Ocean Road Pale Ale is for the birds

They may have nibbled the woodwork on his Lorne home but that didn't deter Geelong's Jamie Roydhouse from giving the first commercial brew from his Barrabool Hills Brewery the name Cockies Ocean Road Pale Ale.

Naturally brewed without preservatives, this refreshing ale is light on bitterness with a palate of luscious fruits and spicy citrus. The pharmacist-turned-brewer has supplemented his homegrown fresh hops with a blend of four others, four barleys, a little wheat to improve head retention and crystal malt to give a deeper colour and caramel flavour.

He's building a brewery and sales outlet in Geelong, which is expected to open in April, but in the meantime Cockies Ocean Road Pale Ale will be on tap at the Great Australian Beer Festival on February 21. The festival, at Geelong Racecourse from 11am-7pm, will showcase more than 200 craft beers and ciders. Gail Thomas

Details: gabf.com.au