In a first-time collaboration between BentSpoke Brewing Co. and Mountain Culture Beer Co., the two acclaimed breweries have released a terpene-infused Black IPA, On The Terps.
Described as being “dark, punchy and unapologetically ambitious”, On The Terps is a traditional black IPA which features a proprietary terpene blend, derived from botanicals including citrus and pine. The result is a bold beer with piney characters and unmistakable aromas of resin, citrus peel, earth and herb.
Richard Watkins, Co-founder of BentSpoke, told The Shout that with both breweries tending to lean towards hop-forward beer styles, Black IPA was the obvious choice for a unique first collaboration.
“We were always thinking we would look to do some sort of dark hop-forward style beer, and coming into winter why not push the boundaries with a Black IPA. We have both brewed those before, and trying to produce a sessionable IPA with a twist was our aim.
“BentSpoke and Mountain Culture have always been breweries that push the boundaries and aren’t afraid of being bold. On the Terps is a perfect representation of trying something out of the ordinary and producing a solid beer with a great flavour.”
DJ McCready, Co-founder and Head Brewer at Mountain Culture, added: “Collaborations are my favourite part of the industry, it gives the chance to combine two knowledge sets and make something even better than doing it on your own. If you’re going to take a risk, it’s a good time to do it!”
On The Terps pours deep black with rich flavours derived from roasted malt and hop bitterness, with notes of grapefruit and pine, leading into a crisp, dry finish.
While it was important to both breweries to maintain the characters that make a Black IPA so compelling, the terpene infusion was intended to bring a whole new layour of flavour and aroma to the beer.
“We started talking about terpenes and thought why not put them in a beer and see how it goes. We started with a trial, and a bit of back and forward then suddenly we got the recipe for On theTerps right. We both have been brewing for long enough we know what goes with what,” Watkins told The Shout.
Describing the process of selecting and infusing terpenes, McCready says the two breweries relied on knowledge and data to make educated guesses and hope for the best.
“They’re done like most things, where sensory plays a big part in it, luckily terpenes are insanely strong. You need about a thimble to make a 10,000 litre tank smell awesome,” McCready stated.
“That’s the fun part, having a bit of a risk. Sitting down and going, what can go wrong? We are now one of the first Australian breweries to use terpenes in a Black IPA,” Watkins added.
Packaged at six per cent ABV in colourful 375ml cans, McCready describes the artwork as “a bit psychedelic, a bit forest rave, and a whole lot of fun”.
On The Terps is now available at both brewery taprooms, and via independent bottle shops nationwide and on tap at select venues.
This story was first published by our sister publication, Beer & Brewer.