Two of Western Australia's craft beer innovators have joined forces once again, releasing a limited-edition brew that captures the spirit of the coast. Finlay's Brewing Co, based in the picturesque town of Kalbarri, has teamed up with Canning Vale's Campus Brewing for their annual collaboration, 20 Fathoms Northern IPA.
A Collaboration Forged by the Sea
The story of this beer begins in a place steeped in maritime history. Finlay's Brewing Co was founded in the old filleting shed of the Finlay's seafood restaurant, a location that overlooks the ocean. This connection to the sea is deeply woven into the brewery's identity and is reflected in the name of this very beer.
Their partner in this venture, Campus Brewing, brings its own expertise from Canning Vale. Together, they have created a beer that aims to be as complex and inviting as a Kalbarri holiday, referencing the area's ancient gorges, coastal cliffs, and abundant fishing.
What's in the Can?
This year's iteration is a Northern IPA, a style that seeks to find a harmonious balance between the juicier East Coast IPAs and the pineier, more resinous West Coast versions. The brewers achieved this by utilising a modern yeast strain and a powerful hop bill.
The beer is fermented with the latest Aurora yeast strain to impart NorCal characteristics. It is then heavily hopped with a blend of Galaxy, Citra, Cryo Nelson Sauvin, and Yakima Chief Hyperboost hops.
Upon cracking open a tinnie, the aroma is immediately impactful, dominated by pine resin and ripe stonefruit. It pours a thick, juicy gold colour with a thin, creamy head.
The Taste Test
The first sip delivers a heap of big stonefruit and tropical flavours upfront. However, the beer doesn't forget its West Coast roots, finishing with a distinct pine resin character. This is all balanced by a noticeable yet not overpowering bitterness.
The overall impression is of a bold, hoppy, and resinous beer with underlying tropical dankness. Despite its robust flavour profile, it remains remarkably refreshing. With an ABV of 7.7 per cent, it's a dangerously drinkable beer for its strength.
The 20 Fathoms Northern IPA is available now for $8.99 per can.
