Beer review – Red Hill Brewery and Mash Brewing

Red Hill Brewery Imperial Stout 330ml bottle $7.50
Karen and Dave Golding grow their own hops right alongside their Mornington Peninsula brewery. The label boasts “Lashing of our own hops” in their imperial stout. But the hops simply balance the stout’s powerful roasted-coffee, bitter-chocolate flavours and warming 8.1-per-cent-alcohol. This seasonal specialty is available at Plonk, Fyshwick Markets.

Mash Brewing Russell American Amber Ale 330ml $4.25
The beer pours a deep red-tinted, mahogany colour with a firm, persistent head. True to the American style it delivers pungent, hops-derived citrusy aroma. The citrus character carries over to a full, malty palate that’s soon overwhelmed by an intense, lingering bitterness.

Copyright © Chris Shanahan 2014
First published 27 August 2014 in the Canberra Times and goodfood.com.au