Chris Shanahan: Beer review — James Squire Sundown Lager & Young’s Special London Ale

James Squire Sundown Lager 345ml $3.20
This one-off, limited-production brew combines pale and carapils malts and a mix of Galaxy, Summer Saaz and East Kent Goldings hops. A lovely, rich maltiness underpins the flavour. But a modest 4.4 per cent alcohol and delicious, herbal, grassy hops counter the maltiness, giving it a refreshing, brisk lightness.

Young’s Special London Ale 500ml $7.60
Young’s bottle-conditioned London ale features strong, sweet malt flavours and intense, spicy, assertively bitter hops – boosted by a potent, warming 6.4 per cent alcohol. It’s a burly but balanced combination designed for cool weather and hearty food. Should be served at around 10 degrees Celsius to allow full expression of the complex flavours.