Green Gully Island Beer Seeing Red IPA

The clearest hint of Green Gully founder Luke Smith's previous career with Melbourne punk band S.I.C. can be found in – or should that be on – Seeing Red IPA. The cans of the brewery's biggest core range beer – one designed to have a seasonal big brother – come with labels featuring the iconic photo of a Minor Threat gig at CBGBs in the 80s.

As for the liquid inside, it's ruddy looking but with a deep crimson highlight if held to the light, not to mention what seems to be a Green Gully trademark: a solid head. There's heaps of citrus / rind aromas from the US hops and a clean yet dense red berry-infused sponge cake malt character. There's not too much that's obviously of a farmhouse bent, but that has to be at least partly down to the fact the kveik yeast has been sent into battle against such potent combatants: the malt and hops seem to be channeling the vibes captured on the label.

James Smith