By Andrew Starke
Pioneer craft beer producer James Squire has unveiled its latest limited edition seasonal brew: James Squire Malt Runner.
The beer was created by the team at Malt Shovel Brewery and will be available nationally from next month (June 2010).
“Malt Runner lives up to its name – the beer is a complex blend of malt flavours that has a full body without being too bitter,” said James Squire chief brewer, Tony Jones.
“This was a challenge because we wanted to balance the malt with something other than the usual big hop character. The addition of cherry juice, which added a subtle acidity to the brew, proved to be the solution.”
Malt Runner is the fifth such limited release, following other seasonal brews including James Squire Hop Thief, James Squire Pepperberry Winter Ale and James Squire Rum Rebellion Porter.
The 2008 Summer limited edition, James Squire Sundown Lager, proved popular with consumers and is now part of the permanent range.
Chuck Hahn, James Squire Master Brewer, says the new brew took some time to develop.
“Malt Runner is the result of months of tinkering and fine tuning by the brewers at Malt Shovel Brewery,” he said.
“Our brewers love experimenting to find interesting and innovative interpretations of classic beers. Malt Runner is similar in style to a German Bock but, at a more modest 5.2 percent ABV, is technically more a dark lager.”
A German Bock is defined as a strong German lager with an ABV of at least 6.3 percent.
Malt Runner is limited to just 9,000 cartons and will be available on-tap at James Squire brewhouses nationally.
A six-pack of James Squire Malt Runner will have a RRP of $18.99, while a carton will be available at $59.99 RRP ($19.99 and $60.99 in South Australia).