Three Tails Brewery in Mudgee has debuted its first-ever barrel aged sours, unveiling three beers aged in wine barrels for up to five years.
Limited in quantity, the three new sours are the first to be released under Three Tails’ barrel ageing program, which has been underway since 2020 at an off-site location.
Mick Ash, Three Tails Brewery Co-owner, says: “This is an exciting new venture for us, as we move to include barrel aged brews as part of our range. These beers are very different from our usual offering – they’re much more complex in both their layers of flavour and taste.
“They’re exactly like a fine wine – they’re not beers to be poured into a schooner glass and hurried; they’re meant to be sipped and enjoyed with a delicious meal.”
The first beer in the range is The Drover’s Wife Table Beer – an easy-drinking beer at five per cent ABV, with a clean palate and distinct citrus notes. The Three Tails team say the release was aptly named a table beer because “it’s a drink you could have on your table every evening”. Only 120 bottles are available.
The Loaded Dog Shiraz Lager amps up the ABV at 10.7 per cent. Tasting notes describe the beer as having “a beautiful, soft fruitiness”, while being light, zippy, and not overly sour. Only 110 bottles are available of the lager, which uses grapes from Robert Stein Winery’s 2023 Shiraz vintage, wrapping up a two-year collaboration between the brewery and winemaker.
Sitting somewhere between the first two beers, Over the Sliprails Golden Ale was packaged at six per cent ABV. Barrel aged for approximately five years, the golden ale is described as being complex, punchy, wild and funky. Only 160 bottles are available of the flavoursome beer, and drinkers can expect an assertive sour character.
Named after one of Mudgee’s most famous residents, the beers have been released under the Henry Lawson series. The names and artworks for each of the beers have been derived from Lawson’s works.
“These beers have truly been a labour of love, and one we’re proud to finally release to the market,” Ash continued.
“In naming the brews, we wanted something that was distinctly different from our core beer range, and something that paid tribute to Mudgee’s rich history – the Henry Lawson series celebrates the region’s unique wine and culinary tradition. And with a limited number of bottles of each beer available, it’s a great chance to get hold of something truly special.”
Bottles are now available from Three Tails Brewery, Kelly’s Wine Shop and Sydney’s Barrel & Batch for $35 each, or $95 for a three-pack.