mes Squire has released the sixth beer variety in its Hop Thief series.Malt Shovel Brewery, which produces the James Squire brand, said the Hop Thief 6 American-style Pale Ale features Simcoe and Columbus hops.
James Squire’s Hop Thief series showcases new or fresh seasonal aromatic hops available at the time of each numbered release. Brewers use these seasonal hops to brew an American-style Pale Ale, which Malt Shovel Brewery said is crafted to “accentuate the hop’s unique flavour and aroma”.
“What we’re doing with the Hop Thief varietal series is truly exciting, ground-breaking work,” said Jeff Potter, Head Brewer at Malt Shovel Brewery. “The series offers a beer that evolves with each release by using unique hop recipes, every time,” he said.
“When drinking Hop Thief 6 American-style Pale Ale, beer lovers can expect an initial taste of malt sweetness on the palate,” Mr Potter said.
“This is accompanied by passionfruit and pine-needle aromas from late hopping with Simcoe and earthy, spicy notes from Colombus hops.
This gives way to a distinctive cleansing and refreshing bitterness,” he said.
“We hope that beer drinkers continue to enjoy this evolving series of American-stlye Pale Ale as they start to appreciate the influence of the different varieties of hops,” Mr Potter said.
The Brewery said the Hop Thief varietal series pays homage to the true life story of Australia’s first brewer and first-fleet convict, James Squire.
Shortly after his arrival in Australia, claiming that his partner Mary Spencer was ill, James Squire infamously stole a quantity of herbs known as horehound — the closest thing to hops in Australia at the time — so he could brew Australia’s first batch of beer. As penalty for stealing these ‘hops’, a judge ordered that Mr Squire receive 150 lashes and hand over two barrels of ale. Within 15 years, however, Mr Squire became the first person to grow hops on Australian soil.
The James Squire craft beer portfolio also includes One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale, The Chancer Golden Ale, Nine Tales Amber Ale, The Constable Copper Ale, Sundown Australian Lager, Stowaway IPA, Four ‘Wives’ Pilsner and Jack of Spades Porter.
Hop Thief 6 American-style Pale Ale is now available on-tap and in-pack nationally in cartons (RRP $59.99-$60.99), six-pack baskets (RRP $18.99 – $19.99) and 345mL bottles (RRP $3.99).
