North Stradbroke Island has civilisation, mostly gathered into three lovely townships. But for many, Straddie’s appeal comes from its less civilised areas: its dense greenery, its long beaches, its access to the endless ocean. There’s a track that runs from Dunwich (where the ferry lands) right through to Back Beach on the other side of Stradbroke. This 4WD track cuts across the middle of the island like a belt, and is the quickest way to quite literally put the mainland behind you, and enter a world of beach camping, fishing, and the beckoning of big blue.
With those sorts of activities in mind, Straddie Brewing made Mid Track Session Ale, a beer that at 2.8 percent ABV hits that traditional "light beer" category, making it It’s a good one to crack open if you know you’re going to be getting behind the wheel of a LandCruiser later, or you want to drink a tinnie before you take out the tinnie.*
When I was writing my tasting notes, I jotted down "lovely gold" and then there aren’t any more notes because the beer just disappeared after that. It’s not that there isn’t flavour – there’s a golden malt sweetness and a nice fruity pop of hop character for a light beer – but Mid Track is too easygoing for you to worry about things like that. It’s a good beer for long days and short attention spans.
Mick Wüst
*That second one means small boat, if you weren’t aware.
