Modus Brewing has launched its latest small batch series with the release of Modus WHITE – a Belgian-inspired White Ale. The brewer-led series celebrates the origins of classic styles, but with a Modus twist and complete ingredient transparency.
The project is led by Modus Brewer, Todd Hodgson and the co-founder of Future Mountain Brewing and veteran Melbourne brewer Ian Jones, who recently joined the Modus team.
Jones told Beer & Brewer that WHITE is the team’s ode to what he considers to be one of the most historic beer styles in the world – the Belgian witbier.
“Traditionally brewed with unmalted wheat, spices, and orange peel, it’s a beer known for its refreshing citrus and spice character. We’ve honoured that heritage while layering in our own Modus twist: a dry hop of Hallertau Blanc, a modern German variety that brings bright notes of gooseberry, white wine, and grapefruit.
“The result is a hazy, aromatic beer with a velvety mouthfeel and flavours of citrus peel, clove, and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s both familiar and fresh, a nod to tradition, elevated with a contemporary edge.”
Hodgson said the rest of the series will continue to reflect the team’s shared love for the history and storytelling that surround beer and their passion for making it.
“We wanted to step outside our core range and dive into something different, experiment, explore, and challenge ourselves creatively. That meant revisiting classic, sometimes forgotten, beer styles that helped shape the industry we love today.
“It’s about bringing history forward, reviving traditional techniques, and shining a light on the beers that once inspired us to fall in love with brewing, but always with a Modus twist. The series also gives us the opportunity to educate drinkers on the origins of these styles, how they’ve evolved, and why they should remain relevant today.”
Hodgson began his brewing career with the Modus team as an apprentice and has since become a fully qualified brewer with the brand.
He said when creating the series, the team wanted the beers to reflect their own curiosity and creativity when it comes to traditional styles.
“We ask ourselves: What do we love drinking? What rare styles deserve to come back? What would we brew if there were no rules? From there, we break down the style, what we admire, what we’d tweak, and how we can make it distinctly Modus.
“That could mean reviving a forgotten regional favourite, recreating a beer we once smuggled home from overseas, or putting our stamp on a traditional celebration brew. The possibilities are endless.”
Jones said ingredient transparency is deeply important to creating products that reflect the values of Modus and the brewing team.
“For us, ingredient transparency isn’t a trend, it’s who we are. Our philosophy has always been to put only the very best into our beers and never take shortcuts. If you’re paying for a premium product, you deserve to know exactly what’s in it.
He added that it also builds trust and creates an educational opportunity for consumers and brewers alike.
“By listing out the recipe, we’re not just telling you what you’re drinking, we’re inviting you to learn, explore, and appreciate the craft behind it. Who knows, maybe someone will take inspiration from Modus White and brew an even better version one day. That’s what keeps the craft scene vibrant.”
Hodgson emphasised that the approach to the beers in this series can be summed up by the brewery’s motto for everything they create: “Beer First. No Shortcuts”.
“If it’s not true to the style, it doesn’t leave the brewhouse. We’ve been carefully researching each classic, refining techniques, and hand-selecting ingredients to ensure authenticity while giving it a Modus edge,” Hodgson said.
“We’re known for bold, hop-forward beers, and that DNA will run through the series. So, while you’ll see tradition, you’ll also see innovation; unique hop pairings, modern brewing methods, and fresh interpretations that make each beer a worthy modern-day representation of its roots.”
In terms of what can be expected from the next beers in the series, Jones said that everyone will have to wait and see.
“We don’t want to give too much away just yet but what we can say is that you’ll see variety, innovation, and a touch of nostalgia. Think forgotten regional gems, iconic celebration styles, and modern spins on the beers that shaped brewing history. If you’re a beer geek, this is a series built for you.”
WHITE is now available for a limited time in Modus’ Sydney and Newcastle venues and via selected independent retailers.
