Malt Shovel Brewery

James Squire One Fifty Lashes

Pale Ale - Australian

The story goes that when James Squire was discovered stealing ingredients from the stores to make the colony’s first batch of beer, the judge ordered… Read More

The story goes that when James Squire was discovered stealing ingredients from the stores to make the colony’s first batch of beer, the judge ordered 150 lashes, plus two barrels of ale. Thankfully for us, James Squire was a far better brewer than he was a thief.

Launched in 2011, this thirst-quenching Australian pale ale has proved a hit with customers around the country. This clean-finishing craft beer may be cloudy in appearance, but there’s nothing cloudy about the taste.

Malted wheat adds refreshing character, while the fruity infusion makes for an enticing aroma.

Whether you’re enjoying a fresh cut of meat or a tempting smorgasbord of seafood and fresh produce, you’ll want one of these straw-coloured beauties as the perfect complement to a casual feast.

James Squire One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale is also the ideal starting point for anyone looking to embark on a quest towards an appreciation of more flavourful beers. It’s a completely approachable craft brew that provides a gentle counterpoint to our more challenging Stowaway IPA.

Ironically, there was nothing gentle about the punishment James Squire received from the judge for stealing the ingredients that set him on the path to being Australia’s first and most famous brewer. So is One Fifty Lashes a beer as legendary as the story it’s named after? We’ll let you be the judge of that.

Malts: Pale, Munich and Wheat

Hops: Amarillo, Willamette, Nelson Sauvin and Galaxy Read Less

James Squire The Chancer

Blonde / Golden Ale - English

Never one to let a ball and chain hold him back, ex-convict James Squire seized every opportunity his emancipation offered. His unique blend of charm,… Read More

Never one to let a ball and chain hold him back, ex-convict James Squire seized every opportunity his emancipation offered. His unique blend of charm, skill and luck ultimately rewarded him an enviable fortune as Australia’s first brewer. But was he really happy? A brewery, money, freedom…what do you think?

Arguably the best looking of the James Squire craft beer range, the Chancer Golden Ale was launched in 2004. Noted for its distinctive orange-golden colour, unique tropical fruit aroma, restrained bitterness and dry finish, the Chancer has established itself as a firm favourite with our customers.

Although the name conjures up everything that was so appealing about James Squire – his willingness to take a risk and roguish charm – there’s nothing chancy about this English-style golden ale. A bit like Coopers Sparkling Ale in taste, the Chancer is noted for its tropical fruit flavour and high drinkability.

So what should you drink it with? Well, we’re tempted to say ‘anything’ (and you really could), but for the perfect match, try pairing it with delicate seafood such as fresh cold prawns, crab cakes, whitebait fritters or salt and pepper squid.

Alternatively, the Chancer is equally ideal for washing down a delicious chicken or Caesar salad, nachos, laksa, a margarita pizza and/or a cheese like buffalo mozzarella or cheddar.

Malts: Pale, Munich, Crystal and Wheat.

Hops: Amarillo Read Less

James Squire Nine Tales

Brown Ale - English

Every man’s life tells a story, but James Squire’s would have filled a library. From chicken thief and convict, he later found success as the Governor’s… Read More

Every man’s life tells a story, but James Squire’s would have filled a library. From chicken thief and convict, he later found success as the Governor’s bodyguard, a publican, baker, butcher, money-lender and, ironically, local constable. But the greatest chapter was brewing, which worked out nicely for the rest of us!

The original – and some would say still the best – James Squire craft beer, the Amber Ale is deservedly on its way to becoming an Aussie institution. This full-bodied, malt-driven beer is characterised by its rich copper colour, toffee-caramel sweetness and nutty finish balanced against citrus hop notes.

If you need a reference point before trying it for the first time, think Newcastle Brown Ale. The deft blend of pale and crystal malts were truly trail-blazing when Nine Tales was first launched 15 years ago, but while many other craft beers are now treading the same malt-driven path, ‘the original’ retains its pre-eminence.

Best enjoyed with richer meat dishes like a rack of lamb, lamb shanks, gourmet meat pies or a mouth-watering medium-rare steak (with a Port Salut or similarly lightly tangy cheese for good measure), the Nine Tales is guaranteed to get people talking over dinner. Whether they’ll have nine stories to match James Squire’s remains to be seen, but at least that gives you a reason to keep sharing Nine Tales with your mates until you get there.

Malts: Pale and Crystal.

