Pirate Life Brewing burst on to the Australian beer scene earlier this year with three canned hoppy beers (Imperial IPA, American Pale Ale and Throwback IPA) accompanied by some very polished branding. In days gone by, the more suspicious beer lover would have reacted with “They’re trying to fool is with their fancy pictures and slick advertising!”, but what Red, Jack and his dad Michael managed to do was establish brand integrity from day one. It might have something to do with Red and Jack having brewed at Brewdog in Scotland (every beer berds wet dream) or it may have been Michael’s years of brewery marketing and distribution experience. Whatever it was, beer drinkers have instantly fallen in love with these guys and their impressive line-up.
Some of you might remember me saying late in 2014 that session beers would be a trend in 2015. Now to be clear, I’m not here to say I told you so, rather to pay respect to the beer industry folk much smarter than I for letting me in on the inside knowledge! There are many session beers to choose from right now, but none have yet to slake my thirst for hops quite like this one.
At 3.5%, this beer delivers exactly what it says it will. It’s hoppy, it’s well balanced and it’s sessionable. You may experience what I experienced, which was a citrus, melon aroma with a sexy pine finish (did I mention I love hops?). I think my fridge will be well stocked with Throwback IPA once the footy finals / Spring racing carnival party season hits. After all, it’s a marathon not a sprint.
Pirate Life Throwback IPA
ABV: 3.5%
Style: Session India Pale Ale
Serving Temp: 4-6 degrees
Origin: Adelaide, South Australia
Food pairing: Hot, spicy BBQ wings
Price (RRP): 4 x 330ml $20
Buy it here: piratelife.com.au