in at 7.5 percent ABV, rounded out with a touch of dryness and what feels like a wholly suitable level of bitterness.

The second is the Ruby Grapefruit Sour, a kettle sour infused with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. The first thing you’ll notice is the head is almost nonexistent, yet that doesn’t make it any less attractive once you get it to your lips where you’re met with punchy and refreshing citrus characters. Yet, despite the fruity undertones, it’s not at all a sweet beer. The balance between the fruit and sourness from the lactobacillus is finely done and leaves you with a pleasing crisp, dry and tart finish and a general feeling of satisfaction.

Nick O

Published February 9, 2018

Name
Staves Brewery
Address

4-8 Grose Street
Glebe
NSW 2037

Phone
02 9280 4555
Open Hours

Thursday: 4pm to 10pm
Friday: 4pm to midnight
Saturday: 2pm to midnight
Sunday: 2pm to 10pm

Regular events

Thu: Open mic night
Fri: Comedy night
Sat: Live music

Tours

By appointment

IBD 2025
Bintani Abstrax B

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