4 Pines Brewing Company is serving up a pint or 6 of history with their latest Keller Door release, ‘The Bastard Children of the British Empire’, which follows the journey of the humble pale ale throughout five countries.

The story of pale ale represents the story of civilisation itself, of culture and evolution. To tell the story of this journey 4 Pines are offering 6 unique beers, with 6 unique flavours, each paying homage to its country of origin – England, America, New Zealand, Australia and Belgium – acknowledging how each nation embraced the style and crafted their own version. For those keeping count, the 6th beer is 4 Pines own American style pale ale.

For 4 Pines Brewing Company, The Bastard Children project has been a labour of love. It stemmed from the desire to highlight and educate how one style can be so different, depending on its environment, the brewer and the ingredients used. The variety of pale ales featured in The Bastard Children release allows drinkers to taste the nuances between each, knowing they’ve been hand crafted by one of Australia’s leading craft breweries.

General Manager Jaron Mitchell said, “Pale ale is probably the most recognised craft beer style in Australia but the flavour profile can differ so dramatically depending on various influences. We really wanted to give people the opportunity to understand how interesting and diverse one style could be. Since the Brits first gave us the style, we thought we’d follow the journey of the beer as it progressed around the world.”

The Bastard Children of the British Empire collection includes:

English IPA – 6.0% ABV / 47 IBU

Robust in flavour with subtle aroma of raisins and British herbs, this English IPA combines both traditional floor-malted Marris Otter (English two-row varietal barley) and copious amounts of famously-earthy English hops.

American IPA – 6.3% ABV / 70 IBU

Boasting a full flavour and resinous musk, this aggressively hopped American IPA has assertive bitterness and distinctively aromas of citrus and grapefruit. Unfiltered to maintain the raw, tannic mouthfeel from the hops. Antioxidants galore!

New Zealand Pale Ale – 4.5% ABV / 29 IBU

Drink in the broad spectrum of tropical fruit characters typical of New Zealand hops. Clean and crystal clear from cold filtration. What else would you expect from a country so close to Antarctica?

Australian Pale Ale – 5.0% ABV / 32 IBU

This brew is straw-like in appearance, unfiltered and naturally-conditioned for one month in the bottle. Small amounts of carried-over yeast provide a distinctive fruitiness and plenty of vitamin B to help with hangovers in any cases of accidental overconsumption.

Belgian Pale Ale – 5.6% ABV / 19 IBU

Traditionally less bitter with a toasty malt sweetness, the famous yeast-driven phenolics produce a refreshing spicy and fruity character.

4 Pines Pale Ale – 5.1% ABV / 35 IBU

A colourful deep ruby amber appearance. Aromas of pine and grapefruit overlay a malt backbone. On the palate full bodied malty flavours with a tight and bitter finish.

The Bastard Children of the British Empire is the sixth and most significant Keller Door release to date. 4 Pines Brewing Company release these limited edition beers throughout the year on tap as well as through bottle shops. Each Keller Door release aims to push the craft brewing boundaries a little and give drinkers something pretty darn tasty to chat about.

To celebrate the launch of The Bastard Children of the British Empire, 4 Pines will be hosting four public events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Those who attend will get the opportunity to sample all the Bastard Children beers as well as chat with the 4 Pines team about their pioneering collection of brews.

Sydney

Tuesday, 24 March
From 7pm at The Taphouse, 122 Flinders Street,
Darlinghurst
Cost: $25pp which includes tasty snacks
Tickets available from www.trybooking.com/124707

Brisbane
Wednesday, 25 March
From 6pm at Bitter Suite, 75 Welsby Street, New Farm
Cost: Free entry
RSVP: by 18 March to brad@4pinesbeer.com.au

Melbourne
Thursday, 26 March
From 6pm at Junction Beer Hall, 15 Hall Street, Newport
Cost: Free entry
RSVP: by 19 March to fabio@4pinesbeer.com.au

The Bastard Children of the British Empire RRP$39.99

Available around the country at great independent bottle shops

For more information on 4 Pines Beers please visit www.4pinesbeer.com.au

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