Matilda Bay Redback
Port Melbourne, Victoria | 4.7% alcohol
Back in the mid-80s, Matilda Bay Brewing Company and Redback wheat beer were an integral part of the heady fever that hit Fremantle post John Bertrand’s legendary America’s Cup victory.
Its mastermind, brewer Phil Sexton, was also the leading light of Australia’s craft-beer revolution, which so successfully took on our largely bland mainstream brews. The extent to which he ruffled feathers is probably best illustrated by the fact that Matilda Bay is now headquartered in Melbourne as part of gargantuan Carlton & United.
I liked the fresh summery flavours of Redback when it was first released and I still like them a great deal, though the inclusion of malted wheat as well as malted barley in the wort does make it a slightly acquired taste.
A blend of Pride of Ringwood and Saaz hops give a trademark fruitiness to the brew and also a firm, clean bitterness on the finish. The brewer suggests matching Redback with barbecued prawns and I can only but agree.
Visithttps://www.matildabay.com.au
