I’ve always been intrigued by India Pale Ale because it doesn’t come from India nor is it pale in colour.
Despite the funny name, which incidentally has something to do with the way it was brewed and seemed to be very popular with the English folk trading in India in the 18th century, I was drawn to the Gage Roads India Pale Ale at the local and thought – “here’s a go!”
Gage Roads Brewery is based in Western Australia and what those crafty West Aussie knew for a long time is only now being discovered with some ease on the east coast.
Their IPA has a wonderful rich copper colour with a full hoppy aroma with a hint of citrus which are both great indications that this has plenty of body and flavour.
I must confess, I wasn’t a huge fan of IPAs but this drop has a rich fullness about it which is smooth across the palate and leaves a great and moorish aftertaste.
It’s a strong beer at 5.1 percent and is slightly heavier than your usual fare but the blend of hops and malts rewards you with a great flavour, yet is surprisingly clean and crisp and it does quench the thirst (it had to because it was made for the poor blighters stuck in India!).
It has good sessionability but be aware it is strong beer.
As for what to eat with this, you wouldn’t be off the mark to suggest that India dishes would be a good match.
The spiciness of the food is offset by the malt and hops and it would also go well with some of your spicy Asia dishes like rendang.
The IPA would also be suited to some of your red or game meat dishes as well such as venison.
I would class the Gage Roads IPA as a ‘dominant’ beer for those looking for something with more to offer in flavour and body than the ‘blonde’ or Mex-style market.
MY TIP
Serve this IPA nice and cold but not chilled in a tulip or balloon glass to appreciate both the colour and aroma. It’s an ideal beer to sit down and enjoy at the end of a hot day with a few mates but don’t plan on driving if you have more than a few. It’s a great lead-in beer to a meal or just to ease the aches and pains after a day on the mower!
At around $18 for a 330ml six pack, it’s in the premium beer class but well worth it.