“The blingiest beer ought to be launched at the blingiest venue in town,” according to Bridge Road Brewers Ben Kraus.

And so it was appropriate that the launch of his latest special release beer, Bling Bling Imperial IPA, was being held in an event room at the acclaimed Vue De Monde restaurant on the top floor of Melbourne’s Rialto building.

Ben has been supplying Vue De Monde, and associated Lui Bar, with Bridge Road’s beers for a couple of years. So it only seemed natural that the restaurant get involved with the release of the Imperial version of his Bling IPA. Looking around the rich black room with stork nest light fixtures and the stunning views, you would have to agree that this was a perfect spot to launch a beer called Bling Bling.

The idea to brew a double version of Bling IPA had been around for a while, but with so many other projects happening, it was only recently that they had the opportunity to put that plan into action. Bling Bling has a similar malt profile to that of Bling, only considerably increased. The hop additions are designed more for a late hop profile than simply increased bitterness, bring about a brew that is not too bitter but has a lot of fruity hop aroma.

The result is copper coloured with a slight haze and a fruity aroma, with 8.5% alcohol. The mouthfeel is thick, rich, and sweet. It is tart with some resinous notes and a pleasant lingering bitter aftertaste.

Those invited were made up of beer nerds and bloggers from all walks of life, with some buying ‘bling’ (that’s shiny jewellery for those that aren’t in a posse ED) especially for the event. Three members of the Bendigo Beer crew drove nearly 170km so that they could be at the launch that afternoon.

Around half of the brew has been bottled and will be available as soon as the bottle conditioning has completed, with the rest of the batch going to select venues in kegs.

www.bridgeroadbrewers.com.au