Sauce Brewing Co - Stoutmas - Mocha Imperial Stout - Beer Review

Review Date: 25/12/2021
Brewery Name: Sauce Brewing Co (Marrickville, NSW, Australia)
Beer Name: Stoutmas - Mocha Imperial Stout

Beer number 25 of our Beer Cartel Advent Calendar for 2021

Check out our full run down and review of the 2021 Beer Cartel Christmas Beer Advent Calendar

"Here it is the final day of your Beer Advent Calendar!
From us to you, a huge thanks for taking part in our Beer Advent Calendar. We hope you've enjoyed the beers as much as we've loved curating them. The pictures on social media everyone has shared over the countdown have been nothing short of superb.
Having enjoyed the beers alongside you all, we hope you found a whole lot of special within the selection - from Mountain Culture's Wet Bandits Oat Cream IPA on day one through to this special Imperial Stout it's been a wild ride and we have absolutely loved sharing it with you."

Sauce Brewing Co - Stoutmas - Mocha Imperial Stout

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 9% (Very High)



Label/Design: 8/10

Serving Style: Can

Region of Origin: Pacific (Australia, New Zealand)

Style Family: Stout

Malts/Adjuncts: Unknown

Hops: Unknown

IBU's: Unknown

Sauce Brewing Co - Stoutmas Mocha Imperial Stout Can Notes

Appearance

Colour: Black

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor (Up to 15 secs)

Moderate (15 - 60 secs)

Good (more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: None
Phenols: None

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying (Excessive)

Astringency: 

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel: 

Light Bodied (Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied (Light + Full)

Full Bodied (Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation: 

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short (Up to 15 seconds)

Medium (15 to 60 seconds)

Long (More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

Sauce Brewing Co - Stoutmas - Mocha Imperial Stout in the Craftd Alpha glass

Overall

Drinkability: 8/10

Overall Impression: 8/10

Notes

Full on. That's the best way to describe this beer. The espresso flavour is completely prominent, and blends well with the dark malts that were used. There's a nice chocolate undertone too, which rounds out nicely on the palate. Hop flavours are very subdued, as you'd expect. This beer is not about hops. Mouthfeel is thick, almost chewy which is perfect for this rich style of beer. Something very different and very special for Christmas Day indeed, and a great way to finish off the 2021 Beer Cartel advent calendar.

Boatrocker - Tripel - Blonde Strong Ale - Beer Review

Review Date: 24/12/2021
Brewery Name: Boatrocker Brewers & Distillers (Braeside, Victoria, Australia)
Beer Name: Tripel - Blonde Strong Ale

Beer number 24 of our Beer Cartel Advent Calendar for 2021

Check out our full run down and review of the 2021 Beer Cartel Christmas Beer Advent Calendar

"We've crafted an ode to the big Belgian blonde ales that have so much character and finesse, while being dangerously drinkable. This beer is all about the yeast, and one where the yeast strain (Westmalle Abbey) allows the malt and ester profile to work in harmony. Ideally serve chilled to about 5˚C in a large goblet, allowing the aromas from the yeast to shine. "

Boatrocker - Tripel - Blonde Strong Ale

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 9.2% (Very High)



Label/Design: 7/10

Serving Style: Can

Region of Origin: Pacific (Australia, New Zealand)

Style Family: Strong Ale

Malts/Adjuncts: Unknown

Hops: Unknown

IBU's: Unknown

Boatrocker - Tripel - Blonde Strong Ale Can Notes

Appearance

Colour: Pale Gold

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor (Up to 15 secs)

Moderate (15 - 60 secs)

Good (more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: None
Phenols: None

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying (Excessive)

Astringency: 

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel: 

Light Bodied (Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied (Light + Full)

Full Bodied (Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation: 

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short (Up to 15 seconds)

Medium (15 to 60 seconds)

Long (More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

Boatrocker - Tripel - Blonde Strong Ale in the Craftd Alpha glass

Overall

Drinkability: 7/10

Overall Impression: 8/10

Notes

Another new beer experience for us, being our first Tripel. Plenty going on here, with a full on flavour punch that seems to be yeast dominated. Belgian style yeast is unmistakable with its unique flavour profile - throwing plenty of esters and phenols. This does, however, make it a little difficult to determine what flavours are from yeast, hops and the malt. No shortage of alcohol either at 9.2%. Lots of spicy, peppery notes mixed with some subtle fruit flavours. High carbonation and a medium to full body. At 9.2% there's plenty of kick to it, and the alcohol taste is very much present, but well balanced with all the other flavours.

