I was one of the first few lucky ones to be chosen to try James Boag’s new special creation. A collaboration between distinguished chef Matt Moran, chief sommelier Matt Dunne and head innovation brewer Simon Hanley, James Boag’s Epicurean range was exactly what the name says. I want to be descriptive yet appropriate, so I’ll say it was very pleasurable

We all know James Boag as premium beer brewed down in Tassie. So, with this new range, they didn’t steer away from their speciality, they just added a fancier feel to compliment the fine dining elements. But when has beer ever been viewed as ‘fancy?’ 

I spoke with Simon during the event and conveyed my admiration on the ability to spot the gap in the market, tackle the traditions, and create their own twist to produce two great tasting beers. Simon spent almost two years refining the Epicurean range, which showcases the level of dedication and intricacy involved. The range consists of two selections – RED and WHITE, which has been aptly named to resemble wine. The Epicurean WHITE is crispy, light with floral and fruity hints, which compliment Asian and seafood meals. The Epicurean RED has rich notes of caramel and malted barley that pair well with the heartier and meaty selections. I could drink the Epicurean WHITE all day long, but as we were at a formal event, I had to be on my best behaviour.

To top things off, this experience had the backdrop of Day 1 of The Championships Racing Carnival at Royal Randwick. Sydney’s weather has been very bipolar lately, so it was great that the day was filled with sunshine. And sitting at the Chairman’s Club, my view was spectacular to say the least. 

For three months starting from April, an exclusive selected group of restaurants will be serving this up. The slim time frame is due to the ingredients used with only a single batch created for each variety brewed. It’s a collaboration, it’s limited, it’s fancy. I don’t need to say anything else. You know what to do.

A massive thanks to James Boag and Duncs and Jess from One Green Bean for organising everything to the finest details.