Boag's XXX Ale (Red)

This week's beer is Boag's XXX Ale (Red)

Boag's XXX Ale, more commonly known as Boag’s Red is another fine product by the James Boag’s Brewery in my home city of Launceston. This beer in particular has been brewed since 1883 and is one of the Breweries unique beers in that it isn’t sold outside of Tasmania. Even with this limitation it continues to sell in large quantities across the state with a cult-like following.

Stubbies or cans? which do you prefer?

Available in stubbies, cans and now on tap the brightly coloured packaging and label has earned it the “Red” nickname. It has a clean and crisp taste with good hop bitterness. Its light golden glow appearance is attractive to me as a beer drinker. The price ranges depending on where you buy it, a carton should set you back around $50 while on tap prices are different per establishment.

Boag’s Red is 4.8% ABV and the label features a figure on a horse battling a dragon. James Boag’s has been using St. George on their beer labels which gives them a tough and resilient image.

Old School Red

This is a quote direct from the Boag’s website about their products: “Today, the James Boag Brewery still insists on using crisp Tasmanian water, and only the finest hops and barley, to produce a range of exceptional beers. Each bottle we make represents the purity and wonder of our island home, and our ongoing commitment to brewing excellence.” www.boags.com.au/history

Let’s see what the other critics think:

Ratebeer.com: Mixed reviews, averaging 2.5 out of 5. Ratebeer.com even refers to this Ale actually being a lager.

Beeradvocate.com: Once again mixed reviews with an average rating of 2.75 out of 5.

Untapped.com: Mainly good reviews. 2.96 out of 5.

While researching this beer I learned that the odd name for this beer attracts alternate pictures if you don’t have “safe search” enabled on Google.

I was surprised more by what I didn't find though. After over 100 years of people drinking this beer I found very little about it. I am curious about why it is named XXX Ale since it is a Lager but the internet didn't seem to have an answer for me - investigation is ongoing.

If you live in Tasmania I hope you have already been to this place, if you are from somewhere else this is a building you must visit – The Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers. This is a merchandise shop, bar and part of the brewery tour all rolled into one.

GO HERE!!!

I love this place

Boag’s Red is one of my favourites and I hope it becomes one of yours too!

Red on tap is hard to find but worth it

If this beer doesn’t tempt you to visit Tasmania then I don’t know what will!

Cheers,

Boag’s uses Tasmania’s amazing water to make their products – see for yourself by clicking on this link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94syGYcdGcU