Today’s instalment of Wollongong Beer Week is doubling up as the Friday drinks recommendation because we’re talking about my favourite of the regulars from the Illawarra Brewing Company.
That is, at least until they make the awesome Apocalypso a part of their regular range. Not that I have any inside knowledge about that – I’m just wishing they would make that beer all the time.
My favourite from their regular range isn’t the much-awarded Kolsch. Yep, it’s won a few golds and even a trophy, which means those with far superior beery knowledge than me think it’s a quality beer, but it’s still not my highest-rating regular.
Nope, when I choose from the regular range, I choose a Rust. My liking for the beer starts with the name – it’s perfect for an amber ale. In the glass the beer looks like someone has dunked a heaps rusty screwdriver into some water and stirred.
But of course this beer tastes a lot better than that. There’s some hop fruitiness on the nose but not so much on the palate. The taste features some biscuity maltiness coupled with some smooth caramel notes. It all ends with some very pleasing bitterness.
As the weather starts to get a bit cooler, this is very much the beer to be drinking. Or you can be like me, and drink it any time of the year.
Categories: Friday drinks, Wollongong, Wollongong Beer Week
BEER IS YOUR FRIEND 
Having not lived in the gong for many years now (but still calling it ‘home’) – I haven’t had an IBC beer yet. I was glad to see after coming back home for a dinner, that Murphy’s Bar and Grill in Unanderra have some IBC beers on tap 🙂
I tried the Rust Amber Ale – it’s magnificent. Also tried their Pale Ale – and I’d have trouble picking a winner. It probably comes down to how many you are having.
Yumm!!
Andrew, I suggest next time you’re in town, you should visit the Illawarra Brewery (where the Five Islands bar used to be at the back of the entertainment centre).
That’s the IBC showcase bar, which is where they have all their beers on tap.
Ahhhh right, I didn’t realise that’s where is was. Been years and years since I dropped in there. Perhaps 11 years. (I thought it had some other name than IBC or 5IB..more of a technical name??). And sadly last time I was there…I was appalled when they didn’t have any VB. It was before I developed any sense of class or taste!
Cheers.