The Bastard Children of the British Empire is 4 Pines Brewing Company’s latest Keller Door Release. Usually a single release, The Bastard Children of the British Empire actually features a collection of pales ales from around the world, paying homage to the colonisation of the pale ale and its countries of origin.

The collection features a total of six pale ales from England, America, New Zealand, Australia and Belgium, including 4 Pines’ own creation of an additional American style pale ale.

The range aims to educate consumers on how one style can be so different, depending on its environment, the brewer and the ingredients used.

General Manager at 4 Pines, Jaron Mitchell said: “Pale ale is probably the most recognised craft beer style in Australia, but the flavour profile can differ so dramatically depending on various influences. We really wanted to give people the opportunity to understand how interesting and diverse one style could be. Since the Brits first gave us the style, we thought we’d follow the journey of the beer as it progressed around the world.”

English IPA – 6.0% ABV

Robust in flavour with a subtle aroma of raisins and British herbs. This English IPA combines both traditional floor-malted Marris Otter (English two-row varietal barley) and copious amounts of famously-earthy English hops.

American IPA – 6.3% ABV

Boasting a full flavour and resinous musk, this aggressively hopped American IPA has assertive bitterness and distinctive aromas of citrus and grapefruit. Unfiltered to maintain the raw, tannic mouthfeel from the hops.

New Zealand Pale Ale – 4.5% ABV

This pale ale has a broad spectrum of tropical fruit characters typical of New Zealand hops. Clean and crystal clear from cold filtration.

Australian Pale Ale – 5.0% ABV

This brew is straw-like in appearance, unfiltered and naturally conditioned for one month in the bottle. Small amounts of carried-over yeast provide a distinctive fruitiness.

Belgian Pale Ale – 5.6% ABV

Traditionally less bitter with a toasty malt sweetness, the famous yeast-driven phenolics produce a refreshing spicy and fruity character.

4 Pines Pale Ale – 5.1% ABV / 35 IBU

A colourful deep ruby amber appearance. Aromas of pine and grapefruit overlay a malt backbone. The palate’s full-bodied with malty flavours and a tight and bitter finish.