Hawkers and Circus Oz have a relationship that stretches back a fair while and features one of Good Beer Week's least likely events. Back in 2017, the iconic Australian troupe worked with the Reservoir brewery for a show featuring National Institute Of Circus Arts performers making full use of everything they could get their hands on. It's led to Hawkers providing beer at all their big shows and now they've gone a step further with the release of this strong pale ale, from which Circus Oz receive a donation from every case sold.
The Hawkers team was kind enough to drop off samples fresh from the canning line but, given I've got a spot of lurgy that not only means I don't want to drink a beer right now but, even if I did, I wouldn't be able to taste it, they're still in the fridge. So you'll have to make do with the head brewer's notes for now.
"Sharp, refreshing bitterness, dropping away to biscuity malt flavours with hints of grapefruit," he says. "A strong hopping regime makes this a fitting celebration of the strong folk at our national circus."
Once I'm fighting fit again, we'll find out for ourselves. You needn't wait, however, as it's heading nationwide from August 28.
James Smith
Published August 28, 2019 2019-08-28 00:00:00