Sailors Grave ‘Chinotto Birra’ (Fruit Beer) – Orbost, Victoria

The citrus myrtifolia, myrtle leaf citrus or Chinotto in Italian is a small citrus fruit that looks like an orange. In reality it’s a bitter little thing and sailors grave bought Mountain Yuzu farms entire crop to make this beer inspired by the Italian soft drink and the @firedoor cocktail mixologist. A great idea, with the bitterness of the fruit really working in a beer. I’m not sure whether there’s hops involved or whether it’s a pure malt based beer with the addition of the fruit for bittering. Sailors Grave?

Can. Deep toffee colour with small off white head that dissipates quickly. Aromas of brown sugar, caramel, spice and a tinge of citrus. The chinotto provides strong bitterness, more astringent then hops, while there is a substantial backing of toffee, sweetish fruit and subtle spice. A little boozy, which doesn’t detract, a touch tanniny and quite oily. Different and enjoyable.

3.7/5. Trent

Appearance 4/5
Aroma 7/10
Flavour 8/10
Palate 4/5
Overall 14/20