Autumn is a time when it feels right to
start drinking some of the darker, malt accented styles. Brown Ales, Porters, Milds
and Old Ales all seem to match the weather and food of the season perfectly. As
the evenings start to chill and the southerly fronts start to roll in I find
myself eating hearty foods and reaching for slightly richer, robust beers.
Below is a selection of beers that I feel will match this Autumn perfectly:
Emerson’s Taieri George
Taieri George is brewed in memory of brewer
Richard Emerson’s father George and released on his birthday March the 6th each
year. George Emerson was heavily involved with the Taieri Gorge Railway. The
March 6th release means the Taieri George is released in time for Easter each year
which is particularly appropriate as the beer is most often described as
tasting like “liquid hot cross buns”.
Taieri George is a strong ale that is
spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, a secret spice and organic central Otago clover
honey. The hot cross bun allusion is spot on but there are also suggestions of
cola, chocolate and ginger coming through before a full bodied rich finish. A
hearty warming autumnal release that’s perfect to share with a large slice of
traditional simnel cake as the southerly fronts roll in. If you have the
patience, a few months in the cellar will mellow and integrate the spice
character and make for an incredibly smooth complex mid winter warmer.
8 Wired Rewired Brown Ale
Rewired Brown Ale is brewed by nomadic
Dane, Renaissance brewer and general beer fanatic, Søren Eriksen at the
Renaissance brewery in Blenheim.
In America the brown ale style has
seen a big renaissance in recent years with craft brewers adding resinous
aromatic hops to the malt driven brown ale. In New
Zealand the beer scene has followed America in its
passion for pale ale but only now are we starting to see brown ales gain
favour.
Brewed with New Zealand hops Rewired has a big
fruity resinous hop aroma a hint of mocha cocoa and a biscuity malt note. In
the mouth flavours of chocolate, and citrussy New Zealand hops are all laid on
top of a solid malt backbone with a long dry finish.
Fullers 1845 Celebration Ale
Originally brewed to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the Fuller Smith & Turner partnership 1845 is a rare example
of the old Burton Ale style. The town of Burton
Upon Trent in the midlands became famous for producing
fantastic Pale Ales that were exported to the Indian Sub Continent, however
before finding fame for India Pale Ales Burton was well known for producing
strong hoppy sweet dark ales which came to be known as Burton Ales. 1845 is a
fantastic example of the style which was often served in English pubs through
the colder months.
1845 offers up a range of fruit cake
aromas, dried fruit, a hint of sherry, ginger cake, marmalade and a warm malt
character give way to a big robust complex palate with rich malt, orange fruit,
raisins, zesty hops all making an appearance before a long dry finish makes you
want another sip.
Flying dog Imperial Porter
The Flying Dog Brewery was originally
founded in Aspen Colorado by George Stanahan a friend and
conspirator of the iconoclastic author and journalist Hunter S Thompson and the
expressionist illustrator Ralph Steadman. The brewery brews big aromatic
individualistic beers that are strikingly packaged in labels designed by Ralph
Steadman.
Following Hunter S Thompson’s death in 2005
Flying Dog decided to release a big hoppy rich porter to celebrate his life.
Described as being deep and complex like Hunter was, Gonzo Porter presents like
a strong American take on the Black IPA style that the Yeastie Boys have made
their own. Pronounced aromas of zesty citrus hops and deep dark cocoa give way
to a complex and satisfying palate with a dark malt backbone perfectly carrying
zesty hop flavours and roasty espresso notes. A big beer to honour a big
personality!
Harrington’s Pig n Whistle Mild
Autumn is a time when the cooler
temperatures often lead me to malt accented beers. English Mild Ales offer up
smooth complex malt characters matched with a wonderful drinkability.
Harrington’s are a long established
independent Christchurch
regional brewery who found success this year at BrewNZ with their Pig n Whistle
Mild earning a trophy for the European Ale Category. Pouring a deep dark brown
with a fluffy thick tan head Pig n Whistle offers up aromas of espresso,
chocolate and roast. In the mouth the beer is medium bodied with loads of dark
malt flavour leading into a long smooth finish. A wonderful tonic on a cold
Autumn day!
Sierra Nevada Porter
Sierra Nevada are one of the ‘godfathers’ of the American Craft Brewing scene.
Homebrewers Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi set up the company in 1980 and are now
one of the largest craft brewers in the United States. Sierra Nevada Porter
is one of the classic examples of the American interpretation of the Porter
style.
Sierra Nevada Porter is a big robust
complex dark ale that combines hearty warming chocolate and roast malt
character with a big fresh American hop profile. A massive blast of citrus hops
blends with roasty chocolaty notes in the aroma. In the mouth the beer is rich
and complex with espresso, chocolate, zesty citrus, pine, sweet malt and a big
bitter finish all making an appearance.
Sierra Nevada Porter matches well with
robust, earthy foods like grilled steak, smoky sauces, caramelized onions and
roast field mushrooms.
Cheers
Kieran Haslett-Moore