Hops: Super Pride and Willamette. Read Less

James Squire Jack of Spades

Porter - English

Back when rum was the unofficial currency, it took a real gambler to bet his future on brewing. But James Squire was never one to shy away from a challenge… Read More

Back when rum was the unofficial currency, it took a real gambler to bet his future on brewing. But James Squire was never one to shy away from a challenge or try his hand at something new, quickly building a fortune from his brewery and tavern. You could say he was an archetypal jack of all trades, but to give credit where credit is due – he was a master of many too.

From this man of many tastes and talents comes Jack of Spades Porter. Utterly unique, it has a more delicate complexity than a regular stout with its rich black colour, coffee and chocolate aroma and pillowy head.

Jack of Spades Porter is perfect for colder winter months and pairs with hearty roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, porterhouse steak or take it to your dessert course and match it with a chocolate mud cake, double cream and raspberries.

Malts: Pale, Crystal, Chocolate and Roasted Wheat.

Hops: Dr Rudi Read Less

The Swindler Tropical Pale

Pale Ale - Australian

James Squire was man who seized the day, rolled with the punches and changed with the times, and two centuries later we’re still doing the same. So, we’ve… Read More

James Squire was man who seized the day, rolled with the punches and changed with the times, and two centuries later we’re still doing the same. So, we’ve put a fresh spin on one of your favourite brews, giving it a new look, a new taste and a new name. The Swindler Tropical Pale is a cracking brew, easy drinking and big on refreshment. If you haven’t heard of a tropical pale before, you soon will. It’s set to become one of the most popular new pale ale styles, so who better to kick off the tropical trend than James Squire?

Head brewer Haydon Morgan is pretty excited about it. “We’ve dry-hopped Galaxy and El Dorado hops to bring a big tropical aroma of passionfruit and melon. With a fresh, clean finish we reckon this will be a big hit coming into summer. I’m really happy with the new recipe, and I know when you try it, you’ll love it too!”

Nine stolen chickens earned James Squire a cramped berth on the First Fleet. But he had other plans, swindling his way onto the ‘Women’s Ship’ and thoroughly enjoying the rest of his journey.

The Swindler is the perfect year-round sidekick for good mates and sunny days, wherever and whenever you may find them. Bursting with taste and aroma, it’s a cracking match for a fresh, seasonal menu of hearty salads, lighter barbecue dishes and succulent seafood.

Hops: Galaxy and El Dorado

Malts: Pale and Munich Read Less

James Squire Four Wives

Pilsner - Other

James Squire loved adventure and brewing beers, but even more than that he loved women, having taken a wife and three mistresses throughout his life.… Read More

James Squire loved adventure and brewing beers, but even more than that he loved women, having taken a wife and three mistresses throughout his life. He left all of them something in his will, but thankfully we got the beer.

It’s a matter of historical fact that James Squire had an eye for the ladies (not to mention the roguish wherewithal to convince them to let him, shall we say, stir their hops), but he also had a nose for a good beer – and at least we can still compare to him there! With its floral and herbaceous aroma, deep gold colour and spicy palate, the James Squire Four ‘Wives’ Pilsener is an alluring craft beer that gives way to a longer bitterness (no jokes about marriage here, we promise).

Strong, bold and with more hopping than most lagers, it is similar to Pilsener Urquell or Beck’s. Unlike many European beers, though, Four ‘Wives’ is just as at home accompanying spiced seafood or a Thai stir-fry as it is with hearty Italian or, to get in the Oktoberfest spirit, German sausage. With his rather bohemian approach to women in general and commitment in particular, James Squire was one of a kind. And with its Bohemian flavours, the Four ‘Wives’ Pilsener he’s inspired is equally unforgettable.

Malts: Pale and Munich.

Hops: Dr Rudi, Czech Saaz and Motueka. Read Less

James Squire Orchard Crush Apple Cider

Cider - Traditional / Apfelwein

As Australia’s first brewer, James Squire grew many of the ingredients found in his first batches of brew himself, most notably Australia’s first crop… Read More

As Australia’s first brewer, James Squire grew many of the ingredients found in his first batches of brew himself, most notably Australia’s first crop of hops. Having had an orchard on his land, it wouldn’t be surprising if he experimented with cider in his day.

Think back 15-or-so years ago when the Australian craft beer market featured James Squire Amber Ale (now better known as Nine Tales) and, um,that was about it. Today, by contrast, craft beer is all the rage and you have a scene that is not so much thriving as singing and tap-dancing its way onwards and upwards.

