I love the Australian Alps. Fly fishing a crystal clear stream, taking a break for lunch with a cold beer, you wouldn’t be anywhere else in the world. So, I approached this evocatively named beer with some enthusiasm. After all, it’s a Pale Ale, a style which I have come to favour – and a nice label – I’m a sucker for a good design!
I have to say (as I slurp the last of the stubby), that it fails to deliver – at least on my lofty expectations. We have a clean, well balanced Pale Ale. The characteristics are there, but slightly lacking punch. There is the bitterness of citrus peel, but without the fragrance. There is hops, without the bouquet.
A really good beer has a signature – something you recognise like an old friend when you take that first mouthful. Crackenback doesn’t have that.
They say:
Crackenback Pale Ale, our flagship beer, is an award winning pale ale that embodies the classic style of Australian Pale Ale (sic). Brewed with two-row malted barley and lightly kilned specialty malt, giving it a golden to amber colour, the bright perky maltiness is perfectly balanced by a delectable aroma and bitterness from three types of hops. (etc…)
What?!? There was malt in there? hmm, must have been spread a bit thin!
Snowy Mountains Brewery
303/10-12 Clarke St. Crows Nest, NSW 2065
www.snowymountainsbrewery.com.au