Mountain Goat Beer has been brewing in the back streets of Richmond, Victoria since 1997, founded by former homebrewers Cam Hines and Dave Bonighton. Steam Ale joined the brewery's core range in 2009 and stands as one of Australia's first certified organic beers.
Brewed in the California Common, or steam beer, tradition, it pours a pale, almost yellow colour with a slight yeast cloudiness and a white head. The nose leans towards light citrus and tropical fruit, leading into a clean, crisp, light-bodied palate that closes with a dry finish.
The name nods to traditional steam beers, lagers historically fermented at warmer ale temperatures. Mountain Goat turns that idea on its head, fermenting an ale at cooler, lager-like temperatures to land at the same crisp result. A portion of wheat malt is worked into the grist and American hops lift the bright, zippy citrus character. The beer is vegan friendly and brewed without preservatives.