Thus Let Us Drink Beer – Rock Brewing Co
Before Rocks Brewing Co’s brewery was incepted in 2014, Rocks was known for channelling its alchemy as a gypsy brewer at different established Sydney breweries to create approachable ales to capture the hoppy equivalent to the characteristics of Sydney and its personalities.
In 2021, Rocks Brewing has established itself firmly as a veritable heavyweight in the Sydney craft beer scene, including the establishment of a brewpub, where the liquid range is on offer and can be sampled individually or tasting paddles and backed by sustenance in form of food pairings.
While It’s been in my periphery, it been a long time coming to zero in on how they channel their alchemy. Word around the campfire had that Rocks Brewing recently onboarded a new head brewer, who allegedly loves his IPAs, so needless to say that I was intrigued.
My first exposure to Rock Brewing Co was through their Hangman Pale Ale, which manifests their idiosyncratic take and Australian twist on the classic American pale ale style. With a melange of Cascade and Liberty hops, the Hangman is a carefully calibrated exercise in balancing the essence of malty caramel goodness against citrussy, stone fruity highlights. Not bad, not bad at all.
Given this fulminant start, expectations were high for what their West Coast IPA would have in store.
Upon opening the can of Rock; Holey Dollar, what tickled the nostrils was a welcome dankness, which after the first sip seamlessly transitions to the palate with a beautifully resinous onslaught of piney nuances, counterbalanced by just the right level of bitterness (57 IBU) and just a hint of spiciness. As the companion to a Laphroaig Quarter Cask Boilermaker, this is one flavourful IPA with a solid malt taste.
Given that I missed out on Rocks Brewing’s 10 Year Red IIPA as well as their Convict IPA, I shall make sure to check in regularly to not miss out on any of their upcoming specials.
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image from company website
