We have had to wait two years since the last limited release of Boag’s Honey Porter. I was fortunate to be in Hobart on its low key release last month. This is a worthy successor to the 2003 version, with a strong malty palate, mitigated by the influence of local Honey.

Porter is often considered too tart by many people, but this concoction is very easy drinking with no harsh overtones. This is achieved by the addition of leatherwood honey to the process, while still retaining the the mellow porter style, imbued by the ‘Van Dieman’ hop. This combination brings the beer in at a healthy 5.5% alcohol level.

Again this is a beer not to be over chilled, a fact conceded by many Hobart innkeepers, one of whom was quite happy to find me a few bottles from the cellar rather than the fridge. Who needs a chilled beer in a Hobart Winter?? This delightful tipple is currently available from Dan Murphy’s stores.

Michael Walton

GRB’s Moonshine has been a favourite of mine for a number of years.  It is not a skolling beer, but one to sip and savour at the right time of day-any time of day!.  The beer is of the ‘Scotch Ale’ or ‘Barley wine’ type, reminiscent of the Younger’s No 3 ale I used to occasionally drink in UK.  This means it is a dark, full bodied ale showing enormous malt character, without the heavy overtones of a Stout or a Porter.  This is also a beer with a punch, containing 8.5% v/v, and is not to be trifled with!

To enjoy fully, do not overchill: in fact a modest cooling is preferred, to bring out all of the beer’s complex flavours.  Remember, the darker the beer, the warmer it should be for full appreciation.  Try it after dinner with fine chocolates.

Michael Walton

This month’s “ RefMet beer of the month” is the James Squire Golden Ale.  The Golden Ale is another of the limited release beers from the boys at the Malt Shovel Brewery and has proven to be incredibly popular.  At this late stage in the release if you come across any quantity of the Golden Ale at your local bottle shop then snap it up.

Most real beer drinkers will remember the very flavoursome Colonial Wheat Beer brewed as last summers limited release beer by James Squire.  The Golden Ale is certainly different, but you will not be disappointed.  The taste is dominated by the tropical / stone fruit flavours brought on by the Amarillo hops and finishes with a mildly bitter after taste.  Overall this beer is very refreshing after a hot day in the office, mowing grass, fixing cars, working on the roads, watching TV ……. Hey you don’t really need an excuse!

The Golden Ale goes well with all summer foods such as salads and prawns.  It also compliments aromatic foods such as Thai food.

Enjoy.

Paul