By James Atkinson
Murray's Craft Brewing Co has announced the unprecedented release of three Imperial Stouts in bottled format as part of its annual Dark Beer Month festivities in July.
Murray's owner, Murray Howe, said the brewer believes the simultaneous release of three different Imperial Stouts is a first in Australia.
"Doing three at the same time might seem a bit over the top, but we've always done things a bit differently and the demand for these beers from Australia's craft beer consumers is definitely here," he said.
Murray's Dark Beer Month will officially kick off with a Dark Beer Winter Feast at Murray's at Manly in Sydney on Thursday 5 July. Featuring seven dark beers matched to five food courses, the evening will be hosted by Murray, and Murray's brewers Shawn Sherlock and Ian Watson.
For the first and only time, Murray's Anniversary Ale 6 will be served on draught. There will be two versions of this beer – one aged in French Oak casks, and the other in American Oak.
Dark Beer Masterclasses will be run by the brewers at both Murray's venues – Bobs Farm Brewery on Saturday 7 July; and Murray’s at Manly on Thursday 26 July.
The three draught Imperial Stouts will be available from 6 July, with the bottled release to follow.
"We’re really excited about the release of these three big beers and they will be accessible to beer lovers right around the country," said head brewer, Shawn Sherlock.
"We’re proud to reveal the trio as our new 'Seasons in the Abyss' Farmhouse Imperial Stout, 'Heart of Darkness' Belgio Imperial Stout, and of course our 'Wild Thing' Imperial Stout."
"The three beers are completely different in flavor and aroma – it was a great opportunity for us as brewers to showcase the range within this beer style."