The Yak is Out: a new North American styled Pale Ale enters into the New Zealand Craft Beer category

What’s monstrous, hairy, crafted with only natural ingredients, and named after a robust yet approachable native Himalayan mammal that can be raced and trained as a family pet? Fat Yak Pale Ale from Matilda Bay Brewing Company.

 

Released this month, Fat Yak is the latest offering from the small brewer who has been around since 1984, Matilda Bay Brewing Company. The beer is made in the North American style pale ale and is the second, and easier drinking, pale ale to decorate Matilda Bay’s notable line up of hand-crafted beers.

 

So why the name? Couple of reasons. First, its kind of tradition of naming Matilda Bay beers after animals. It started with the dog (Dogbolter), then a toxic spider (Redback), followed by bees (Beez Neez) and a duck (Sebastian). Not wanting to move too far from custom, they called this one Fat Yak. Just like its namesake the yak, Fat Yak Pale Ale is gutsy and hairy but very approachable.

 

Fat Yak is crafted in Matilda Bay’s Garage Brewery, from all natural ingredients including premium malts, American Cascade hops and a hint of New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops.

 

A lovely golden amber colour, the first impression is the distinctive hop driven fruity and herbaceous aromas, giving characteristic passionfruit and melon notes. The taste is refreshingly clean on the palate which leaves you looking forward to the next Fat Yak.

 

Fat Yak pairs well with any food, but particularly well with spicy wedges, chorizo and tomato pizza or an antipasto platter with friends. 

 

Fat Yak Pale Ale is available in 6 pack bottles and Keg from the 16th November 2010 through selected outlets