“Awww bugger off, it’s freezing! Gonna have to put my uggies on. Yeah nah the sun’s out, but it’s cold in the shade. Yeah I know it’s 22 degrees… it feels 15 but. Cos of the wind chill factor.”*
Brisbane winter; there’s nothing like it. Brisbanites complain about the cold but those conversations are largely just a ritualistic reminder that the seasons have indeed changed. Newstead Brewing knows this and plays along by releasing the Westerlies Winter Lager each year.
The dark lager is a deep brown that still lets the light through when consumed in the winter sun. There’s also a sparkle from the decent amount of carbonation and some slight melon aromatics to this year’s iteration, along with the more expected chocolatey aroma. A light body carries roastiness, chocolate and noble hop spice across the palate, but these flavours don’t hang around for too long; it ends with a dry, roasty finish, like the last charred pieces of wood in the fire.
Did we mention it’s in tinnies? Drink it beside a brazier in the backyard, wearing shorts, ugg boots and a jumper with the sleeves rolled up. Just make sure you're talking about how cold it is.
*Actual words said by every Queenslander ever.
Mick Wust
Published July 3, 2019 2019-07-03 00:00:00
