For this blog we really wanted to visit somewhere we hadn't been to before, that has a wide range of beers and an enjoyable atmosphere; somewhere you could take your friends and basically have a good time and even be pleasantly surprised. So it looks like we are going on a boat again....
The sea. The sun. The surf - the perfect backdrop for a nice Sunday afternoon you may think. Screw that, we are here for the beer and this time around we are at Murray's in Manly. Once again we find ourselves crossing the harbour on another beer voyage but this time we are heading into uncharted waters (well for us anyway) to one of the more interesting brewpubs in Sydney.
Karl: When Dan first mentioned Murray's I thought why bother, we've either reviewed it or drunk it....how wrong I was!!. When we arrived there were at least 16 taps.... I wasn't up for a big one and this was on a Sunday, so I twisted Dan's arm to have a quick pint before we started the sampler paddles - four tap beers of your choice for $19 (roughly 140ml).
Dan: I must admit there were more beers here than I initially imagined including four non Murray's brews and a plethora of bottled booze. Whilst casting my eyes over the specials board I couldn't help but notice the ABVs - 6.2%, 6.4%, 7.5%, 7.7% and then 10% for the handpumped Spartacus, this might get messy...
For the record we didn't cover all of the beers, including the four non Murray's brews which included Doctors Orders Brewing "Iron Lung", Hunter Beer Co. "Hunter Bock", Hopdog BeerWorks "Horns Up Rye IPA" and the Apple Thief "Pink Lady Cider" but we gave it a good shot! We have reviewed the Angry Man Pale Ale before here and it is worth noting that this beer was the highest ranked in the critics' choice coming in at number 10. In regards to prices they ranged from $6 through to $12, depending on the strength of the beer and the stronger beers were not available in pints.
Murray's Whale Ale
Dan: The Whale Ale is Murray's signature beer; a refreshing wheat beer with some late hopping in the mix makes this a dependable drop which can be enjoyed year round. This was the first Murray's beer I tried at Bob's Farm and is easily the most widely distributed now, with an ABV of 4.5% the Whale Ale is one of the standouts in the Murray's bastion.
Karl: We've had a few of these Dan and I really can't remember a time they haven't been enjoyed. The hop and wheat are so well balanced in the Whale Ale that one generally isn't enough, but with so many beers on offer, I think we should crack on.
The Libertine
Karl: Being a nice sunny day I had a thirst for a crisp beer to cool me down and excite the taste buds. The Libertine was perfect for this; with a light floral aroma, fruity aftertaste and a slight hint of wheat, this beer is best suited for warm weather. An ABV of 5% lends itself to being a good session beer during summer, although I couldn't see myself drinking too many Libertines on a cold winters day.
Angry Man Brown Ale
Dan: I was expecting a mild English Ale when I saw this on the board but boy was I wrong. A malthouse of a beer at 6.5% with a strong caramel flavour made me realise I won't be knocking this back like it is going out of fashion; a perfect finisher though, coming in at number 59 on this years Critics' Choice list.
Karl: Dan, from the first taste of this beer I was struck with how strong it is and with an ABV of 8.8% it is not for the faint hearted. Having a very fruity nose and a malty aftertaste with a hint of wheatiness makes this a very enjoyable beer - given the Grand Cru uses Belgian yeast and is brewed in this style is to be expected; but adds to the pleasure of this beer. Dan do you think this one could bring the pirate out in us?
Dan:You are right Karl the Grand Cru is not for the faint hearted, but this is one hell of a decent brew. I actually remember trying one of these years ago at Murray's in Bobs Farm and the memories came flooding back straight away. A Belgian/Golden Ale hybrid the Grand Cru is truly unique and is a beer to be savoured not smashed. It is no surprise at all to me this made the critics list at number 74.
Rock Around the Clock Bock
Dan: After my first sip of this German inspired Lager all I could taste was the malty goodness, but then it hits you in the back of the throat - this is one strong beer! Personally, I would compare this to the Vale DRK Lager but with a much heftier ABV - 7.7% to be precise, drinkable but definitely in moderation.
Big Wednesday Pale Ale
Karl: I would recommend the Big Wednesday as one of those beers that's a good introduction to IPAs. The strong hop aroma and fruity aftertaste makes this a great summer session beer; however at 6.1% ABV don't knock them back too quickly or you may find yourself in trouble.
