Bloke – Red Ale by Sail & Anchor (AUS)

You know when you see a bloke and you like the look of him? You know, when you think, ‘I wouldn’t mind a bit of that bloke’? No? Me neither until I came across this ‘Bloke’ in my local boozoligist’s. Sail & Anchor, the old Femantle-based brewery, have made what can only be described as a ‘bloody good bloke’.

Bloke – Red Ale by Sail & Anchor – This bloke is a bloody good …… chap

 

This red ale lives up its name, rich reddish brown in colour, it fills my pint glass and then some. Nice tight bubbles, it has a floral aroma and, when poured correctly, holds its head . Although it’s brewed in collaboration with the American brewer, Karl Strauss, I found this very English in character, like a strong Kentish ale. At 6% it packs a  punch and has a good balance of malt and citrus hop flavours. I really like this Bloke.

It’s a limited edition, so rush out and buy one now. Better still, buy a case and lay it down, like a fine wine ……. one day you might be able to bribe a politician with a bottle!

To celebrate the day, here’s the Black Crowes with ‘Good Friday’ and remember, there are no bunnies in the real story of Easter.

 

 

Monkey’s Fist Pale Ale – Sail & Anchor (AUS)

I’m a little behind in my blogging but not in my tastings, so I’m going to double up on a few occasions. Here’s another nautical knot-themed beer from Fremantle’s Sail & Anchor brewery. A ‘monkeys fist’ is a complex knot that is tied in the end of rope to make a ball, adding weight and making the rope suitable for throwing, usually from one ship to another. My mate, Nathan actually tied one once!

Monkey’s Fist Pale Ale – I know, I know, “gorilla’s aren’t monkeys, they’re apes’

I have to say, I was a little disappointed with this beer. As a fan of pale ales, I was expecting more from Sail & Anchor. Yes, it’s fruity, yes there’s a bitter finish but something’s missing? It didn’t really pack the punch that it promised …. or has my palate been spoilt by hearty British ale?

Toots and the Maytals …… Monkey Man

 

Lark’s Foot Golden Ale – Sail & Anchor (AUS)

The Sail and Anchor brewery and pub in Fremantle, WA holds a warm place in my heart. My wife and first met in Perth many moons ago and both worked in Fremantle, frequenting the beautiful, English style pub after finishing our shifts. The beer was always good but I don’t recall it being brewed on the premises. Mind you, that was 25 years ago so I may be forgiven for a slight lapse in memory.

A Lark’s Foot is knot what you think. Also known as a cow hitch, most of us would know it as a baggage tag loop, one of the more simple but effective knots.

Lark’s Foot Golden Ale, like the knot, simple but effective

 

The Lark’s Foot Golden Ale certainly has a beautiful golden colour and is lightly carbonated. It’s a departure from yesterday’s chilli beer, without the instant impact, but in fairness, most things are a departure from chilli beer! There is a slight sweetness that recalls caramelised sugar, like the top of creme brûlée but not much else. I would have preferred a bit more fizz to freshen it up. Pleasant without being stunning, in the end, like the knot, the Lark’s Foot is simple but effective.

More Sail and Anchor brews to come.