Though the name might not ring familiar to modern day beer drinkers it is the oldest of six major independent breweries including Fosters and Carlton that formed a union in 1907 called Carlton and United Breweries. The original McCracken’s City Brewery was built on the west end of Collins Street just sixteen years after Melbourne was founded in 1835. McCracken’s Lane in the CBD was named in tribut
e to the majestic brewery which spanned four inner city acres. Founded by brothers Robert and Peter McCracken with their brother in law James Robertson, McCracken’s started small but became one of the most prominent brewing businesses in Melbourne. Especially once Robert realised that Victorian drinkers wanted a lighter style beer instead of the heavy, bitter beers that were in vogue at the time. McCracken’s Amber Ale, while taking inspiration from the past, is brewed for Melbourne’s modern day drinker and is a refreshing and totally sessionable ale and less bitter than incarnations of yore. The brew combines Willamette hops and Pale and Crystal malts early, mid and late into the kettle to deliver a round Amber Ale with a mild spicy hop character. Balanced toffee biscuity flavours combined with a mild bitterness makes a full flavoured but easy to session beer. From March, McCracken’s Amber Ale will flow through the icy veins of Melbourne’s pubs, ready to serve and satiate Melbourne as McCracken’s beer did back in the 1800s. Brewed for Melbourne, McCracken’s is set to remind us of our roots.
