Explore the unique Pacific ale beer style from Australia, its flavors, history, and limited global recognition. Learn from Australian beer educator Briony Liebich and Head Brewer Caolan Vaughan about the brewing process, sensory experience, and growing popularity of this refreshing and sessionable beer. Discover the distinctive qualities of Pacific Ale, its origins at Stone and Wood Brewing Co., and how it differs from classic Pale Ales. Dive into the brewing techniques, ingredients, and unique characteristics that make Pacific Ale a standout beer style in Australia.
Pacific Ale is a refreshing, sessionable beer with tropical fruit flavors ideal for the Australian climate.
Stone and Wood brewery played a pivotal role in inventing Pacific Ale, focusing on Australian hop Galaxy and unique brewing methods.
Deep dives
Overview of Pacific Ale Style
Pacific Ale, a popular beer style, is a distinctive Australian pale ale known for its burst of tropical fruit flavors, mainly attributed to the Australian hop Galaxy. Its appearance ranges from pale straw to gold with a slight haze, often described as one of the original hazy pales. The use of wheat in its malt bill gives it a softer palate, complementing the tropical hop profile without strong bitterness, creating a refreshing and easy-to-drink beer ideal for the Australian climate.
Stone and Wood's Role in Pacific Ale Creation
Stone and Wood brewery in Australia played a pivotal role in creating Pacific Ale, utilizing Galaxy hops early on and focusing on a simple yet unique brewing approach. Their fermentation process includes dry hopping at a specific gravity, along with using yeast strains like 1056 for enhanced biotransformation. The brewery's emphasis on Australian ingredients like wheat in the malt bill contributes to the beer's distinct character.
Evolution and Interpretation of Pacific Ale Style
Over time, the Pacific Ale style has evolved, garnering popularity and inspiring various interpretations by other breweries. While some may deviate from the original concept, the essence of the style revolves around being a light, low-color, and hazy beer with minimal bitterness and a pronounced hop character. The growth of the style signifies a dynamic evolution within the craft beer industry.
Brewing Recommendations and Homebrewing Tips
For aspiring homebrewers interested in crafting a Pacific Ale, key recommendations include sourcing Galaxy hops, utilizing yeast strains like US05 or 1056, fermenting at a warm temperature, and focusing on lean malt compositions with wheat components. The brewing process involves an emphasis on dry hopping and maintaining a balanced water salt ratio. Following traditional guidelines while exploring unique ingredients can help enthusiasts craft their own versions of this beloved beer style.
When co-host Em Sauter was in Australia in 2019, she was exposed to the Pacific ale, a style of beer that was refreshing, sessionable, and something she was surprised was only limited to Australia. Five years later, Em is still surprised that this beer style (which has only grown in popularity in its native country) is still not really well known to people outside of Australia.
She hopes this episode will help educate more people about this excellent beer style. On this episode Em and Don Tse chat with two Australians. First, Briony Liebich, who is an Australian beer educator and sensory professional about the flavors and aromas of this style. Then Caolan Vaughan, Head Brewer at Stone and Wood Brewing Co., who invented the beer style.
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Estrella Galicia Estrella Galicia is an independent, family-owned brewery in northwest Spain, founded in 1906.
Estrella Galicia Cerveza Especial is a world class lager, brewed using the finest Spanish malts, locally cultivated Galician hops and the best brewing practices, in a state-of-the-art facility in La Coruña . Recognized around the world for quality and exceptional character. Estrella Galicia is “A beer like no other.”
Hosts: Em Sauter and Don Tse
Guests: Briony Liebich and Caolan Vaughan
Sponsors: Estrella Galicia, All About Beer
Tags: Pacific Ale, Travel, Australia
Photo: courtesy of Em Sauter
The following music was used for this media project: Music: Awesome Call by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3399-awesome-call License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://incompetech.com