Thus Let Us Drink Beer – Holgate + Block’n Tackle Brewery
Having initially started out as a home brewery inspired by traditionally crafted European classic styled beers and the ever inventive micro brewing scene that has made a name for itself in the US, owners Paul and Natasha Holgate have established their idiosyncratic core range as a staple in the world of Australian craft beers – a endeavour that was further propelled forward by employing the services of a state-of-the-art custom-made fifty hectolitre ROLEC Prozess- und Brautechnik system.
However, what sets the family-owned entity that is Holgate apart from other breweries is its knack for channelling its alchemy in the creation of unique and bold barrel-aged, single batch special occasion and other experimental beers to showcase the passion and talent of its brewers.
Inspired by the Hoegaarden wit bier, Paul Holgate set out to put his own spin on the naturally murky, slightly sweet and sour Belgian beer variants with its subtle citrus notes:
Fermented with wit bier yeast, Holgate’s Citrus White IPA has a flavour profile that is informed by dried Murray River orange peel, which dances against a backdrop of Mandarina Bavaria and Kohatu hops, fulminantly rounded out by a peppery piquancy. The result is essentially a hybrid of a West Coast Style IPA and a traditional Belgian wit bier, which constitutes one of the more exotic creations I have sampled over the last twelve months.
Not unlike the aforementioned unique melange, Holgate’s Wild Berry Sour Ale is also inspired by Belgian classics, however, this time delves into the realm of sour beers. With blue- and raspberry nuances at the forefront and rose-esque pink in appearance, this extremely sessionable little number knows to convince with its refreshing tartness.
Things are taken to the next level with the small batch Wild Red Ale 2021. Part of an accolade decorated annual series and devoid of hop bitterness, this dark hued expression exhibits a strong fruit flavour reminiscent of Flanders red ales.
Based on a complex malt bill, on the top of the mouth, raisins, plums and prunes are married with raspberries, tart sour cherries and exquisite tannic vanilla nuances derived from having spent eighteen months souring and maturing in ex-pinot noir oak barrels.
BLOCK 'N TACKLE BREWERY
Located at NSW’s Central Coast and paying homage to the region’s colourful shipbuilding history, Block’n Tackle Brewery started not unlike many other craft beer operations, i.e. via the attempts of a circle of friends at experimenting with DIY all grain home brewing before honing their skills to a level where their palatable efforts found widespread recognition and allowed them to upgrade to a commercially operating brewery.
Utilizing a block and tackle in a bid to assist with the lifting of the large vessels in which mashing is carried out, what became formally registered as the Avoca Beach Brewing Co. would remain colloquially known as “Block ’n Tackle”.
The nomenclature of Block’n Tackle’s core range is inspired by the protagonists, implications and context of the shipbuilding industry that used to dominate the area where the brewery dropped its anchor, honouring e.g. its founder Jon Piper with an American style India Pale Ale: Based on a combination of mosaic and equinox hop variants, upon approach the nostrils are tickled by an avalanche of tropical fruits aromas.
What the nose promises, seamlessly transitions to the top of the mouth where sweet overtones of honeydew and cantaloupe are dancing with nuances of grapefruits, tangerines, and lemons against a backbone of firm bitterness. Clocking in at an ABV of 5.9%, an IPA that lends itself well to be a daylong companion to a BBQ.
Given that Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane was fabled to be one of the more law abiding and godly governors of New South Wales, it should not be further wondrous that his name was chosen to grace Block’n Tackle’s Porter expression as after all, it is an example par excellence for a traditional, well-hopped, dark brown malted brew.
Brimming with rich notes of chocolate, coffee and a delicate smokiness, toasted malt aromas are on the forefront eclipsing any vestige of hops, with the elongated, dry finish reverberating with sweet notes.
Block’n Tackle’s Scud expression catapults as straight back into hop territory: Based on a melange of nine different hop varieties, it should not be surprising that the nose of this Extra Pale Ale is informed by fruity scents of pineapple, melon and a complex flavour profile comprised of the juicy essence of strawberry and gooseberry. With bitterness being dimmed down considerably, the Scud XPA proves to be an extremely sessionable and versatile all-day beer.
SS Rock Lily is Block’n Tackle’s tribute to Australian grain and hops with the result culminating in resinous, grassy and lightly tropical fruit flavours courtesy of Topaz hops and Vic Secret bringing out highlights of pineapple, pine, and passion fruit, rounded out by a sweet maltiness.
