3 RAVENS BREWERY MANGO JUICY
Grab this beer, turn the dial up to 11 and get angry about the really important things in life, like the state of mental health.
Origin – Thornbury, Victoria
ABV- 6%
Size- 375mL can
Style- New England IPA
Is it life that imitates art, or art that imitates life? In 1997 the 3-eyed raven was printed in the pages of George Martin's book. In 2011, HBO brought us the epic TV series, Game of Thrones. In between those two dates, in early 2003, two Melbournian lads established their own take on the 3-eyed raven, launching 3 Ravens Brewing. Similar to the instant success of the show, that cost upwards of $10 million per episode to produce, it was only a matter of months before the brewers were the talk of the town.
Unfortunately, as the brewery approached its 10th birthday celebrations (with an anniversary beer in the tank), much like Jon Snow and the Night King, the duo had a falling out. With the brewery on the edge of being put to the sword, riding to the rescue was W.A.'s Mash Brewing. As luck would have it, they were looking for a home to brew on the east coast. The new owners set about rebuilding the business, including installing some new equipment and establishing a new core (or CAW!) range. The move paid off with 3 Ravens later that year named Champion Small Brewery at the International Beer Awards.
While Mash and Ravens also ended up going their own way, it didn't slow the growing numbers of silverware in the trophy cabinet. Folks still talk about award winners, such as the English style hand-pumped British Ale, or the Ale Noir – a dark beer aged in French oak barrels previously used for pinot noir. Yet, it's this new offering from Melbourne's oldest independent brewery that has had tongues wagging more recently. Brewed by Brendan O'Sullivan as part of the ongoing Juicy NEIPA series, this mango offering is every bit as juicy and delicious as the previous Peach, Guava and Melon fruit-driven selections. Triple dry-hopped, it pours like breaky juice in the glass, serving up stone fruit, citrus, and mango aromas. The party that started on the nose continues in the mouth with loads of tropical fruit flavours sitting on top of a lean malty base. The finish is rich and creamy, with perhaps the masterstroke being found in the assertive lingering bitterness.
Life? Art? Who's to know. I guess 3 Ravens can just be themselves, after all, everyone else is already taken. Thanks, Oscar.
