On tap @ Murrays @ Manly yesterday
Libertine French Ale - I asked and apparently it is brewed with French saison yeast, light zest and earthy aromas, crisp and dry with a thirst quenching acidity well balanced by a moderate body absolute stunning summer quaffer.
Whale Ale - Nothing like examples i have had in the bottle, light and fresh, subdued hoppy aroma and taste, plenty of crisp and clean wheat malt, another great easy drinking ale.
Rock Around the Clock Bock - Big clean rich malty lager, way to easy to drink!
Grand Cru - A complex array of Belgian yeast phenols, rich bready malts , hops are noticeable, moderate to full body with a reasonably dry finish, at 8.8% again very easy drink and enjoy.
Spartacus - This beer is just outstanding, has to be Australia's best IIPA and at 10% it knocks you around, but the alcohol is very well hidden, by loads of big fruity NZ hop aroma and palate wrecking flavour, so well balanced by huge rich caramel malts.
I had this on tap and hand pump and i have to say i preferred the hand pump, less carbonation, smoother and creamier mouth feel, really let the aromas and flavours shine through the whole glass, where as half way through the tap version the resinous bitterness took over.
Heart of Darkness Oak Aged (bottle) - This was the best of the lot for me and i rate it as one of the best beers i have ever had the pleasure of consuming.
So complex , very rich and smooth, loads of chocolate on the nose, hints of sweet woody /earthy / spicy tones - i assume the oak and the Belgian yeast phenols mixing in perfect harmony. Again a big beer at 9.6% and the only place you notice it is in your head, i cant believe how well balanced this beer is, if i could brew something half as good i would be a happy camper.
I encourage anyone who hasn't visited murrays at manly to do yourself a favour and head down there, so fresh so tasty absolutely faultless beers and all the staff seem to be well educated - have actually been involved in a brewing session at some stage so they have an understanding of the process.