Stone & Wood ‘The Gatherer 2018’ (Wheat Ale) – Byron Bay, NSW
This was a much anticipated beer for me, having drunk the 2017 version recently and enjoying it so much. I’d heard good things and the fellow at Camperdown Cellars said it was better (he did qualify that he didn’t like cucumber however – the 2017 version had watermelon and cucumber added). The 2018 variant used sour cherries, native finger limes and river mint in another delightfully subtle summer refresher. For me, the 2017 pips it at the post by a point with the cool, refreshing flavours of cucumber and watermelon, but the 2018 is still worth seeking out.
Bottle. Pink hued with good clarity and a thin white head. Deliciously fresh, yet delicate cherry, rose, strawberries and lime aromas, with backnotes of mint. Quite tart, but not in a sour beer way – created by the wheat and sour cherries, that are dry and tanniny. The lime and mint add a refreshing middle and finish.
Appearance 4/5
Aroma 8/10
Flavour 7/10
Palate 4/5
Overall 14/20
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