Reckless Red IPA

In March 2020, the Reckless crew were just about to brew a big batch of a sessionable beer when it became clear that Australia was about to go into lockdown. So at the last minute, they decided to change tack and go with a smaller batch of a bigger beer - thus the Red IPA was born almost by accident. And what a happy accident it is. 

While it’s heavy by Reckless standards, this beer is lighter than many red IPAs; it’s fresh and zippy rather than sticky or syrupy. Even the colour is quite light, with the Shepherd’s Delight and Redback from Gladfield Malt bringing a rich rust colour rather than a dark ruby. What it’s not light on is flavour. A little caramel sweetness complements a boatload of hoppy character from Mosaic and Citra, easing you into the bitterness while the citrus, stonefruit and pine dance on your tongue. 

Reckless holds this up as a beer for camping trips in autumn, stencilling the can’s label with a tent, campfire and fallen leaf. But if said camping trip gets cancelled due to bad weather, this beer is equally appropriate for a Netflix binge under the doona while it’s raining outside. Mick Wust