Thus Let Us Drink Beer

Palling Bros

While the region where Palling Bros’ HQ is located might be held in high esteem both nationally as well as on international terrain as the source for the formidable Shiraz the local wineries produce, by channelling the local ambience and heritage via the creation of quality craft brews, Palling Bros has established itself firmly on the firmament of Victorian breweries.

What was incepted four years ago at a small scale inspired spiritually on one hand by the Heathcote migrant and larrikin Henry Rood Palling, whose mug is gracing the brewery’s logo, and by Melbourne -based Stomping Ground brewery on the other, has evolved to a distinct entity of its own with an extensive portfolio of diverse artisanal brews, ranging from classic lagers via experimental sours, stouts and porters to my favourite style, i.e. India Pale Ales, which cater to the palates of beer aficionados that like to be challenged.

My first exposure to Palling Bros was via their core IPA expression. Approachable in nature with a well-balanced citrussy and tropical backbone, this little number proves to be a truly sessionable go-to with its refined bitterness.

A favourite of the Palling Bros line-up is the Liquid Amber Ale: Amarilla and Simcoe hops dance against a backdrop of a malty sweetness, which transforms into moderate caramel flavours further on. The combination of malt-caramel nuances and the pronounced hop character lingers and reverberates after each sip. The perfect companion for a dram of Octomore 13.3.

An interesting variety is the tropical hop bomb that is the One Feel Scoop Oat Ice Cream IPA expression: As the name suggests, lactose meets oats which results in a sweet and creamy brew that culminates in a smooth vanilla crescendo. 
When it comes to nailing traditional old world beer style, Palling Bros’ Frau Helga Vienna Lager is a creamy example par excellence for a toasty, caramelly flavoured and balanced brew with slight bitterness and a crisp finish.

Too bad that I missed out on Palling Bros’ Double IPA expressions this time around, so looking forward to future releases.

Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery

Inspired by the vineyards his home country New Zealand is dotted with in the Marlborough region and honing his craft via engagements with wineries around the globe, Sobremesa’s head brewer and blender Casey Grieve eventually settled down with his better half Hannah McErlane to establish their own idiosyncratic operation, i.e. what has become liked and known as Melbourne’s Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery.

Roughly translating to “the habit of relaxing at the table after a heavy meal”, Sobremesa comfortably inhabits a niche, which draws heavily from the contexts in which drinking and dining is celebrated in the old world. With their core portfolio centred around the creation of farmhouse style beers, with the foci firmly set on saisons, mixed fermentation and blending. 

With each release being carefully crafted and aged in expertly chosen barrels and brought to life by tapping into the qualities different yeast strains imbue, released in small batches and utmost attention being paid to transparent in terms of meticulously highlighting what malts have been used or which other ingredients have been added, my first exposure to Sobremesa’s creations was via their first commercial release Daily Brett.

With the label adorned by an artistic design, I instantaneously liked the fact that Sobremesa seem to be operating at the subtle end of the spectrum, especially when it comes to their competitors whose farmhouse emissions are more often than not overshadowed by a pronounced sourness.

Daily Brett is a barrel-fermented saison with zesty, lemony highlights dancing against a backdrop of stone-fruits, silage and earthy-minty, slightly woodsy toned-down rosemary.

Dumpster Diving is Sobremesa Beer’s dry hopped, harmonious blend of young and old beer that bridges the gap between kettle sours and mature-aged wild ales with a delightful lemon-zesty backdrop. Clocking in at 5.7% and with a pronounced tartness, this little number is a an example par excellence for an aged, vibrant ale.

Sobremesa’s fruit forward The Fuzzy Feeling expression rounds things out with a subtle bitterness that is framed by nuances reminiscent of stewed apricots, acidic highlights and an underlying muskiness.

Given the quality of Sobremesa’s brews and blends, I look forward to them channelling their alchemy in the creation of cider, wine and other fermented goods.