Chris Shanahan: Beer review — Pike’s Oakbank and Invercargill Brewery

Pike’s Oakbank Pilsener 330ml 6-pack $17.99
Henry Pike first brewed Oakbank beer in 1886. In 1996 Pike’s descendents, Neil and Andrew Pike of Pikes wines, Clare Valley, introduced a Coopers-brewed Oakbank Ale. A few years later the Pike’s replaced the ale with this pilsner style, featuring rich, smooth malt and wonderfully aromatic, mildly bitter hops.

Invercargill Brewery Boysen Beery 330ml $8.98
The label describes it as a traditional fruit beer with a Kiwi twist. A wheat ale, brewed with boysenberries, it’s a vibrant red-mahogany colour, luring us with a sweet, berry aroma. After an initial fruity hit, the palate turns pleasantly, tantalisingly sour. It’s an idiosyncratic beer, based on the Belgian fruit Lambic style.