“A modern cult classic inspired by the Pale Ales that traveled from England to the East Indies and, perhaps more importantly, all that precious tea that returned on those same ships. Yeastie Boys’ Gunnamatta utilises judicious amounts of Earl Grey Blue flower tea to generate an intoxicating floral and citrus aroma with the quenching dry finish of an ice tea. A truly unique new world India Pale Ale with a decidedly old world twist.”
Wow, we must admit this is one interest-arousing IPA. Before even thinking of pulling this beer off the shelf, think, am I a massive Earl Grey Tea fan? Continue if you are. Served in an IPA glass the deep amber pour whipped up a well maintained two finger white head with a healthy amount of lacing left clinging to the glass. The aroma is very floral, with perfumes of lavender, eucalyptus, grapefruit, orange peel and lemon. The slightly spicy earl grey tea is infused nicely through the aroma, working in well with the other scents. In the mouth it’s well-rounded with medium Co2. Medium body. Very sweet on the palate upfront, apart from the obvious spicy tea leaf, are hints of zesty citrus, floral hops, lemon and herbs. Subtle caramel and toffee notes take a bit of the edgy bitterness off but the sweet, zesty and floral flavours definitely dominate. Medium bitter finish with a spicy back end. What is also good is that the 6.5% ABV is quite well hidden. Far from a sessional beer, but it’s fun and pretty quaffable. Not bad.