PRIMARY FLAVOURS

• Grilled Nuts
• Toast
• Cocoa
• Bittersweet

Story

There are easier places to make beer than the second biggest sand island in the world. But that didn't stop the owners of Straddie Brewing, Kylie Taylor and Troy Beaven, from setting up on the shores of North Stradbroke Island, off the coast of Brisbane.

Here, on what is a still relatively untouched and stunning part of the world, the Straddie Brewing brewpub feels like a beacon of craft beer in what is otherwise a surfing and hiking paradise. You simply step off the ferry from Brisbane and straight into a lineup of great brews, with an emphasis on QLD-style sessionability all through the range - which is perfect if you get the chance to drink on the sun-drenched deck above the brewery.

What's even better is that there is a flavour of the island itself in every Straddie Brewing product, with sand-filtered water from an ancient island aquifer as the backbone of the brews. It's famous water too, with North Stradbroke boasting a freshwater lake system that has been listed as one of the world's most ecologically important wetlands.

Meanwhile, you'll see names from different parts of the island popping up in the range, from the Myora Springs sour to the Jumpinpin IPA; there's a real identity behind every one of these tasty beers.

'If you think dark beer can’t be easy drinking, or that lager is always boring, think again'. That's a great line, direct from the Straddie Brewing crew. They're right too - this Manta dark lager is built in a classic Czech style, using spicy Saaz hops and toasty, rich malted grains to make a beer that feels instantly fresh, sessionable, and yet a bit more lush and toasty.

A 'subtropical dark lager', the flavours here range from caramel and bittersweet chocolate to more peppery and spicy. It's a mix that really grows on you, especially when served ice-cold on a warm Straddie Island afternoon.

Specs

PAIRING GUIDE

If there’s one beer style we never fail to get excited about, it’s a dark lager. This black beauty from Straddie Brewing does a magnificent job of matching crispness and brightness with intense malty flavours, and we just know you’re going to relish it every bit as much as we do. When it comes to food pairings, look to the spiritual home of black lagers for inspiration: Hungarian goulash, Wiener schnitzel, German pork stews or other paprika-spiked casseroles will all hit the spot perfectly. It’s also excellent with barbecued chicken, marinated tofu and crispy beef with noodles. What’s not to love?

RECIPE MATCHES

• Nachos Done Right
• Proper Beef Goulash