Every beer has its place. There’s something special about sipping away on one of your all-time faves. But as good as that is, how good is trying a new brew! Especially one that’s here for a good time, not a long time.
That was one of the things the crew were pumped about when we opened Gage Roads Freo – “The A Shed Series.” As you’ve probably worked out, these beers are brewed exclusively for our home on the Walyalup Waterfront. They’re brewed once, and when they’re done, they’re done. Since we’ve opened, head brewer Simone Clements has brewed more than a dozen beers in the “A Shed Series”, and says it’s been a ride.
“It’s been fun, and crazy! As brewers, we always want more time to research and tinker but with the new venue it’s been a case of having an idea and rolling with it. We obviously plan, but sometimes things turn out differently to how you thought they would. But that gives you an opportunity to take things in a new direction, which is fun,” says Simone.
They say parents don’t have a favourite kid, but if you’re the middle child you know that’s not true. Just like a diplomatic parent, Simone at first attempts explains she doesn’t have a favourite beer she’s brewed from the series. But after a slight arm twist, she picks one.
“The cucumber sour (Cool Azza) was one of my faves because that was a bit of a curveball. I was planning on it being a hoppy sour, but after I put the hops in it came out with a flavour profile that I wasn’t expecting. It just seemed to be calling out for cucumber, so that was a fun one. A real curveball and a beer that I really loved in the end.”
Cool Azza Cucumber Sour was one of a trio of sours to get a run as part of the A Shed Series. There’s also been Tropic Wonder Pineapple and Mango Sour and So Pitted Cherry Sour. Outside of that, there’s been IPAs, Hazies, pale ales, Red ales, Nitros and more. While all have been popular, there’s been a couple that stand-out.
“It depends on the time of the year, but the sours have been popular. Tropic Wonder was the first sour we had, and it was really well received. People have loved the IPAs as well, but I think the sours have been the best sellers.”
If you’ve been down to Gage Roads Freo, you’ll know the brewing, and tanks, are front and centre. It’s visually a big part of the brewery, and people can get close to the action.
“It’s good fun. It’s a party vibe here being around the punters. Sometimes you wish you could be out there with them. I love being around the customers. You can see the ones that are dead keen and are looking over, wanting to have a chat. It’s great to speak with them… there’s some keen beans for sure.
“I was keen to have a chalkboard where ppl could write suggestions and questions, but I thought people would have a few beers and start drawing things they shouldn’t. I’m always open to suggestions though, so I love the punters telling me what they love to drink,” Simons says with a laugh.
Brewing the full range of Gage beers on site, along with the A Shed Series limited releases, has been no easy feat for Simone and her offsider. So, if you’re down here for a beer, and see her working away on the tanks, be sure to raise a glass and say g’day.
A Shed Series – The List
Off the Wharf – Red IIPA (8%)
This scarlet beauty packs a punch with tropical fruit, strawberry and citrus, bringing a big caramel toffee malt base.
Tropic Wonder – Pineapple Mango Sour (4%)
A tropical summer holiday in a glass. Juicy mango & tart pineapple make this funky sour refreshing and moreish.
Hazy As – NZ Hazy Pale Ale (5.4%)
All NZ hops. Tropical fruit fiesta of mango, pineapple, lychee and gooseberry, balanced with soft bitterness & haze.
Hit the Lip – IPA (5.8%)
Super smashable fruit bomb. Mosaic & Citra hops balanced with a fair bit of residual sweetness.
Citrus Haze – Hazy Pale Ale
Lazy Days – Hazy Pale Ale (5.5%)
Jammy pineapple, sweet tropical fruit and gentle bitterness, with a silky mouthfeel.
Cool Azza Cucumber Sour (4%)
A super refreshing and savoury sour with a crisp finish. Hopped with Galaxy & Cryopop. Very Smashashble.
Catchin’ Haze – Hazy Pale Ale (5%)
Big silky mouth feel, rounded bitterness and tropical fruit. Herbal & citrus hop aroma & flavour.
Wilson Bay – Hazy Pale Ale (5%)
Big berry notes on the nose as much as they are on the tongue, balanced with the taste of tropical fruits. delivering full mouth feel & a gentle rounded bitterness.
SleepLESS Giant – Nitro IPA (5.4%)
English style IPA. Rich with caramel, toffee and stone fruit. Rounded bitter finish.
So Pitted – Cherry Sour (3.8%)
This zinger pours with a blushing cherry colour in the glass. Starting with stone fruit, raspberry & sweet fruit aroma’s on the nose, followed by a tart cherry flavour & a dry finish.
Hazy Does It – Session Hazy (4.2%)
A hazy tropical and citrus juice bomb with silky mouthfeel and gentle bitterness. Sessionable at a cheeky 4.2%
Hoppy Horizon – Pale Ale (5%)
Serving up tropical fruit, pineapple & passionfruit flavours, Silky mouthfeel & well-rounded bitterness. Packed with a hop trifecta of Galaxy, Citra Cryo & Riwaka hops.
Crispy Sips – Cold IPA (5.8%)
Fermented cold and using lager yeast, each sip comes with a clean, crisp malt base. Paired with punchy citrus, pine, mango & tropical hop aroma & flavour, with robust bitterness. This crispy little number pours pale in colour for an IPA.
Full Send – WC IIPA (7.5%)
This is a big, bitter and hoppy West Coast Double IPA. Built with a caramel malt backbone and a boatload of US style hops. Expect pine, resin, citrus & floral aroma on the nose & the tongue.