Blogpost: Thus Let Us Drink Beer – Green Beacon

Posted by T • December 1, 2020

Posted by T • December 1, 2020

Thus Let Us Drink Beer – Green Beacon

 

I vividly remember the first time I came across the hoppy emissions of Green Beacon: It was at Sydney’s Wild Rover for one of the monthly Whisky Collective get together tastings, which have never not been a delight. While I was waiting for admission as the upstairs bit was being prepared for the tasting, I was lusting for an IPA and, intrigued by the nautical theme and the fact that the Wild Rover crew scrutinizes and carefully selects what enters their rotation of offerings, came across Green Beacon’s Windjammer.

Upon pouring, the aromas corresponded to what the earthy yellow, hazy appearance promised, i.e. a rich, pine heavy melange accentuated by citrussy and slightly honeyed highlights. Taste-wise, I could have not found a better companion for the upcoming Ardbeg focussed tasting as orangey, fruity bubble-gum and malty notes were counterpointed by a piney, resiny backbone that firmly rested on a well-calibrated bitterness, which delicately hit the back of the palate. Sweet.

This led me on a path to investigate what else Green Beacon had in store, only to discover more expressions where flavour, balance and consistency reign supreme.

Take for example Green Beacon’s American Amber Ale, which is the equivalent of a new world amber with old world roots: Clocking in at 5.2% ABV, caramelly, toasty and biscuity malts are married with trademark American hop bitterness, counterbalanced by orange zest notes in the back.

Another bold expression that showcases how Green Beacon crafts its brews and that no matter what flavour you are opting for from their core range, chances are that you will find a new regular go to.

Now, one of the qualities Green Beacon is consistently championing is innovation, so I was looking forward to sampling their FATHOM Trieste Marianas expression, i.e. a Farmhouse Ale that has been aged in French Oak ex Chardonnay Barrels for seven months.

In essence, I find it to be reminiscent of a Brut IPA in that citrussy and champagney notes dominate, yet not without a nice little twist, i.e. delicate funky notes that culminate in a tarty, oaky finish. Refreshing and a borderline ideal companion for the dram of peated Amrut I had it with.

Given how much I have enjoyed the different expressions I have had the pleasure of sampling, I cannot wait to get a hold of Green Beacon’s annual seasonal Uppercut Imperial IIPA as what I have heard fabled about it in terms of both a hop focus and boldness when it comes to citrussy, tropical flavours, it seems to warrant a dedicated instalment of this series as its name seems to be a telling one when it comes to hitting hard with punchy flavours.

T • December 1, 2020

More recent blogposts

Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday and Foxing

Posted by Mirela Z. • August 27, 2025

Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, Foxing Budweiser Stage Toronto, Canada August 24, 2025 What a treat catching two great bands Taking Back Sunday and Coheed and Cambria co-headlining on their 2025 North American tour. Special guest Foxing, from St. Louis, Missouri, opened the night with a 30 minute set, weaving delicate melodies into explosive waves of emotion that filled … Read more

Chevelle – Bright as Blasphemy tour 2025

Posted by Mirela Z. • August 23, 2025

Chevelle @ Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Canada August 20, 2025 That feeling, when you’re having the best experience ever, and you don’t want it to end! Chevelle delivered a powerful headlining performance marking a high-energy stop on their 38-date North American Bright as Blasphemy tour, with supporting acts Dead Poet Society and Asking Alexandria setting the stage. A wall … Read more

Less Than Jake Summer Circus @ RMA 8/1/25

Posted by Aaron H • August 6, 2025

Less Than Jake - Credit: AMH The circus is in town. Less Than Jake are currently on their Summer Circus Tour promoting their latest EP, Uncharted. They've brought along ska and punk legends Fishbone and The Suicide Machines and ska newcomers, Catbite. Together, they've melded a perfect mish-mash of bands suitable for all ages. Riverside was in for a good … Read more

The Hives @ Enmore Theatre

Posted by T • July 26, 2025

The Hives Enmore Theatre Sydney, Australia July 23, 2025 Let’s be clear: The Hives didn’t play a show. They detonated one. On a cool Sydney night at the Enmore Theatre, the Swedish kings of garage rock stormed the stage like tuxedoed insurgents, staging a velvet-clad coup d’état against anything remotely resembling restraint. It wasn’t a concert. It was controlled chaos … Read more

Gob @ Peterborough Music Festival

Posted by Mirela Z. • July 22, 2025

Gob @ Peterborough Music Festival Peterborough, Ontario, Canada July 19, 2025 Gob nailed their set, energizing both die‑hard and casual fans alike. The band’s punchy hooks and raw performance had the crowd bouncing throughout the 90‑minute set, delivering both nostalgia and vitality. A perfect addition to a summer night in Peterborough! All photos by @front.row.fans Read more

Murder City Devils/Animal Self @ GHCH 7/12/25

Posted by Aaron H • July 17, 2025

Murder City Devils - Credit: AMH The Murder City Devils don't get out much anymore, so when the opportunity presented itself, I made my way down to Pomona to catch one of the 2 shows they had lined up in California. They brought along Animal Self, which features Kareem Karam and Coady Willis from Murder City Devils as well as … Read more

Daryl Gussin - A Year In Submission

Posted by Jiffy Marx • July 16, 2025

Can't say my review of it will be as well written or entertaining as this book of 50 poems by Daryl Gussin. Daryl is the managing editor of Razorcake. Daryl was in an awesome punk band called God Equals Genocide. Daryl is my friend but also possibly my spirit animal. Part of me wonders if the leather jacket that Daryl … Read more

Tripping Daisy North American Tour 2025

Posted by Mirela Z. • July 13, 2025

Tripping Daisy @ Lee's Palace Toronto, Canada July 11, 2025 Tripping Daisy brought us back to 1995 and sounded better than ever! When the crowd sings along 30 years later there’s no better feeling! All photos by @front.row.fans Read more

Death from Above 1979

Posted by Mirela Z. • July 6, 2025

Death from Above 1979 @ SummerStage New York, USA July 2, 2025 Death from Above 1979 tore through SummerStage with pure, unfiltered energy. The Toronto duo delivered a thunderous set packed with fuzzed-out bass, pounding drums, and raw vocals that had the crowd thrashing from the first note. From classics like “Romantic Rights” to newer bangers, the band was tight, … Read more

Sum 41 @ Scotiabank Arena

Posted by Mirela Z. • June 19, 2025

Sum 41 final shows - day 1 of 2 Scotiabank Arena Toronto Canada Jan. 28, 2025 All photos by @front.row.fans   Read more