THERE'S no telling what adventurous Aussie brewers will use to deliver a beer which is different from the rest and the Bridge Road Brewers in Beechmont in Victoria have come up with a beauty.
Their Chestnut Lager is a smooth, creamy lager, full of flavour and body and is very easy to drink.
It is not a bitter beer at all and after my first mouthful, I sat wondering what it was that made this so distinctive.
There was a hint of malts – nah that’s not it, no strong hoppiness – nah, not that either and then it hit as I looked at the label – chestnuts Bob!
Yes the brewers have used chestnuts in the mash has given the beer a unique nuttiness in its aftertaste which is very compelling.
It adds to the creaminess of the beer and leaves the palate with a flavour which brings you back for more.
Ever tried stopping at just one nut?
Well the same could be said for Chestnut Lager.
It is a full bodied, full strength lager but doesn’t sit heavily in the gut, allowing for an ‘appreciation’ of more than just one.
It is light in colour and leans more towards a pilsener than a lager but whatever, you can’t escape that nutty flavour and there is lies this beer’s appeal.
I would call it a thirst quencher nor is it a beer to scoff down after a hard day working under the sun.
It’s a beer to sit and relax to, enjoying the smooth nature of it across the palate.
I might be inclined to serve it up with pork or perhaps a lamb dish while the first thing that came to mind was a dessert – pecan pie or something caramel.
MY TIP
Chestnut Lager is best served cold but not chilled and I would suggest a tulip glass to appreciate the delicate aroma which isn’t that pronounced. Some beers can best be enjoyed on their own and this is one of them – you don’t need to serve it with food to fully get value out of it.
While limited in release at the moment, Chestnut Lager is being ‘sampled’ by Dan Murphys outlets and is definitely in the premium beer price range of about $20-$24 per six pack of 330ml stubbies. You can order through their website at www.bridgeroadbrewers.com.au