McLaren Vale Beer Company
The McLaren Vale Beer Company has been around for approximately a couple of years now. However, they have only recently had their own venue that you could visit and try their beer. What a venue it is too. The Salopin Inn McLaren Vale is an icon in McLaren Vale but one that needed a bit of new life injected into it.
Currently they are producing one beer that is being contract brewed for them. This is all about to change though. They have a new brewery being installed in nearby Willunga. They are also looking for a head brewer to take the reins. I know they have some plans to expand the beer portfolio but that is under wraps at the time of writing.
The most important this is the beer. They are making a good one. I first had this beer approximately eighteen months ago. I have to admit the first time I had it I wasn’t impressed. The example I got tasted old and stale. It put me off trying it again for a while. That was a poor decision. I have since had the beer fresh off tap and it was tasting fantastic. The beer is a fantastic golden colour that almost appeared to glow in the light of the bar. It has a great slightly citrus hop aroma that is easy to discern without being over the top and punching you in the face. The beer as a light medium body and is very drinkable. It is well balanced with a good bitterness that matches the light but present malt character. The hop flavour matches the aroma and has a great citrus character that is a great match with the bitterness level. It is a very drinkable beer that had me wanting to go back for more. If you get the chance make sure you have a couple. I can’t wait to see what else they can come up with once the brewery goes in. I think you could match it with a wide range of food but I like the idea of it with a nice piece of pan fried Atlantic salmon seasoned with a little salt, citrus and some dill.
The venue is fantastic and well worth the drive down to McLaren Vale. The bar is a nice relaxed small area with a great selection of wines along with the Vale Ale. They also have Trummer Pils on tap but I would stick to the Vale Ale. The restaurant has amazing service and food.
This a great brewery all round. I recommend you find their beer which is reasonably easy to source around Adelaide. However, for the full experience get down to the Salopian Inn and enjoy all they have to offer. Get There!
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Tweets that mention I'm Here For The Hops » McLaren Vale Beer Company -- Topsy.com posted on May 17, 2010:
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Aaron, Aaron. Aaron said: New page posted about @mvbeer http://blog.imhereforthehops.com/breweries/mclaren-vale-beer-company/ Good Beer! [...]
I'm Here For The Hops » AIBA 2010 SA Medalists posted on May 22, 2010:
[...] McLaren Vale Beer Company Vale Ale Bronze Australian Style Pale Ale [...]
I'm Here For The Hops » Sea and Vines Festival with Vale Ale posted on June 3, 2010:
[...] good people at The Salopian Inn and McLaren Vale Beer company are putting on a function for the Sea and Vines Festival. Sounds like it’s going to be a [...]
I'm Here For The Hops » Australia’s Hottest 100 Craft Beers – Number 1 Vale Ale posted on January 26, 2011:
[...] Taphouse and the Crafty Pint for putting it all together and publishing it. This years winner is Vale Ale from McLaren Vale Beer company. Big congratulations to the guys. Can’t wait to taste the beers when they start coming out of [...]
I'm Here For The Hops » Vale Ale in the News posted on March 1, 2011:
[...] new article is up today in the mainstream media bout McLaren Vale Brewing Company. This one is in the Advertiser and on the Adelaide Now web site. It’s a nice piece about the [...]
Support Your Local Brewery Adelaide | I'm Here For The Hops posted on May 28, 2011:
[...] McLaren Vale Beer Company [...]