Number seven in the Critics’ Choice Top 100 is Matilda Bay’s Alpha Pale Ale.

Inspired by the Pale Ale style in Northwest states of the U.S. The Alpha Pale Ale has won a cabinet full of awards and continues to do so.

Critics’ Choice Editor, Peter Mitcham, writes that ‘another appearance in the Critics Choice Top 100 indicates that this consistently well-performed US style Pale Ale is the beer that others want to be.’

The Brewer’s notes describe ‘a distinctive hop driven beer. It has a big hop nose with citrus notes derived from the use of Cascade hops.’ If you want to learn a little bit more about how it’s made, listen to our chat with brewer Scott Vincent, and forward to the 1:05:26 mark.

Despite its critical and competitive success, Alpha lives in the twilight zone of the current Australian beer market. Too big and aggressive to have a broad appeal but, carrying the stigma of being a ‘big brewery’ beer, it’s not cool enough for many craft beer adventurers. Hopefully the brewers keep getting the best of the accountants over this one at Matilda Bay.

Select venues around the country will be launching the Critics’ Choice by featuring the top 12 beers on March 30, including an event hosted by Critics’ Choice Editor-in-Chief and Radio Brews News’ EP, Pete Mitcham.

The Critics’ Choice: Australia’s Best Beers
RRP $14.95
Available April 2
from newsagents & bookstores

www.beerloversguide.com.au