Beer with the Brewer: Richard Watkins
It’s only fitting that the next instalment of our Brewery Series features one of Australia’s most respected craft breweries, which has called our nation’s capital home since 2014. Yes, we’re talking about BentSpoke Brewing Co.
Known for pushing the boundaries of his craft, we recently caught up with twice crowned Australian Champion Brewer, Richard Watkins to find out the secret of BentSpoke’s Brewing Co.’s success.
Q: Bentspoke has been making consistently awesome beers for some time now. What’s the key to creating consistently tasty beers?
A: Being innovative and creative, never taking yourself too seriously. Having fun and experimenting with different ingredients. Collaborating with great growers, farmers and local craft beer lovers always pushes us to create beers that people will love.
Q: In a market where punters are always after something new and different, how has Crankshaft, the number 1 beer in the GABS Hottest 100, stayed so popular?
A: We pride ourselves on making sure every beer that we produce is of the highest quality , and we believe that is something along with our hop forward nature that makes this beer good, people have come to love it and know they can enjoy a great tasting IPA that is consistent, it cranks!
Q: COVID has thrown a spanner in the works of breweries across the world. With more and more beer being consumed in package, have you had to change anything that you do with your products?
A: Yes it was hard for everyone in the industry, but BentSpoke worked hard and have come out the other side stronger. We didn’t have to change our beers , we just worked harder and harder on better quality.
Q: Does pineapple belong on pizza?
A: Na just tomato cheese and basil , simple.
Q: No business is an overnight success. What was the biggest challenge you faced in achieving what you have to date?
A: The biggest challenge has always been sustainable growth. Being in control of everything and not having to rely on outside resources. BentSpoke has had a big focus on having control of what we do.
JOIN OUR INTERACTIVE ONLINE TASTING SESSION AND DRINK YOUR BEERS WITH THE BREWER!
We’re excited to announce our first interactive online tasting session, featuring none other than Richard Watkins himself!
To take part in this session, simply select the PRIVATE tasting option when purchasing your Bentspoke Mixed Pack!
BentSpoke Brewing Co. Pack 2.0
- BREWED BY BENTSPOKE BREWING
- STYLES: GOSE, ALE, IPA, PALE ALE
-
ABV: 3.2 – 7%
- 375ML CANS
What’s Included:
14 Beers From Bentspoke Brewing
2x BentSpoke How’s It Gosen Cherry Gose
2x Bentspoke Easy Cleansing Ale
2x Bentspoke Sprocket IPA
2x Bentspoke Red Nut IPA
2x Bentspoke Barley Griffin Pale Ale
2x Bentspoke Morts Gold
2x Bentspoke Crankshaft IPA
1x Craft Cartel Beer Glass
1x Glass Guide
$10 Craft Cartel Voucher
MEMBERS PRICE: $80.10
NON MEMBERS PRICE: $89
TASTING NOTES
BentSpoke How’s It Gosen Cherry Gose, 375ml Can, ABV 4%
It’s a light, dry easy drinker, where the cherry aromas and flavour (from real Australian cherries) are well restrained. Despite that subtlety, there is a real tart zing before the true to style saltiness calms the palate, making this perfect as an afternoon refresher for the ensuing warmer weather.
Bentspoke Easy Cleansing Ale, 375ml Can, ABV 3.2%
A cleansing ale, this easy drinking mid-strength will keep you well hydrated but in low gear through summer. Dry hopped with Citra and Mosaic. Featuring tropical fruit hop aromas and a clean finish.
Bentspoke Sprocket IPA, 375ml Can, ABV 7%
Crankshaft’s younger sister, Bentspoke Sprocket Summer IPA, is a big and hoppy brew with raw, tropical fruit, sniffs and tastes.
Bentspoke Red Nut IPA, 375ml Can, ABV 7%
A Red IPA with a resiny hop and caramel malt character, Red Nut features Fortnight, Mosaic, Citra, EKG and Amarillo hops for a big hoppy punch on top of a strong, dark, malt base.
Bentspoke Barley Griffin Pale Ale, 375ml Can, ABV 4.2%
BentSpoke Barley Griffin is a mild cloudy Australian Pale Ale. Soft fruity aromas and light biscuity malt leaving a nice light mouth feel.
Bentspoke Morts Gold, 375ml Can, ABV 4.4%
A crisp, hoppy lager named in honour of Thomas Sutcliffe Mort, founder of Australia’s first gold mining company.
Bentspoke Crankshaft IPA, 375ml Can, ABV 4.8%
Floral nose with notes of citrus and pine. Medium-bodied with a nice punch of hops and solid malt finish.