THERE wouldn't be too many brewers who would like their beer described as "common", but Beard and Brau brewer Chris Hemming is proud to have that tag associated with his Golden Paw Ale.
The label might say pale ale, but to be completely accurate, Hemming said the brew was more in keeping with Californian Common Ale, and there’s nothing common about it.
If you are expecting American pale ale, with abundant floral bouquet and very happy flavours, you might be disappointed.
This is a unique style of beer - a bit of a hybrid.
While it does have a fragrant bouquet, it is nowhere near as pronounced as some other pale ales on the market, but nor does it try to be.
It has a rich, golden colour and tight, white head, with a subtle fruity nose, coupled with malt notes.
There are slight fruity qualities, which you’d expect from a pale ale, but there’s a more pronounced malt flavour as well.
It has a very subtle creaminess across the palate, the flavour fills the mouth, and what is really appealing is the refreshing bitterness, which is not only cleansing, but also draws you back for more.
At 4.5 per cent, it is full strength, but it doesn't sit heavily in the gut and is very easy to drink, and for that matter, it has great sessionability.
It is an ideal warmer-weather beer - clean, crisp, and refreshing.
I would suggest this with a fruity/spicy curry, or some fresh or lightly-cooked seafood.
This is another gem from the craft brewer from Tamborine Village, and one worth tracking down.
MY TIP: Serve this cold, but not chilled, and I’d be tempted to pour it into a pilsner-style glass to fully appreciate it. At about $18 a 330ml four-pack, this is in the premium-beer category. Track this down at the Ferry Road Cellars, near Southport, or Tugun Cellars, on the southern end of the coast.