Why this clean, crisp local craft beer packs a PUNCH

Our resident beer writer (best job in the world, right?!) 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?

Whitelakes Brewing Summer Ale

WHERE’S IT FROM?

Baldivis. Specifically, Whitelakes Brewing on Mandurah Road overlooking Lake Walyungup, a shallow saline lake that give the brewery its name.

Launched nearly six years ago, Whitelakes turned the Old Barnyard function centre into a brewery best known for head honcho Sean Symons’ lagers.

There is the excellent Dark Lager and nifty XPL, plus the popular Dingo Lager also produced at the Baldivis facility, which will soon be renovated to turn the brewery and neighbouring Vernon Arms Tavern into one big, happening brewpub.

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT IT?

During a daytrip to Penguin Island during the school holidays, we stopped by Whitelakes Brewing Company in Baldivis for lunch (and a couple of cheeky craft beers).

One of the cheekies was the recently packaged Summer Ale, a clean, crisp and refreshing beer in keeping with Symons’ penchant for, and pizzazz with, classic sessionable styles.

At a reasonable 4.6 per cent and featuring Kiwi hop Wai-ti plus US variety Lemondrop, this English-style ale bursts with lemon and citrus notes.

This is a beer for the warmer months, or any time you’ve worked up a thirst clambering around big rock looking at birds. (Honestly, the multitude of pelicans and terns could argue the island should be named after them.)

SHOULD I SHARE IT?

This is a sensible crusher for summer, and a few months either side. You’ll be reaching for a second halfway through the first.

WHAT’S THE DAMAGE?

Whitelakes’ Summer Ale costs $22 for a six-pack and $4.50 for a tin.

While this is not at the pointy end of craft brewing, any beer lover knows that is excellent value for money.

RATING?

Given it’s thirst-quenching properties, price and wide appeal, this gets 4 penguins out of 5.