Now Australian brewers and beer aficionados alike are turning their attention to a new brew – cider. Take James Squire’s Orchard Crush is a refreshing traditional cloudy cider with a fragrant, fresh aroma, a broad, clean palate and a crisp finish. The perfect accompaniment for pork chops or crisp pork belly with apple sauce, Orchard Crush Apple Cider is one of the best ciders around. Read Less

James Squire Stow Away

IPA - English

Back in the day, India Pale Ales were brewed with higher alcohol and extra hops to survive long sea journeys from London to colonial India. James Squire… Read More

Back in the day, India Pale Ales were brewed with higher alcohol and extra hops to survive long sea journeys from London to colonial India. James Squire had his own method of surviving his arduous voyage to Australia on the First Fleet. He smuggled himself onto the ‘women’s ship’ and by all reports the rest of his journey was quite nice, thank you.

With a name like Stowaway, you’d expect something that combines a desire for adventure with a determination to prove itself and James Squire Stowaway IPA doesn’t disappoint.

IPA stands for India Pale Ale, a term coined in an advertisement in an early Australian newspaper and originally brewed in England for consumption in India. The Stowaway is certainly feisty enough to last a long voyage thanks to its rich and robust taste, earthy, resinous and malty aroma and lingering bitter finish.

But perhaps the Stowaway’s most intriguing quality is its versatility. Drawing on over 200 years of IPA history, the Stowaway is the perfect partner for rich, gamey, traditionally English meat dishes like venison or duck, as well as highly spiced (and even downright hot) Indian dishes, from curry puffs to a brain-meltingly hot vindaloo. Or, if you fancy something that goes well with a few nibbles, the Stowaway is just as happy sailing along with some milder blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Cambozola.

Malts: Pale, Munich and Crystal.

Hops: Dr Rudi, EKG, Fuggles and Motueka. Read Less

James Squire Hop Thief 9

Pale Ale - American

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James Squire The Constable

Bitter - Session / Ordinary

From chicken thief and convict to wealthy farmer and brewer, James Squire’s life was certainly eventful – and, it seems, not without irony. He spent his… Read More

From chicken thief and convict to wealthy farmer and brewer, James Squire’s life was certainly eventful – and, it seems, not without irony. He spent his later years as a district constable, protecting the land from trespassers and thieves. How the tables were turned!

This beautifully coloured brew takes one of the most intriguing stories from James Squire’s life – his time as a regional district constable and puts a tasty twist on it. Brewed as a tribute to James’ transformation from con to cop.

The Constable is a deep-golden English-style ale, with a balanced nose of floral, citrus and earthy notes, a firm backbone of crystal and pale malts and a lingering hop bitterness.

According to Rob ‘Freshy’ Freshwater, Senior Brewer at the Malt Shovel Brewery, it’s ‘a flavoursome beverage for all to enjoy’. At 3.4 per cent alcohol per volume, the Constable is true to its inspiration and a classic thirst-quencher.

Freshy also recommends locking away a Constable or two with a nice rich red meat like lamb to match the crystal malts within the beer, followed by the cleansing characteristics of the hops coming through to provide the balance.

All in all, we’re confident that both craft beer newbies and long-time fans of the James Squire range will find the Constable mid-strength Copper Ale an arresting experience.

Malts: Pale, Munich and Crystal

Hops: Galaxy & Topaz Read Less

James Squire Broken Shackles

Lager - Pale

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Malt Shovel Brewers: This Is Our XPA

Pale Ale - XPA (Extra Pale)

A hop driven, tropical and fruity XPA with a malt sweetness to balance. This hoppy delight delivers aromas of grapefruit, passionfruit and melon.

A hop driven, tropical and fruity XPA with a malt sweetness to balance. This hoppy delight delivers aromas of grapefruit, passionfruit and melon. Read Less

James Squire Sundown Lager

Lager - Pale

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James Squire Hop Thief 10

Pale Ale - American

The James Squire brewers are pumped to release the Special 10th Edition of Hop Thief 10, the latest in our brew series that celebrates the amazing and… Read More

The James Squire brewers are pumped to release the Special 10th Edition of Hop Thief 10, the latest in our brew series that celebrates the amazing and unique characteristics different hops can contribute to beer.

This time we have looked to the mountains of New Mexico to source the new breed of Sabro hops to add unique flavours of tangerine, cream and cedar. Along with Sabro we have used Hop Thief favourites of Simcoe, Mosaic and Galaxy to provide a vibrant burst of tropical hop flavour. Read Less

James Squire Ginger Beer

Hard Ginger Beer

James Squire Ginger Beer has been carefully crafted with real ginger for a light, refreshing and zingy ginger taste. It can be enjoyed straight from the… Read More

James Squire Ginger Beer has been carefully crafted with real ginger for a light, refreshing and zingy ginger taste. It can be enjoyed straight from the can or over ice with fresh lime. Read Less

James Squire Mid River

Pale Ale - Australian

James Squire might have been a chicken stealing, highway robbing, convict lothario, but he had some serious business smarts. That’s why, in 1806, he built… Read More

James Squire might have been a chicken stealing, highway robbing, convict lothario, but he had some serious business smarts. That’s why, in 1806, he built his first tavern at Kissing Point on the shores of the Parramatta River, just at the spot where thirsty sailors would want to break their journey between Parramatta and Sydney Cove.

