“The King is dead! Long live the King!”
After holding the number one spot in the first two Hot 100 lists at The Local Taphouse and in the hearts of many drinkers, Little Creatures has fallen. All the way to number two.
To put this into some sort of context, consider that 448 different beers were nominated for The Critics’ Choice book. To get a spot in the Top 100 is an achievement in itself, a gong in the top 10 magnificent. To be one of the two ‘favourite’ beers as selected by both the average punter and the beer experts needs a new descriptor.
So what does Little Creatures Pale Ale have that keeps it in the hearts and minds of drinkers far and wide. For many I suspect is as simple as this – it was the first brew to introduce the American Pale Ale style to the masses in a sessionable form. Back in 2000 when LCPA launched, beer lovers everywhere were knocked out by the punchy hops and deep golden colour beneath a tight off-white head sitting in a glass before them. Just as important is the fact that it has done little to change people’s minds since then.
Consistently producing a well crafted and readily available brew has ensured market share. Producing a beer that has probably brought more people over to the wonderful world of craft beer than any other has ensured its popularity with both punter and expert alike.
Described by Brews News editor and Critics’ Choice contributor Matt Kirkegaard as “going on to become the flag bearer for Australian craft beer (after its launch) … a modern classic with aroma, malt, bitterness and body all in good measure.”
Want to try the best of the Critics’ Choice beers, including a rare out-of-brewery appearance of Knappstein’s Reserve Lager on tap? The Local Taphouse will be tapping the top ten at midday on 1 April at both venues. Apart from trying some great beers, you could win a copy of this terrific new book.
The Critics’ Choice: Australia’s Best Beers
RRP $14.95
Available from bookstores & newsagents from April 1, 2011
We’re giving readers a chance to win one of four copies of The Critics Choice: Australia’s Best Beers. Just tell us in the comments below which beer you think should be the choice for Australia’s best beer. Winners will be chosen at random from the comments.
Congrats Little Creatures!
I’ve got a good feeling about #1 🙂
The best pale ale in Australasia, I reckon. Probably the best in the southern hemisphere (although the final result of this countdown, and the majority of Aussie beer geeks, will probably disagree with me).
The thing about Little Creatures’ Pale Ale that makes it so spot on, is the perfect malt character that actually works so well with the hops. Most hop-focussed pale ales seem to be a little malt shy, or way too heavy. A great beer… one I always look forward to tasting on my travels to the West Island.
Interestingly, it alway tastes better in the bottle than on tap to me.
My hubby and mates would love this book. Bring it on
For my hubby, so he can stop using the excuse “just seeing if i like the taste of this one”….. looks like a great book!
A worthy winner here I say!!
a good book and a cold beer what more could you want. Maybe a dogs eye when you get the munchies
Dare I ask what a dogs eye is?
Coopers Pale Ale – I always have an ‘Ale’ of a time when i’m drinking it!
I think my home brew would be in with a chance of winning if I ever made enough to share!
Can’t go past Boag’s Draught. My beer of choice when I’m in Tassie.
Fat Yak – a under marketed beer. Once you’ve had a fat you’ll never go back!