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 2018-02-09 00:00:00