BREWERY // It all began with Michael Jackson. The beer critic's 1980s documentary TV Series 'The Beer Hunter' saw Jackson travel the world seeking out wonderful beers and it had a lasting effect on a teenaged Matt Houghton watching in Australia. Years later, Matt set out to follow in the Beer Hunter's footsteps to hallowed beer locales including Brugge, Boulder, Bavaria and Britain. Upon returning home, his dismay at the appallingly limited local beers available led him to take his homebrewing to the next level by enrolling in university to study brewing. After several years of studying then contract brewing, Matt and his wife Andrea took over a Melbourne building, pieced together brewing equipment from around the world and set up Australia's first barrelroom & cellar door in 2012. Since then Boatrocker has delighted drinkers and competition judges alike with their wide range of innovative beers (and recently, spirits) whether they be wild fermented, barrel-aged, packed with hops or lagered.
BEER // This week we're drinking another Beer Jerk exclusive that we imported just for our beautiful members. XPAs are an evolution of modern American Pale Ales with a lighter malt profile that makes them an ideal choice for easy drinking in warm weather. It's no surprise that the light bright sparkling and refreshing style exploded in Australia where it especially suits the climate. Boatrocker's excellent XPA has a light cracker malt body with beautiful hop notes of pineapple and mango and a tight, snappy bitterness.
BREWERY // Boatrocker
BEER // XPA
STYLE // XPA
ORIGIN // Melbourne
ABV // 4.2%
TEMPERATURE // Fridge Temperature - 3-6 degrees.
FOOD MATCH // Chicken Parmagiana, Hot Chips, Lemon Cheesecake
VESSEL // Shaker Pint, Tulip, Can