Mercs Own Peach Ale

A long time ago (in a decade far far away?) the son of an American pug turned actor made a movie about ballroom dancing and disappeared from the public eye. Rumours and innuendo abound as to how the lad has spent the many years since, but finally the concern of a nation can be put to rest. We have it on good authority that young Paul Mercurio has spent the years in isolation pondering the eternal question….how to incorporate the flavour of peach into a beer!

Brewed and bottled by the Holgate Brewing Company (in Woodend, see earlier post), “Mercs Own Peach Ale” bears the sub heading “Hand Crafted by Paul Mercurio”. As posted previously, Holgate have a pub based out in the Macedon Ranges and really this beer is another good excuse to pay a visit to these folks; even if it’s just the novelty value of trying this beer. Looking further, Googling the product name reveals Paul has set up (or is in the process of setting up) his own brewing company, Mercs Own Brewing Company. I’m not clear on the relationship, but I expect that Holgate are brewing this beer on contract for Mercs.

I have to say that the concept of peach and beer didn’t really cry out to me. The last time I mixed these two was in the eighties, Peach Wine Cooler and VB (yes; another Austudy cheque well spent); you can guess the result. So it’s with trepidation that I approach Mercs Own Peach Ale. Happily though I can report that peach is not what this beer is about. The beer has a very light flavoursome, fruity nose and while we may expect the (dreaded) peach, it’s really not dominant, to be honest I really cant place the fruit (no surprise with my nose though). In the mouth the beer jumps up and down (dare I say dances) with a very fine but very full carbonation, it was really surprising how much fizz this beer has. Looking back at my notes on Holgate I guess I should have expected this high burp factor. Looking at the makers notes though I believe the beer is completely bottle conditioned so this extra bite should not be confused with the nasty swill the mainstream brewers produce. Given the name, I expected a sweet fruity taste, but the beer has a tart refreshing flavour although finishes a little sour to my taste. Did I mention the carbonation?

I’m guessing that this beer would pretty much split a field with folk who love it and folk who hate it. For me, I’m not a fan of the big fizzy beers, but that said “Mercs Own Peach Ale” is a pleasant beer and a very good first commercial effort. I look forward to seeing what Paul brings to market next.

Food, hmmm, tough call. Paul was recently promoting his beers and company through some Tapas parties so I guess that is as good a recommendation as any. Perhaps some pastrami, pepperoni, meaty type stuff as a counter to the fruit.

I bought this beer at “Nicks Wine Merchants”, it was $2.99 a bottle.