The Marlborough region of New Zealand is well known for making world-class Sauvignon Blanc wine. However, with the steady growth of the country’s craft beer industry, along with Marlborough’s 8 Wired Brewing leading the way with their consistently award-winning ales, the region’s notoriety is set to expand beyond the grape.
One of the more intriguing styles unleashed into the BC market by this upstart Kiwi brewery is the India Red Ale. Danish brewmaster Søren Eriksen has created an interesting beer that marries a ruby red color and caramel rich malt body of an American Amber with the bitter hop flavors of an IPA.
Marlborough, New Zealand
7% ABV / 60 IBU’s
Appearance: 4/5
The beer pours into the glass a deep, dark ruby red colour with a thick and creamy tan head consisting of small compact bubbles with great retention.
Aroma: 4/5
The aroma is sweet malts, biscuit, caramel, and fragrant hoppy and subtle grapefruit citrus notes. Lots to enjoy here.
Flavour: 4.5/5
Upon first taste, the beer has a pronounced upfront hop bitterness that unfolds into a long and sweet toasted caramel malt and ends with a touch of grassy and citrusy bitterness. Delicious!
Mouthfeel: 4.5/5
This is a medium to full body ale that has a strong malt profile that lingers mid-palate and has a long crisp and slightly bitter finish. This is flavour country.
Overall: 4/5
This is an impressive quality beer from the other side of the world, and considering that it is not a beer style found very often on our store shelves, it is well worth trying. Hopefully, this may inspire one of our local breweries to make one of their own.
Total Score: 21/25
Availability: This is a specialty product. You won’t find it in government liquor stores. Look for it in better private liquor stores in Greater Victoria and the Vancouver area.
~ PK
