Chris Shanahan: Beer review — Great Divide and James Squire

Great Divide Hercules Double IPA 355ml $11.90
“It is not for the faint of heart. It is, however, fit for the gods”, reads the label. And there’s a heavenly side to Hercules. It’s luxuriously malty, hoppy and silk smooth in an over-the-top, alcoholic, one-is-enough way. Hercules comes from the Great Divide Brewing Co, Denver, Colorado, USA.

James Squire Original Pilsener 345ml 6pack $16
The original lagers of Bohemia offer rich, pure malt flavour balanced by the striking aromatics and assertive bitterness of Saaz hops. It’s a style emulated around the world. But few match James Squire’s interpretation, using Saaz hops from New Zealand and the Czech Republic. It’s made by Lion Nathan’s Malt Shovel Brewery, Sydney.