John Boston Pale Ale
Pinnacle Drinks

Having had several APAs by Australian brewers, the fairest shake is to create their own PA style. They brew for their hot, sunny climate which is so different than the U.S. Pacific Northwest, the heart of the APA and many of its variations. So to give a fair shake, I rate John Boston according to its competition APAs that never get off of this hot, dry continent: call the style AuPA.

John Boston's Pale has a slightly darker pale than its AuPA brethren and a bit more foam, but I'd like to see more excitement (foam.) Smells are mostly malt. Tastes are balanced, with just enough hops to create interest. It is more light than medium-mouthed, but got enough bubbles.

As for Pinnacle, they are not a brewer, but a winemaker and a distributor marketing wine, spirits and beer to the Aussie market. Their website is as fluffy as it is informative. And at the risk of appearing as a beer snob, I won't comment on what a winemaker knows about good beer. But the business strategy makes sense: Australia is an isolated island, but has enough drinkers (and a great lifestyle) for a company like Pinnacle to distribute good brands to them. But, I'd like to know who brewed John Boston.