One Drop Brewing Co - Strawberry + Vanilla Nitro Milkshake IPA - Beer Review

Review Date: 23/12/2021
Brewery Name: One Drop Brewing Co (Botany, NSW, Australia)
Beer Name: Strawberry + Vanilla Nitro Milkshake IPA

Beer number 23 of our Beer Cartel Advent Calendar for 2021

Check out our full run down and review of the 2021 Beer Cartel Christmas Beer Advent Calendar

"Firstly, Merry Christmas! We’re all so glad we can share a beer with you. Our Strawberry and Vanilla Nitro Milkshake IPA is a true One Drop Christmas experience. To make the most of this, be sure to shake hard three times, wait 10 seconds , then open and invert into your glass. Enjoy the mesmerising cascade effect from the Nitro Pour. Take in the festive aroma of succulent strawberries and rich vanilla. Sip on the silky smooth and full creaminess body of the beer with its strawberries & cream candy character without forgetting a gentle bite of bitterness from fresh Australian Enigma hops. Pavlova not included (maybe next year)."

One Drop Brewing Co - Strawberry + Vanilla Nitro Milkshake IPA

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 5.5% (Standard)



Label/Design: 10/10

Serving Style: Can

Region of Origin: Pacific (Australia, New Zealand)

Style Family: IPA

Malts/Adjuncts: Strawberries, Others Unknown

Hops: Enigma

IBU's: Unknown

One Drop Brewing Co - Strawberry + Vanilla Nitro Milkshake IPA Can Notes

Appearance

Colour: Pink

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor (Up to 15 secs)

Moderate (15 - 60 secs)

Good (more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: None
Phenols: None

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying (Excessive)

Astringency: 

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel: 

Light Bodied (Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied (Light + Full)

Full Bodied (Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation: 

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short (Up to 15 seconds)

Medium (15 to 60 seconds)

Long (More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

One Drop Brew Co - Strawberry + Vanilla Nitro Milkshake IPA in the Craftd Alpha glass

Overall

Drinkability: 8/10

Overall Impression: 9/10

Notes

It's amazing what breweries are able to do with beers these days. This is what we would consider a dessert beer, and it's great. Very much like a strawberry chuppa chup (lollipop) with loads of strawberry and vanilla flavours - as you'd rightfully expect from the name of this beer. Mouthfeel is medium light with some faint hop notes hiding behind the scenes. The balance is good - it's sweet as it should be but all seems to work well together. A fun, interesting and unique beer experience.

Sunday Road Brewing Co - Yule Fuel Cold IPA - Beer Review

Review Date: 22/12/2021
Brewery Name: Yulli’s Brews (Alexandria, NSW, Australia)
Beer Name: Negroni Pilsner

Beer number 22 of our Beer Cartel Advent Calendar for 2021

Check out our full run down and review of the 2021 Beer Cartel Christmas Beer Advent Calendar

"A clean and crisp lager body, light gold in colour from the grist bill of Joe White Signature Pils malt and flaked corn. 4 different hops give layers of hop flavour and aroma. Cascade T-90 hops, along with a big load of Cryo hops in the form of Ekuanot, Amarillo and Sabro. Clean and sessionable for a summers day, with plenty of hops to keep the hop heads happy."

Sunday Road Brewing Co - Yule Fuel Cold IPA Can

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 6.8% (Standard)



Label/Design: 9/10

Serving Style: Can

Region of Origin: Pacific (Australia, New Zealand)

Style Family: IPA

Malts/Adjuncts: Pilsner, Flaked Corn

Hops: Cascade T-90, Ekuanot, Amarillo, Sabro

IBU's: Unknown

Sunday Road Brewing Co - Yule Fuel IPA Can Notes

Appearance

Colour: Straw

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor (Up to 15 secs)

Moderate (15 - 60 secs)

Good (more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: None
Phenols: None

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying (Excessive)

Astringency: 

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel: 

Light Bodied (Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied (Light + Full)

Full Bodied (Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation: 

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short (Up to 15 seconds)

Medium (15 to 60 seconds)

Long (More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

Sunday Road Brewing Co - Yule Fuel Cold IPA

Overall

Drinkability: 10/10

Overall Impression: 9/10

Notes

This is a really good IPA. There's plenty of fruit punch from the hops, and plenty of bitterness too. But there's something about the bitterness that is so smooth and clean, and isn't unpleasant or overpowering at all. Perhaps from the T-90 hops? It balances perfectly with the mixture of flavour/aroma hops that give a great variety of fruit flavours from citrus to tropical and stone fruit. Very easy drinking and refreshing, with a decent amount of fizz and a light to medium body/mouthfeel hence the perfect drinkability score.

One of the best IPA's we've had - great stuff! We want more!

