12/05/2026
A motley-looking crew this gang-of-4 aint!
KRB is very well-regarded, and rightly so, for new world takes on the most classic of Continental Europe styles. Indeed you could probably only count Sydney's Slow Lane Brewing as a true peer. The Kolsch, despite the general public's lack of appreciation for the style, has been an excellent performer for us both in packaged format and keg.
But, with that said, you will notice that 3 of the 4 beers in the pic are decidely modern and very fresh takes on very established styles. The Australian Independant IPA weighs in a little higher at 7.5% for the 2026 rendition but the uber-balanced malt/hop profile eats the booze up with ease. I've said before that the 2025 vintage was the best IPA we poured last year and I expect to be making similar claims, in due course, about the current version.
As we know single hop varietals are beer's answer to single vineyard wines but these builds usually get directed to IPAs. KRB have taken a different path opting to place the super fresh Luna and Galaxy hops into Wet Hopped Pale Ales. Goes without saying both are rippers.
Finally, a well deserved shout out for the 'Mabon', Australia's best Doppelbock. Coffee, toffee and plenty of malts. Good, but sensible, power in the palate at 7.5%.
