WA brewery’s red ale tribute to cult British sci-fi comedy

Our resident beer writer has sipped his way through everything from Emu Export to Barrel-Aged Imperial Porters.

Trying out this week’s sip, Simon Collins gives his verdict on the Tinnie of the Week and whether it’s worth cracking one with a mate.

BEER NAME?

Big Red Smeg Head

WHERE’S IT FROM?

Bright Tank Brewing Co., a microbrewery, bar and restaurant tucked away at 100 Brown Street, East Perth.

Husband and wife team Matthew Moore and Gemma Sampson launched their enterprise in the former fashion warehouse four years ago.

Since then they’ve kept Perth beer lovers intrigued with everything from session IPAs, fruit forward pale ales and an East Perth Lager to a mango pastry sour, guava gose and this big red imperial India pale ale.

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT IT?

Well, smeg me. After another orbit of the sun, Bright Tank launch another batch of their double hoppy red ale named in honour of cult British sci-fi comedy, Red Dwarf.

Red ales are a style placed in suspended animation, at least for the warmer months if not for three million years like the BBC series’ anti-hero Dave Lister.

Big Red Smeg Head pours deep amber (a more attractive description than “reddish-brown”), with aromas of roasted caramel malts and American hops circling each other like the rings of Saturn.

At 7.8 per cent, there’s no surprise this red IIPA has a planet-sized mouthfeel with chewy resinous and citrus flavours underpinned by a subtle dankness.

Much like Lister’s holographic sparring partner Arnold Rimmer, there’s assertive bitterness before a dry landing.

You don’t have to be a fan of Red Dwarf to understand this beer; if you like big red ales, you’ll gravitate to Bright Tank’s latest instalment. Smegging delicious.

SHOULD I SHARE IT?

Red or not, double and imperial India pale ales are ideal for splitting with a chum – especially, in this case, one who can recite lines from Red Dwarf.

WHAT’S THE DAMAGE?

A single tin of Big Red Smeg Head will float through space from Bright Tank’s tap room or a bottle shop to your fridge for around $8.75, while a four-pack will land in your lap for $31.50.

RATING?

Three and a half smegs out of five.