GABS Brewer: Dave Padden from Riverside Brewing in Parramatta, NSW

What beer are you making for GABS?
Imperial Black IPA.

Does it have a name yet?
Othello’s Curse.

Where did the inspiration come from?
Riverside has grown significantly over the last 12 months, which means we have a few more people working with us in the brewery. I asked the guys to come up with some ideas and Benny our sales manager came up with this one, name and all! If you know Riverside, then you’d know this beer is right up my alley so was an easy choice. We’ll be using some new malts and hops for the first time which is very exciting.

Do you think it’ll be a one-off or are you considering adding it to the range after GABS?
I don’t think the beer would become a year round available beer, but we will certainly consider an official seasonal release if the feedback is good.

What do you think of the concept of GABS?
GABS is the perfect opportunity for brewers to think outside the box and brew something a little different. Like our Breakfast Porter last year, this could mean brewing a beer well outside your comfort zone and using ingredients never before considered. This year however we are taking the opportunity to brew something a little more inline with the type of beer we are known for, but taking risks on malt and hop varieties that are new to us which can be just as exciting.

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