Otherside crosses river to offer beer Folk

Two instantaneous pop ins to the Pirate Bar have unearthed a couple of gems from the WA craft beer community. And at the right time of year.

A month ago it was White Lakes and its Dark Lager that provided a pleasant surprise for north of the river drinkers. The Baldivis brewery’s black beauty is a super example of the schwarzbier category.

A fortnight later it was Otherside’s turn to show those above the Swan River what the southerners have been producing. And the Fremantle team’s Folk Brown Ale suited the wintry weather that was battering the Pirate Bar on the day.

Brown ales seem to have a strange existence in Australia. They’re like a roadhouse stop on the journey towards Stouts and Porters. But the style deserves to stand proud of its place in the beer spectrum.

Otherside’s 3.9% version has all the maltiness we expect from a Brown Ale and certainly doesn’t show any signs of being a brew close to mid-strength rating. The toasty and caramel flavour ensures the lower ABV doesn’t hinder the taste or body.

The brewery’s Pilot Series allows the team to come play; “to try out new ideas and push the frontiers to see what works, and well, let’s be frank, what doesn’t.

“And if you dig it we’ll keep brewing it.”

The Harvest Red Ale (5.4%) was the first of the series.

And while Folk is the second, it’s reception should ensure it pops back on to the Otherside beer stable.

Maybe around this time next year when it is such a boost in ordinary weather?