The name of this beer doesn’t refer to bovines, but to the humpback whales who bring their young into Jervis Bay for a pitstop on their annual migration. They’re playful giants who seem to enjoy putting on a show for anyone watching as they splash and jump around in the water, giving a thrill of joy to those looking on.
Perhaps no beer brings quite the same thrill of joy, but Cow & Calf Tropical Pale Ale can at least tap into that same playfulness.† The cocktail of NZ hops used here – Nectaron, Taiheke and Motueka – releases a fresh and fruity hop character from the stark white froth. Rather than the distinct peach, lychee and citrus mentioned on the label, I got more of a generic fruitiness from the blend; if you’ve ever had Tutti Frutti flavoured confectionery††, you know what I mean. And it all comes together with a mouthfeel that caresses the tongue like sherbet foam.
† And bring home a gold from the 2021 AIBAs to boot. †† Fun fact: tutti frutti isn’t just a quaint rhyme; it means "all fruits" in Italian. Come for the beer descriptions, stay for the linguistics trivia.
Mick Wust
