A TASTE OF QUEENSLAND
At its best washing down chips, pies and burgers, it’s not just footy fans who’ll appreciate this pale lager
IT might be a game played in heaven but rugby union has inspired a beer to be enjoyed here on earth in the form of Newstead Brewing’s The Ballymore. You don’t have to be a footy follower to appreciate this brew, which is setting a benchmark in the midstrength market.
This thirst quencher draws its name form the spiritual home of rugby in Queensland, Ballymore, and is promoted as a Queensland lager.
The Ballymore is actually a pale lager, which pours with a clean golden colour and tight white head and offers up a slightly hop/floral nose without being too pronounced.
There’s a good degree of flavour to the first mouthful, which is like a toned-down version of pale ale, producing an interesting combination of citrus notes with enough bitterness in the aftertaste.
It has very good sessionability, especially since it is a mid-strength at 3.5 per cent, and that’s the real surprise.
For those who find pale ales too fruity, this may be a welcome alternative.
It will be the official craft beer of the Queensland Rugby Union but don’t let that put you off if you are a New South Welshman.
Naturally it would go well with any food found at a rugby ground — chips, pies and burgers — or you could try it with fresh seafood or a spicy chicken salad.
“FOR THOSE WHO FIND PALE ALES TOO FRUITY, THIS MAY BE A WELCOME ALTERNATIVE.”