First up was BrewDog’s India Pale Weizen which chalked up two badges; Heffenista (Level 8) and Better Together (Level 5). It’s a beer that’s previously featured in Untappd Catchup 19 – and is just as good as it was then. You get both the hops, that BrewDog are so famous for, and the wheat, which their collaborators Weihenstephaner are masters of.
Next up was another BrewDog beer, which also earned two badges. Pioneer from their IPA is Dead series, read more about that here, was the beer. It was my least favourite of the four, but was by no means bad. God Save the Queen (Level 28) and Hopped Up (Level 20) were the badges.
Highlander is one of the badges released recently. It’s a badge for drinking Scottish beers and has great artwork, see below. It was another of BrewDog’s IPA is Dead series, Ella that unlocked this badge. The Ella was an excellent example of a Single Hop IPA. It showcased one of Australia’s favourite hops really well with tropical fruits, pine and spiciness all present. Will be interesting to see if it takes off around the world after this…
A mid-week trip to Ballarat meant one thing; having some Red Duck beers at the Mallow. Many of them were excellent; Valhalla Rising in particular stood out. However, only one of them unlocked Hopped Up (Level 21). Black Bengal was that beer, Red Duck’s Black IPA. It’s a nice well balanced Black IPA, which I think would be a good introductory Black IPA. It’s neither too hoppy or too roasty and I think stout or IPA drinkers would be able to appreciate it.
It’s been a little while since the Brewnettes Have More Fun badge made an appearance. (Level 5) of this badge, for drinking Brown Ales, was unlocked by Abbaye d’Aulne’s Brune. It was far too sweet and this really ruined it for me, it was very cloying. There is only hints of dark fruit flavours as it warms, nowhere near enough for the style. I don’t think I would drink this again.
Since I started writing this review I’ve already earned two more badges… I however will make sure I have reviews up for both by the end of the week! Depending on how my work week goes, I may also get up a review of the best Red Ale in the country. As usual send me an email, gus.norris7@gmail.com or tweet me @Beeroclockau with any questions or suggestions for new beers to try.
Remember it’s always Beer O’Clock somewhere in the world!
