GABS Brewer: Jon Seltin from Bright Brewery in Bright, Victoria

What beer are you making for GABS?
An Occupied Belgian IPA. Axis Malt, Allied Hops, Ardennes Yeast, poppy seed.

Does it have a name yet?
Battle Of the Bulge IPA

Where did the inspiration come from?
It’s winter 1944-5 and Jerry has launched a major sneak attack in the Ardennes. Reports from the chaps at ULTRA in Bletchley Park indicate whole divisions of the highest quality Kraut malt are en route, and our only chance for survival is to throw everything we have at them. Armies of Allied hops are being mobilised to halt the German advance, with whole divisions being thrown into the kettle, whirlpool, a special whole hop company into the hopback, and finally special force of dry-hop paratroopers are being dropped into the fermenter. The entire battle is going to take place over the top of the Ardennes yeast.

Do you think it’ll be a one-off or are you considering adding it to the range after GABS?
This is a one-off offensive. The loss of hops and malt will deplete reserves on both sides of the battlefield.

What do you think of the concept of GABS?
It’s jolly good. Our boys can’t wait to go over the top and try all the beers on offer.

The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular (aka GABS) is on in Melbourne on May 23-25, 2014.