With a recipe comprising aromatic hops, specialty malts and ale yeast, the new XXXX Gold Australian Pale Ale is a step up in complexity from its lager stablemate, says brewer Anthony Clem.

Clem was speaking toRadio Brews Newsas XXXX prepared to launch the beer has been late hopped with Amarillo, the US aroma hop, and is the single biggest difference to the original XXXX Gold.

“I think the hops is something that really stands out in this beer. The lager is hopped early so the hop character is not as dominant. With the Pale Ale we hop it very late in the whirlpool,” he said.

Clem also revealed a sophisticated malt bill that includes pale malts, Munich and wheat, while he said the ale yeast contributes some estery characters.

“The craft beer market in Australia is starting to really take off and consumers are expecting some diverse flavours… I think that’s what we’re trying to offer with XXXX Gold Australian Pale Ale,” he said.

“I don’t think we’ll ever see massive beers [such as] double hopped IPAs come out of XXXX, but you never know.”

Episode 60 of Australian Brews News is available here.

Media Release

Aussie Favourite Innovates with New Brew

Adult drinkers choose mid-strength as their no. 1 beer

July 2015, Brisbane – XXXX GOLD, Australia’s leading beer, today revealed the much anticipated new addition to the family, XXXX GOLD Australian Pale Ale.

Brewed with a combination of specialty malts, Amarillo hops and fermented ale yeast, XXXX GOLD Australian Pale Ale is an easy drinking, mid-strength beer with a crisp finish.

Tanya Marler, XXXX Brand Director, believes the beer will continue to drive growth in the mid-strength beer category.

“XXXX GOLD Australian Pale Ale is perfect for those casual weekend afternoons spent with family and friends in the Aussie outdoors. It has the refreshment and drinkability of the much loved XXXX GOLD Australian Lager but with a distinctive full flavoured, pale ale taste for those who are looking for a beer with a bit more complexity.

“Today, more drinkers want to moderate their consumption due to increasing responsibilities and general wellbeing so they’re looking for less than full strength alternatives. Mid-strength provides a great option for these drinkers due to the balance of lighter alcohol with great flavour,” said Marler.

As the pioneer of the mid-strength segment, this will be the first pale ale introduced under the XXXX GOLD trademark by Lion, Australia’s leading brewer.

“We know that pale ales are in growth and this is the first pale ale to emerge from a classic mid-strength beer such as XXXX GOLD, offering drinkers a new style from a brand they know and trust.

“This is XXXX GOLD’s take on the pale ale style – just like XXXX GOLD Australian Lager it has more flavour that you’d expect from a mid-strength beer but with a less bitter and hoppy flavour than other pale ale styles on the market it is still an easy to drink beer.

“Our drinkers’ tastes are evolving and they want more choice and diversity when it comes to choosing a beer. XXXX is committed to innovation and providing greater choice that suits more occasions and this new beer is an example of that,” said Marler.

XXXX GOLD Australian Pale Ale will be available nationally from Monday 20th July in both pack and on tap. The launch will be supported by a marketing communications program that includes digital and social, outdoor and print advertising, point of sale and PR.

Visitors to XXXX Island will also be able to enjoy XXXX GOLD Australian Pale Ale on tap before it returns to operating as Pumpkin Island in January 2016.

Since launching in 2012, XXXX Island has celebrated three successful years of bringing Aussie mates together to enjoy a slice of paradise on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Not only has it captured the attention of adults’ right across the country and inspired them to spend quality time with friends and family, it has also helped to cement its position as Australia’s number one beer and to increase the number of people enjoying a XXXX GOLD.

For more information, visit www.xxxx.com.au

-ENDS-

About XXXX GOLD

XXXX GOLD was first launched in 1990, and for more than two decades it has been a supporter of both sport and the community across Australia. In 2007, XXXX GOLD unveiled the XXXX GOLD Beach Cricket Series, bringing some of the world’s best former cricketers to Australian beaches to compete in custom built stadiums. Supporting local community events remains important to XXXX GOLD, as we continue to appear in towns at events around the country with our container bar and beer garden. In 2012, XXXX GOLD launched XXXX Island as the ultimate destination for mates’ trips away and inspired adults right across the country to get out into their backyards, host a BBQ, play a game of beach cricket with the intention of spending more quality time with family and friends.