I’m visiting Woodend on a typical winter’s day and without exaggeration I can honestly say it’s colder than a tin toilet seat of the shady side of an iceberg. I know Holgate Brewery has an open fire, so what better excuse than to enjoy a pint or two while I defrost. I know what you’re thinking – Extra Special Bitter on hand pump would be the perfect beer on this occasion, but my eye caught something unfamiliar, an all-Australian India Pale Ale.
Part of Holgate’s renowned Tank 9 Series, Alpha Crucis is made with Australian malts and highlights three Australian hops – Galaxy, Topaz and Vic Secret. It’s vibrant without being too aggressive and reminds me of warm summer days and BBQs. It’s now become part of the regular line up which speaks volumes for the brewery’s willingness to test the boundaries of Australian beer drinkers’ palate and find something hoppy that becomes “the norm”. I had a beer with Mike Harris, Holgate’s National Sales Manager and asked him about this session star.
“At Holgate, we are aiming for innovation in both the industry and in beer. It’s not really common yet to highlight the provenance of Australian craft beer and the quality of the local ingredients we are using. Alpha Crucis (being the brightest star in the Southern Cross) encapsulates the message we want to share. It’s a beautifully showcases the three Australian hops of Galaxy, Topaz and Victoria Secret hops. Think tropical fruit, grassy and zingy citrus notes, a perfect summer session IPA really.”
I’m a massive fan of the concept and the fact that this beer is an IPA made exclusively out of Australian ingredients, well it’s great for our agricultural friends out there too. So, if you’re after an approachable take on an IPA with fresh bright flavours and 100% Australian grown, owned and made I give you the Alpha Crucis.
Alpha Crucis has been available on tap at selected venues for some weeks now, but the exciting news is you can now get it in bottles. Hit up the Holgate website for more details or chat to the guys at Bendigo On The Hop winter beer festival on Saturday, 20 August. Cheers!
ABV: 5.5%
Style: Australian India Pale Ale
Serving Temp: 4-6 degrees
Food Pairing: Mexican Beef Fajitas (or, native mountain pepper crusted, rare kangaroo salad)
Origin: Woodend, Victoria
Price (RRP): $22 for a 6 pack x 330ml
Buy it here: www.holgatebrewhouse.com.au