It may not be the Hills Hoist, a garage roller door, the Bionic Ear or the Two-Stroke Lawn Mower, but the brewers at Murray’s at Port Stephens are pretty proud of what they call Australia’s latest ‘invention’ – a Flemish Summer Ale (known affectionately as Murray’s Endless Summer), being released in NSW and Victoria from Australia Day – Tuesday 26 January 2010.

Murray’s head brewer, Shawn Sherlock, said the beer doesn’t follow any defined style, but has been invented for the occasion.

“The basic idea for this beer is that it is an ‘invented’ style – a hybrid of a few Belgian styles and influenced by Saisons, Belgian Blond Ales, with a nod to Belgian Trippels, but true to Murray’s style, true to none of them as such.”

“This beer is perfect for lazy summer afternoons and a refreshing change from all those bland lagers out there.

Murray’s Endless Summer is for those looking for something a bit different this summer.”

Murray’s says the beer carries the classic estery and lightly phenolic Belgian yeast character from the blend of authentic Belgian ale yeasts used and the body of the beer is “complex with round biscuity German malt flavours initially filling the mouth before a surprisingly dry, summery finish for a beer of this size. It is this dry finish that keeps it as a summer ale – very moreish and drinkable – but dangerous at 7% ABV.”

“Also marking it as unusual for a Belgian style is its spicy late hop character. The beer isn’t a hop driven style by any means but there is a stronger presence than in most Belgian styles which adds to the overall complexity of the beer,” the brewery press release noted.

Murray’s Endless Summer will be available on draught only from the following venues and Murray’s recommends checking with individual venues for launch dates:

• Murray’s Brewery – Port Stephens, from Australia Day
• Silo Restaurant and Lounge – Newcastle
• The Local Taphouse – St Kilda and Darlinghurst
• Beer Deluxe – Melbourne

The second ‘invention’ from the brewery this Australia Day will be Murray’s Growlers – refillable 1.89 litre glass bottles that can be regularly filled with any of Murray’s draught beers, described as being “the ultimate way to enjoy brewery-fresh Murray’s draught beers at your own home, workplace or party.”

“The growlers do away with the need for any other packaging. It’s as easy as buy, fill, rinse and repeat,” said Brewery owner, Murray Howe.

The filled growlers, a packing option that has proved popular in the United States but yet to really catch on here, can be kept cold and in a dark place unopened for 7 days, or opened for 24 hours. They are available only at Murray’s Brewery. Growlers can only be purchased filled.

For details contact greatbeer@murraysbrewingco.com.au

More information: www.murraysbrewingco.com.au