Wow, is it 2017 already? I must admit I’m one of those Gen X-types who still thinks the 90s was like, 10 years ago. But no, all my favourite bands are now doing 20th anniversary album tours, a rather rambunctious fellow is in charge of the free world and Zuckerberg has us all plugged into the Matrix whether you have a Face-Gram account or not. But hey, it’s not all bad.
It’s going to be a big year for the Australian craft beer world and there’ll be heaps of delicious beers to enjoy. Speaking of which, let’s have a look at Big Shed’s Californicator West Coast IPA.
Big Shed is all about big flavour and their Californicator certainly holds no punches. It’s everything you want from a US-style West Coast IPA; hoppy, aromatic, hoppy, a delightful sweet malt balance, hoppy, smooth mouthfeel… and did I mention it was hoppy?
I was lucky to get this quite fresh (which explains the hop bomb experience), and was super impressed with how well this beer hides the 7.5% alcohol content. Don’t cheat yourself – make sure to pour this into proper beer glassware (check out craftdglass.com), close your eyes and take in the passionfruit, apricot and pine aromas. For a moment, you’ll think you’re sitting in a brewery in SoCal USA – or Royal Park, Adelaide!
If you happen to be in Adelaide in February, a Big Shed birdy told me they’ll have a one-off batch of Adelaide Hill wet hop ale coming soon, chock-full of locally-grown Columbus hops. We might see this in Victoria as well if we’re lucky.
Get the Californicator at selected good beer venues on tap and in bottle around Melbourne and regional Victoria. Cheers!
BIG SHED CALIFORNICATOR WEST COAST IPA
ABV: 7.5%
STYLE: West Coast India Pale Ale
FOOD PAIRING: BBQ Beef Ribs
ORIGIN: Royal Park, SA
PRICE (RRP): $23: 4 pack 330ml