Punk Monk
Dan: I have to say Karl, the Punk Monk really surprised me - Here I was expecting a strong, fruity Belgian Ale but instead I'm getting a hoppy, wheaty, malt infused Lager/Saison/Ale, what in the blazes is going on here? Incidentally this is a fantastic beer and easily drinkable but it does pack a punch, coming in at 7.5% ABV. Over to you Karl.
Karl: Again I'm getting this Belgian influence Dan....well Murray's have used the Belgian yeast again and what can I say...sensational. The Punk Monk offers a soft hop aroma, finishing with a fruity flavour backed up by a slight wheat aftertaste; along the lines of a Belgium/German infused Witbier/Weissbier, but without the heaviness. A great session beer which can be drunk all year round.
Rudeboy Pils
Dan: A welcome respite in a sea of strong beers, the Rudeboy Pils is a perfect palate cleanser between rounds and hits the nail on the head for flavour, crispness and colour. A honest year rounder at a mere 4.8% ABV this is one of Murray's most popular beers.
Dark Knight
Karl: This has popped up in a few pubs Dan and I drink in and coming into winter Porters are going to be popular all over the place but I don't think this one can hold it's own. It has a weak malt nose and taste, and really isn't for me.
Icon 2IPA
Dan: One of the hoppiest beers in the Southern hemisphere, the Icon 2IPA doesn't hold back and I found it to be a very complex, yet well balanced beer. The extensive hopping gives it an almost peppery taste with a slight hint of citrus but I would be struggling to knock back a lot of these. However, this is a really interesting IPA as there is a lot going on in this beer; incidentally this was the second highest ranked Murray's beer by the critics, coming in at number 15.
Karl: I can see why the Icon 2IPA ranked so highly. I think this is an IPA for all IPA drinkers with great citrus and floral aromas backed up by a mild hop finish. Being quietly surprised by this IPA I would drink this all year round and is a perfect session beer - and it's not often Dan and I disagree on session beers. BUT at 7.5% ABV this would be a short session!
Spartacus
Karl: The Spartacus was nice off the tap, but it is great from the handpump! Now the Spartacus is in its element; being warmer and with no carbonation the flavour really comes out making this taste more like a Belgian beer. This is a fantastic example of a strong Belgian brew and the ABV is a cracking 10%. I love Belgian beers so for me this is the only way to drink this beer! So Dan what are your thoughts, was the tap better or the hand pump?
Dan: I tried the Spartacus both from the tap and the handpump and you are right on the money with this one Karl. The hops seep through this beer and Murray's have definitely smashed this out of the park in my opinion. This is a hefty IPA with a powerful kick at 10% ABV so I would heartily recommend bringing a sleeping bag if you intend to have a few of these as you won't be getting home!
Karl: As Dan and I were leaving Murray's in Manly we both had a sense of satisfaction and a cheeky smile on our faces as if to exclaim " we have done it, we have conquered Murray's". But really I think it was just a sense of satisfaction with the consumption of good beer. Murray's is definitely a place that will be enjoyed by everyone, with plenty of choice you are easily going to be able to find a beer you like. But the question still had to be asked... what were your top 3 beers. So let's have it Dan?
Dan:
- Spartacus - magnificent beer, especially off the handpump
- Grand Cru - an innovative take on a Belgian classic and a must have at Murray's.
- Angry Man Brown Ale - solid finisher which would also appeal to anyone who enjoys a Porter
Karl: Dan with the heavy European influence at Murray's this is a really hard choice, but I'll give it a go.
- Spartacus - okay this one is a no brainer
- Punk Monk - this was the biggest surprise to me
- Icon 2IPA - great beer, if you like IPA's you have to try this
Well Dan it was a relief we didn't end up on the ferry acting like pirates... ..even if we did drop into the 4 Pines for a quiet cleanser and to refill the growler, where we were met by Bushranger Craig who had a snifter and drove us home - thanks mate.
One last thing, here is the link to The Critics' Choice Australia's Best Beers book if you are interested.
Until next time
49 North Steyne
Manly NSW 2095
02 9977 0999
Follow @ourshoutbeer
