THE warmer months have been the perfect time to for beer drinkers to be adventurous and try something different and although summer is officially over, don't let that stop you twisting the top off a cold one.
It doesn't matter if you are a die-hard mainstream beer lover, branch out and have a go at some of the limited-release beers on the market - they won't be round for long and one of those is the latest offering from James Squire, The Hop Father Celebration Ale.
Who needs a reason to celebrate - I can celebrate with just about any ale but this drop is in honour of James Squire, the 'hop father' of brewing.
Hop Father is a well-balanced blend of malt and hops to produce a rich full-bodied ale well suited to the hot weather.
It is a rich copper-coloured drop with a tight white head and aroma which offers an initial hop nose which gives way to malt notes.
They combine brilliantly to provide plenty of flavour and body which leaves the palate with a pleasant bitterness in the aftertaste.
This is a full-strength beer at 5 per cent and while slighty heavier in nature than happy pale ales, it does quench a thirst on a hot day and hence has great sessionability.
It would go well with a sweet-style curry like a butter chicken or korma or even a cheese platter, such is its versatility.
However, this is strictly a limited release and is exclusive to Dan Murphy's so hop to it if you want to sample some.
MY TIP: Serve cold in a balloon or tulip glass to appreciate the colour and aroma. The Hop Father Celebration Ale is around $21 per 345ml six-pack.