Boatrocker Brewers and Distillers, based in Braeside in Melbourne's south east, built its reputation on barrel aged and wild fermented beer, so a clean, precise lager is a deliberate change of pace. This one follows the Japanese approach of brewing with rice alongside the malt, a technique used to lighten the body and sharpen the finish.
It pours pale gold with a tight white head. The aroma is delicate, all Saaz floral character with a faint lift of citrus zest, and the palate is light and silky rather than sweet.
The rice keeps everything crisp, so the beer finishes dry with a clean, refreshing bitterness and no lingering malt weight. It is built for easy drinking, and works particularly well alongside sushi, fried chicken or anything off the grill.