It's not that uncommon for brewers to get involved with the arts, or indeed to brew beers for festivals. It is arguably a sign of the times, however, that the beers chosen for such occasions are leaning into craftier waters. That's certainly the case with Felons' beer for the 2021 Brisbane Street Art Festival, for which they invited local artist Leans to design the label art. Inside there's no sub-5 percent ABV, gently hopped session ale; instead you've got a West Coast IPA.
For those of a technical bent, it's built upon the classic US hops Cascade and Centennial, with Citra and Azacca brought in to add some fruity flourishes. For those who just want to know what they're going to end up with in their glass, this clear copper drop kicks off with tangerine aromas, a precursor for deep, layered citrus fruit flavours and a broad, balancing, quenching but not aggressive bitterness. Add in a good body and you've got a solid West Coast that tastes like a classic American pale ale on steroids.
James Smith
Published May 4, 2021 2021-05-04 00:00:00