The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement

Beer reviews: Stone & Wood Forager Ale; Riverside Brewing American Amber Ale

Chris Shanahan

Riverside Brewing Forty Four American Amber Ale
Riverside Brewing Forty Four American Amber AleSupplied

Australia's hottest 100 craft beers

For a consumer's perspective on the best craft beers of 2015, check out "GABS hottest 100 Aussie craft beers" at gabs.beer. The poll, published annually on Australia Day, "attracts thousands of beer fans around the country who vote for their five favourite Australian craft beers", says the website. Judging by the number of IPAs and American-style pale ales, it's a hops-driven list, dominated by independent brewers, but with a number of beers made by larger players. Kirin-owned Lion claimed 13 positions with its James Squire, Little Creatures, Kosciuszko, and White Rabbit brands. SAB Miller's CUB seized one spot with Fat Yak Pale Ale. And Coopers, the largest Australian-owned brewer, took 18th spot with its popular Pale Ale.

In an impressive feat in a crowded market, Canberra's BentSpoke slipped into 88th position with its biggest-selling beer, Crankshaft IPA.

Stone & Wood The Forager Ale
Stone & Wood The Forager AleSupplied
Advertisement

Stone & Wood The Forager Ale, 500ml, $9

The Forager gives an ultra-fresh expression of the Belgian wheat beer style. Brewed from wheat and seasoned with coriander and orange, it pours a light, cloudy, lemon colour with a persistent, white head. The fruity, spicy aroma leads to a vibrant, fresh palate with lively acidity and spicy, grippy, pleasantly tart finish.

★★★★

Riverside Brewing Forty Four American Amber Ale, 330ml, $4.90

Parramatta's big, bold, dark-brown ale hits the palate with waves of deep, sweet, roast-grain and malty flavours. A high alcohol content of 6.5 per cent adds to the beer's general opulence. Citrusy hops harmonise with the sweet malt and lend a lingering bitterness to a big but well-balanced ale.

★★★★

From our partners

Advertisement
Advertisement