Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier 500ml $4.99
I couldn’t make the International Beer Awards judging this year, but having recently tasted the 2007 Grand Champion – Weihenstephaner Kristall (clear) — alongside the bottle-conditioned version (Hefe) still have a preference for the latter. Whichever you prefer these are superb examples of Bavarian wheat ale from a millennium-old brewery. See www.internationalbeershop.com.au
*****
Little Creatures Pale Ale 330ml 6-pack $17.99
The AIBA’s ‘Champion Ale’, comes from a Fremantle operation in which Lion Nathan holds a major interest. Nevertheless, it’s a genuine craft brewer, making complex beers, albeit in sufficient volume for national distribution. Its original creation, Pale Ale, stimulates the senses deliciously with its passionfruit-like hops-led aroma and flavour.
*****
Copyright © Chris Shanahan 2007