Perth's craft beer scene has delivered an innovative solution for those facing the classic New Year's Day dilemma: coffee for the morning jolt or a beer for the hair of the dog. The answer is now a definitive 'both,' thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between two local artisans.
A Collaboration Brewed in Maylands
The Seasonal Brewing Co., based in Maylands, has joined forces with the expert team at Modus coffee roasters to create a unique summer beverage: the Guji Ethiopian Coffee Sour. This limited-edition fruited sour is designed to showcase the complex, fruity character of high-quality Ethiopian coffee within a refreshing, tart beer framework.
For the project, Modus roasters Toby Glass and Sam Robbins embarked on an extensive tasting process, sampling numerous bean varieties. Their search concluded with beans from the Chebaga region in Ethiopia's Guji zone, prized for their pronounced fruity and floral notes. The integration of coffee into the beer was a meticulous, multi-stage process to extract maximum flavour without overwhelming bitterness.
The Four-Stage Infusion Process
The brewers employed a sophisticated four-stage method to build the coffee profile. Freshly ground beans were first introduced in the whirlpool stage. A second addition came as a mid-fermentation dry hop. Finally, the beer underwent two separate batch-ups with a cold brew made from whole beans. This layered approach ensures the coffee character is integrated and nuanced rather than blunt or overpowering.
Visually, the Guji Ethiopian Coffee Sour presents a bright, golden hue crowned by a soft, creamy white head. This foam is ephemeral, dissipating almost immediately after the pour, which is characteristic of the style.
Tasting Notes: From Citrus to Coffee
The aroma is a clean, inviting sourness with hints of citrus and stone fruit, subtly underpinned by the emerging scent of fresh coffee. On the palate, the experience evolves. The initial hit is the bright, refreshing tartness of a summer sour, with only slight whispers of coffee and chocolate fudge—reminiscent of a morning mocha.
The defining feature is the lingering coffee flavour that remains on the tongue, beautifully complementing light floral and tropical notes from the beer's fermentation. The result is a complex yet highly sessionable drink that bridges the gap between a specialty coffee and a craft beer perfectly.
With an alcohol content of 5 per cent ABV, it's substantial enough to satisfy but light enough for a summer afternoon or a shared recovery session. Priced at $8.50 for a single tin or $29 for a four-pack, it offers a premium craft experience for enthusiasts looking to explore the intersection of two beloved brews.
The Ideal Summer Recovery Brew
This collaborative creation arrives just in time for the summer holiday season and the subsequent recovery from New Year's Eve celebrations. It successfully answers the call for a beverage that can refresh and revive simultaneously. Whether you're a craft beer aficionado, a coffee connoisseur, or simply someone in need of a inventive pick-me-up, the Guji Ethiopian Coffee Sour presents a compelling and uniquely Australian option.