Yulli’s Brews - Negroni Pilsner - Beer Review

Review Date: 21/12/2021
Brewery Name: Yulli’s Brews (Alexandria, NSW, Australia)
Beer Name: Negroni Pilsner

Beer number 21 of our Beer Cartel Advent Calendar for 2021

Check out our full run down and review of the 2021 Beer Cartel Christmas Beer Advent Calendar

"Glenn's Negroni Pilsner is a wildly ambitious combination of two classic beverages from opposite sides of the drinking experience. Saaz hops and Pilsner malt provide a clean base beer for freshly cold pressed bitter orange juice to bring some body and sweetness to the mid palette, whilst a carefully selected blend of herbs and botanicals get to work on the back end. The result is a fresh and dry Pilsner with a delicately herbaceous and bitter finish emulating the modern classic cocktail, the Negroni.
Brewers Notes: This is one of the most difficult beers we've attempted to make yet at Yulli's Brews. We went through a careful selection of some of the most prominent botanicals that feature in a Negroni. We then made individual spirits of each that we distilled inhouse and then through a process of trial and error found the perfect blend. The bitter orange juice that we used is particularly hard to come by, only being available for a very short period of time during the orange season. They have a far more bitter flavour than a normal orange, very close to a grapefruit. We think we've achieved a great balance between all of these ingredients where one is no more overpowering than the other, hope you enjoy it!"

Yulli's Brews - Negroni Pilsner Can

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 4.5% (Standard)



Label/Design: 8/10

Serving Style: Can

Region of Origin: Pacific (Australia, New Zealand)

Style Family: Pilsner

Malts/Adjuncts: Pilsner, Flaked Barley

Hops: Saaz

IBU's: Unknown

Yulli's Brews - Negroni Pilsner Can Notes

Appearance

Colour: Pale Straw

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor (Up to 15 secs)

Moderate (15 - 60 secs)

Good (more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: None
Phenols: None

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying (Excessive)

Astringency: 

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel: 

Light Bodied (Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied (Light + Full)

Full Bodied (Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation: 

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short (Up to 15 seconds)

Medium (15 to 60 seconds)

Long (More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

Yulli's Brews - Negroni Pilsner in the Craftd Alpha glass

Overall

Drinkability: 8/10

Overall Impression: 8/10

Notes

A classic, light bodied and crushable Pilsner - but with an added twist. Additional botanicals were selected and distilled, then blended and added. The result is a subtle, yet effective fruity and floral undertone that mixes seamlessly with the clean, dry classic pilsen flavours. Saaz hops give it that traditional underlying pilsner flavour with plenty of earthy, spicy and floral flavours. A little bit of dankness on the nose from the yeast. Very enjoyable on a hot summer afternoon

New England Brewing Co - Wolf & Fox Slovenian Hopped Pale Ale - Beer Review

Review Date: 20/12/2021
Brewery Name: New England Brewing Co (Uralla, NSW, Australia)
Beer Name: Wolf & Fox - Slovenian Hopped Pale Ale

Beer number 20 of our Beer Cartel Advent Calendar for 2021

Check out our full run down and review of the 2021 Beer Cartel Christmas Beer Advent Calendar

"For this Pale Ale, two Slovenian Hops come together – Styrian Wolf and Styrian Fox! The aroma is fruity, herbal and floral before a clean body of fruits from blackberry to mango. A howling scream.
We were really excited to finally get to use Slovenian Hops. Slovenia is such a beautiful country and has a small but strong craft beer scene. The beer pours a glowing golden straw colour with medium high carbonation and a brilliant fluffy head thanks to a natural secondary fermentation in the can. The aroma is full of lemon and orange candy and a touch of passionfruit and mango. The body is dominated by dry white wine, herbs and an earthy grassy bitterness. The finish is dry with low levels of maltiness.
These two Slovenian hops have great classic European hop notes with an added fruity punch."

New England Brewing Co - Wolf & Fox Slovenian Hopped Pale Ale Can

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 5.2% (High)



Label/Design: 7/10

Serving Style: Can

Region of Origin: Pacific (Australia, New Zealand)

Style Family: Pale Ale

Malts/Adjuncts: Unknown

Hops: Styrian Wolf, Styrian Fox

IBU's: 30

New England Brewing Co - Wolf & Fox Slovenian Hopped Pale Ale Can Notes

Appearance

Colour: Straw

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor (Up to 15 secs)

Moderate (15 - 60 secs)

Good (more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: None
Phenols: None

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying (Excessive)

Astringency: 

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel: 

Light Bodied (Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied (Light + Full)

Full Bodied (Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation: 

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short (Up to 15 seconds)

Medium (15 to 60 seconds)

Long (More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

New England Brewing Co - Wolf & Fox Slovenian Pale Ale in the Craftd Alpha glass

Overall

Drinkability: 7/10

Overall Impression: 6/10

Notes

A decent pale ale with a real twist to it from the use of two 'old world' styrian hops. This one is a welcome change from the typical fruit forward notes from mainstream new world hops that's prevalent in 99% of other pale ales and IPA's. Although there's still plenty of fruit undertones, there's also some grassy, earthy notes as well. The finish is quite dry and bitter with plenty of fizz in the mouth to go with it.