By Annette Shailer, editor Beer and Brewer
The new Malt Shovel Brewers range from the team of brewers behind James Squire is all about experimenting and trying a few things outside of the boundaries of what they typically do.
“They’re all limited releases, when it’s gone it’s gone, and once every few months we’ll release a new one,” Malt Shovel head brewer Chris Sheehan told Beer & Brewer.
With experimentation key to this new range, the brewers are looking at new and old ideas, as well as collaborations with other brewers.
“We’ve got a stack of new ideas, plus a drawer full of old ones we might dust off every now and again. Plus we’re thinking of doing a few collaborations with some of our industry friends,” Sheehan said.
First cab off the rank is Hoppy Hefe, which is from the brewery’s old Mad Brewers range.
“We figured we’d start the Malt Shovel Brewers with something that some people were familiar with, and that new drinkers can have a try,” explained Sheehan.
“It’s not really a ‘Hefe’, its part wheat ale and part wheat wine, but not strictly either. It has got a lot of wheat in it, combined with a lot of Citra and Motueka hops.
“Its slightly higher body balances well with its big aroma and bitterness finishing with a seven per cent alcohol finish. It’s dry on the palate with good length from the wheat.”
As the range is focused on limited releases, Hoppy Hefe will only be available at a handful of select pubs in Sydney’s Inner West and James Squire brew bars across the country.