This beer signifies two firsts for me. First visit to the magnificent Bucket Boys bottle shop in Marrickville, led to a squeeler fill of my first ever Blizzard Brewing Company beer, the Bladerunner Belgian Pale. At 1550m above sea level, they’re Australia’s highest brewery, just 10km from Victoria’s Mt Hotham ski fields. Now a Belgian Pale Ale is a very different cat to an American Pale Ale, with minimal hop flavour and bitterness. In Belgium, a land of big beers, their version of a pale ale is very much about drinkability.

Squeeler from Bucket Boys. Cloudy amber with an orange hue and white frothy head that dissipates quickly.  Muted aromas of nutty and biscuity malt, savoury earthy elements and a touch of Belgian yeast (touch of banana, bubblegum, coriander). A distinct spiciness works its way throughout the beer, supported by stone fruits, nutty/biscuity malts and subtle Belgian yeast notes. Low carbonation and a well disguised 6.5% ABV make for enjoyable easy drinking without huge excitement.

Appearance 3/5
Aroma 6/10
Flavour 7/10
Palate 4/5
Overall 13/20