Crafted on Straddie: inspired by the island’s shipwrecks, and perfected to ensure every sip is a treasure worth discovering.
1942. The Second World War was on Australia’s doorstep. American Liberty Ship, the Rufus King, ran aground on the treacherous South Passage bar off North Stradbroke Island. Loaded with 9 American bombers and enough hospital supplies to outfit 3 army field hospitals, the ship broke in half within hours of grounding. The sunken stern remains a popular dive site off the western side of the South Passage bar. The 330ft salvaged bow was granted a second life and dubbed the “Half Rufus“.
In pursuit of hoppiness… Bold flavours. Rich history.
Shipwreck Series: RUFUS NEIPA
Mandarin, strawberry, apricot & coconut.
A fruity hop party in your glass.
7.1% ABV
60 IBU
Grain bill: Pilsner & ale malt, rolled wheat and oats, crystal
Hops: Cashmere (US), Eclipse (AU), Superdelic (NZ)
Yeast: Verdant IPA yeast
Back by popular demand. First brewed as Sandpit Series #7, the New England IPA as a style is the result of switching out the ever-reliable, super clean American ale yeast used by west coast classics like Sierra Nevada, Green Flash, Russian River etc. in California, for a more expressive ale yeast of UK origin.
The result is a hop profile that is accentuated and blended in with a fruity, fermentation-derived ester profile. These yeasts also don’t flocculate very well when compared with West Coast ale strains, meaning the yeast is more inclined to stay in suspension, along with hop oils and malt proteins giving the style its characteristic haze.
We also utilise a water chemistry that is chloride heavy for this beer. Chloride accentuates malt sweetness and a general rounded, full flavour as opposed to more sulphate heavy water profiles that will accentuate hop bitterness and gives a more distinct, focused presentation to the bitterness.
Our version of this style maintains a firm but very rounded and integrated bitterness, as well as a decent malt backbone. Both of these characters help to support and lift the hop aroma and flavour.
Available now in our Webshop, island taproom and great Independent bottleshops on the mainland.
