“Not as red as a red wine, but in beer terms this is a red ale. Well hopped but not quite enough alcohol to make it an IPA, Pauline sits between a few typical descriptive beer categories. While it’s not a heavy beer, this is a full flavoured ale.”

Glassware: IPA

Appearance: Deep amber to maroon with a sturdy two finger head. Excellent retention with wavy lace in its wake.

Aroma: It certainly procures that crucial balance nicely…tonnes of sweet caramel malt, toffee and buttered toast pulled in to line by the floral, fruity and slightly piney hops. We love that they’ve gone for an all Aussie hop bill too (Ella, Enigma & Vic Secret). Even though our hops are fairly modest they hold their own here.

Flavour: Follows on from the nose; robust and super sweet caramel malt base with all the trimmings i.e toffee, buttered toast and mixed nuts. Then the hops step in and provide their piney, fruity and floral characters to balance. It all leads in to a slightly bitter finish with plenty of malt sweetness on the outer.

Mouthfeel: Sticky and gelatinous with medium body and fine carbonation. The 6% ABV is well placed. Could have had a bit more bitterness if anything.Overall: Not a bad way to kick off proceedings with this somewhat local brewery (for one of us). Nicely balanced with good depth of flavour. Not overly memorable but good enough.