haha yer wasn't actually gonna do it (would be a waste of beer if it turned out crap, which i'd expect) but interesting to hear what people said
The first beer released is the Wattle Seed Ale, which starts with a blend of Australian and European malts, creating a rich flavour base of caramel with a hint of chocolate. The smooth malt flavours are lightly hopped and then infused with roasted Wattle Seed, bringing a unique and authentic Australian flavour to this fine red ale. The result is an outstanding ale that boasts a smooth taste profile balancing its robust character, an ultimately rewarding yet distinctive beer. At 5.8% ABV and offering a long and lasting flavour, the Wattle Seed Ale is best enjoyed with or after a meal, complimenting a juicy steak, rack of lamb, or a prosciutto and rockmelon starter. Alternatively, this select ale will be enjoyed at almost any occasion by those who enjoy something special in a beer.
For me, the Barons Brewing Wattle Seed Ale had a strong caramel flavour with roasted notes typically associated with wattleseed, however it lacked any real wattleseed flavour what so ever. I had imagined a strong coffee, chocolate and hazelnut flavours infused into the beer, but it just wasnt there.
A few minutes searching on Google confirmed my experience with the general consensus of reviews on the internet asking where is the wattleseed flavour? Maybe its the lack of wattleseed which is infused. Who knows?
Its great to see micro breweries trying to do something different to stand out on the shelf, but maybe they should have sought some professional experience with relation to using native flavours in manufacturing for maximum impact. Its one thing to say you use something, and its another delivering on flavour. I strive to do the later.
Barons Wattleseed Beers is available in Sydney at most independent Liquor Shops Pubmart, Liquor Stop, Chambers, Porters, Valore, Jims at Waitara, Brookvale Cellars and Kemenys.
Those that are interested in trying a real wattleseed beer, grab a bottle of your favour beer and add just a 3ml of Vic Cherikoffs Wattleseed Extract to your beer. Enjoy the real taste of wattle and note the effect on the palate as it cleanses any residual bitterness of the hops preparing your taste buds for you next sip of true wattleseed beer.