“Our Matilda Bay Cherry Saison has been brewed to share, and savour over the dinner table”, says Harry Sexton, Matilda Bay’s Head Brewer. “Best consumed from a champagne flute, it’s the kind of drink that you could sub in for a bottle of rosé, prosecco, even cider…and with a 6.7% ABV, it’s lower in alcohol than a bottle of wine and on trend with the lower alcohol movement that’s gaining momentum” he adds. Harry knows a thing or two about creating amazing products… as well as being Matilda Bay’s Head Brewer, he is also an award-winning winemaker.

Made using local Yarra Valley fruit, the Matilda Bay Cherry Saison is blurring the lines between beer and other categories, and it’s been released at a time when Australians are moderating their beer consumption while wine consumption is on the rise in Australia. This offering expands the traditional consumption occasion of beer, and targets consumers outside of traditional craft beer.

Harry says “It’s been fantastic to work with local producers here in the Yarra Valley, we love being part of such a great community. It’s something that we’ll be doing more and more of in 2023, with plans to incorporate locally grown produce into our recipes to showcase the region. We’re blessed with having this beautiful and pristine region, so close to Melbourne, and on our doorstep”.

Matilda Bay’s Cherry Saison is available at Matilda Bay’s Yarra Valley Brewery, and at select First Choice, Vintage Cellars and Liquorland stores across Australia, RRP $30/750mL bottle, 6.7% ABV. It’ll also be available on tap at a select number of venues around Melbourne. Follow us @MatildaBayBeer to keep in the know.

Tasting Notes: Fresh Victorian cherries give a bright and vibrant nose, with underlying spiced notes of Saison. Palate starts with ripe cherry fruit, followed by a natural silkiness from the yeast, and kept bright with a characteristic cherry tartness. Characteristics will develop with age.

Matilda Bay is Australia’s Original Craft Brewery. Founded in 1983, the company is best known for Redback, Alpha Pale Ale, Dogbolter Dark Ale and Owl Original Ale.