Beers of the Earth impress

Northern NSW brewer Stone and Wood Brewing Company used the launch of six one-off beers to spruik its impressive green credentials.

The brewer now operates two facilities – the original, at Byron Bay, and a larger one at Murwillumbah, 50 kilometres to the north.

Its green initiatives include 480 solar panels at the Murwillumbah site and a claimed water-to-beer ratio of 3:1, compared with the industry average of 5:1.

The six new brews, marketed in a Beers of the Earth six-pack ($38-$42) represent five classic world styles and an Australian original.

The beers and their alcohol contents are: German Hefeweizen (5.4 per cent), Belgian Saison (6.8 per cent), Czech Pilsner (5 per cent), London Porter (5.1 per cent), American IPA (8.2 per cent) and Antipodean Pale Ale (5.1 per cent). These are exceptionally high quality examples of their styles.

BentSpoke Commuter Amber Ale

★★★★

360ml glass $7.50

A quick coldie with a few workmates turned into several on a cool March evening. Commuter Amber Ale, at a modest 3.8 per-cent alcohol, limited the damage – and provided delicious drinking. Rich malt and the tasty, brisk character of US Cascade and Amarillo hops makes it one of the most satisfying mid-strength brews of all.

Mash Brewing Grass Cutter Summer Ale

★★

330ml $3.75

The wholesome appeal of Grass Cutter's hazy golden colour and luxurious head tempted a hearty mouthful. Indeed, it proved to be an easy quaffer, but with serious caveats. The initially awesome head vanished quickly; the beer flattened and lacked bounce and vitality. I suspect it's a good beer gone stale in the bottle.