We’re Hop-lessly Devoted.
We’re thrilled to announce that Hinterland Hazy, originally a limited release in our All Australian Hops series, has become a permanent member of our core range. Your enthusiasm for this hop forward Hazy Pale Ale has turned this once seasonal delight into a year-round favourite.
From a fleeting fling to a long-term relationship, this love story for Australian hops just grows stronger. Cheers to all of you who made it possible – welcome to the core range, Hinterland Hazy!
The Background.
Watch Australian Hop Series Episode 1 The Harvest & Episode 2 The Brew.
Since Day One, Stone & Wood has walked in step with Australian hop farmers.
In 2008, when we first brewed the Original Pacific Ale, we chose a little-known Tasmanian hop called Galaxy to produce the now iconic tropical fruit aromas and flavour in the beer.
At the time, our “perfumed fruit bomb” was completely left field compared to the more popular Australian beers, but in the years since, beer palates have shifted, the Australian craft beer scene has exploded, and the humble Galaxy hop is well and truly on the map.
Our Head Brewer, Caolan Vaughan said about this star hop, “Galaxy was one of those varieties that really put Australian hops on the scene, particularly in the craft beer space. To have a hop come out that was Australian and completely different to anything else in the market, it just set the world on fire.”
To shine a spotlight on Galaxy and some of the other amazing produce from our friends at Hop Products Australia, we’ve created the All-Australian Hop Series.
Australia’s hop industry is mostly based in regional Tasmania and Victoria, where the hop bines enjoy long daylight hours in summer and the moderate climate. The hop history around these regions stretches back over 150 years, with some of the current workers 3rd generation hop farmers.
Recently, Caolan ventured down to the Victorian Hop Fields for this year’s hop harvest and grab a handful of Galaxy hops fresh off the bine. His first trip back since 2018, Caolan was stoked to be back at the source of our great beers and among old friends at HPA.
“I love the celebration of hop harvest. To be able to go down and see it and smell it, it’s a very special time of year,” says Caolan.
Stone & Wood and HPA, the suppliers of Galaxy, have grown together. Galaxy came on the scene; Stone & Wood came on the scene right at the same time really – it was a match made in heaven.
On his visit, Caolan also checked out one of HPA’s latest varieties, Eclipse, a hop our brewers have been tinkering away with in our Byron brewery. After weeks at work, Caolan and the team have produced a beer that champions Eclipse and are ready to share it with thirsty beer lovers all over Australia.
The Beer
By using three Aussie hops: Vic Secret, Eclipse and Galaxy our brewers have produced a beer that’s juicy, vibrant and flushed with tropical fruit aromas and flavours. Low on bitterness with a golden haze and full-bodied finish, Hinterland Hazy sits at 5.2% ABV and is best enjoyed freshly chilled from the fridge.
AVAILABLITY
As part of our Core Range Beer, Hinterland Hazy is available all year round from Stone & Wood online, and Stone & Wood Tasting Rooms. From March 5th 2024, Hinterland Hazy is now available at Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, First Choice, Vintage Cellars, and other good beer stockists nationwide.
Stay tuned for updates on our Beer Finder as more independent retailers embrace this beauty.
