When a brand is born from one of the biggest contract brewers in Australia (Brewpack), some beer lovers tend to pigeon hole a beer before they’ve even opened the bottle. Others would consider it a real skill for someone to replicate another brewer’s beer so well that the drinker gets the same experience.
Based in Smeaton Grange, around 60 kilometres southwest of Sydney, Stockade Brew Co is the hero label for Brewpack’s Szpitalaks family and first hit shelves around NSW in late 2015. Their beers have benefitted from the company’s large arsenal of brewing weapons and distribution contacts so while some of you may not have heard or seen Stockade around, you will very soon. Now I’m not one to commit too early when sampling a new brewery’s range given most experience a few hiccups in their early days. However, I’m more than happy to admit that Stockade’s 8bit IPA is a very drinkable and enjoyable beer.
The hop profile is a magnificent blend of traditional US hops Cascade and Citra with some Aussie Galaxy in there to add a tropical hit to the West Coast piney goodness. The aroma has an intoxicating toffee, sweet note which provides a subtle fruit salad sensation. At 80 IBU’s, it’s ticks the bitterness box but thankfully, it’s well balanced and not overpowering. At $22 for a 6-pack, the price is right too.
Check out 8bit IPA and the rest of the Stockade range at good beer venues and bottles shops around Melbourne, Bendigo and Ballarat.
Stockade Brew Co 8bit India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.5%
Style: American West Coast IPA
Serving Temp: 4-6 degrees
Food Pairing: Spicy Mexican Beef Fajitas
Origin: Sydney, New South Wales
Price (RRP): $22 for a 6 pack x 330ml
Buy it here: www.stockadebrewco.com.au