A full-flavoured pale ale with Vienna and Munich malts creating a rich, malty character. German hops give crisp herbaceous flavours and US hops add bright citrus and fruit aromas.

Malts: Pale, Vienna, Munich

Hops: Mosaic, Citra, Hallertau Tradition, Spalt Select, Northern Brewer Read Less

The Wreck Preservation Ale

Porter - English

The world’s oldest surviving beer – made new! The James Squire brewers have resurrected, then tamed a 220-year-old shipwreck yeast, crafting it into a… Read More

The world’s oldest surviving beer – made new! The James Squire brewers have resurrected, then tamed a 220-year-old shipwreck yeast, crafting it into a dark, malty, spicy & stormy brew that’s truly a once in a life time taste.

Because it’s such an old salt, there’ll be a dash of phenolics, and a splash of funk. The spicy notes are matched with malt depth of body and flavour from chocolate, roast, crystal and Abbey malts. Traditional English hops Fuggles and Bramling Cross give earthy notes and a hint of lemon/blackcurrent, plus a mild bitterness.

The story of Australia’s oldest merchant shipwreck, the Sydney Cove, is one of tragedy, survival and a remarkable discovery, that culminates in a truly history making brew. In a ground-breaking partnership between the Queen Victorian Museum & Art Gallery, the Australian Wine Research Institute and James Squire, the world’s oldest beer has been brought back to life.

Read more about the wreck here:
https://www.jamessquire.com.au/news/the-story-behind-the-wreck/

Two centuries in the making, The Wreck Preservation Ale will be available to try on tap only. Launching at GABS Melbourne 2018. Following GABS Melbourne, The Wreck will make its way home to Sydney for the launch of our new flagship venue “The Squire’s Landing” mid-May and GABS Sydney. Finally in June, The Wreck will be available in very limited supply at James Squire brewhouses nationally.

Malts: Pale, Choc, Abbey, Melanoidin, Carafe

Hops: Bramling Cross and Fuggles Read Less

Malt Shovel Brewers: Interceptor BIPA

IPA - Black / Cascadian Dark Ale

This rich and rewarding Black IPA has a mysterious, deep, dark colour. The distinctive hop bitterness balances well with the malt bill, which includes… Read More

This rich and rewarding Black IPA has a mysterious, deep, dark colour. The distinctive hop bitterness balances well with the malt bill, which includes some roasted (midnight) wheat, adding a depth of flavour as well as colour. The dry hopping process adds flavour and aroma notes of grapefruit and pine resin, further enhancing the complexity of this gratifying ale. Read Less

James Squire Zero

Non-Alcoholic Beer - Lager

An expertly crafted flavoursome, alcohol free Australian Lager, with a balance of malt and hop notes for a crisp finish and full flavour.

An expertly crafted flavoursome, alcohol free Australian Lager, with a balance of malt and hop notes for a crisp finish and full flavour. Read Less

James Squire Orchard Crush Pear Cider / Perry

Cider - Perry / Poiré

As Australia’s first brewer, James Squire grew many of the ingredients found in his first batches of brew himself, most notably Australia’s first crop… Read More

As Australia’s first brewer, James Squire grew many of the ingredients found in his first batches of brew himself, most notably Australia’s first crop of hops. Having had an orchard on his land, it wouldn’t be surprising if he experimented with cider in his day.

Think back 15-or-so years ago when the Australian craft beer market featured James Squire Amber Ale (now better known as Nine Tales) and, um,that was about it. Today, by contrast, craft beer is all the rage and you have a scene that is not so much thriving as singing and tap-dancing its way onwards and upwards.

Now Australian brewers and beer aficionados alike are turning their attention to a new brew – cider. Following the success of Orchard Crush Apple Cider, we turned our attention to pear cider. Now, let’s be clear, Orchard Crush Pear Cider is an equal, not a sequel – as anyone who experiences the fresh pear aroma, subtle sweetness and smooth finish will quickly appreciate.

This medium-dry cider is made from seasonal Australian pears, predominantly Packham pears, and goes perfectly with a cheese platter or a ploughman’s. Read Less

300 Lashes

Pale Ale - American

A golden coloured XPA for the hop lover who likes a lingering bitterness. A light malt base with hints of toffee balances a firm bitterness with stone… Read More

A golden coloured XPA for the hop lover who likes a lingering bitterness. A light malt base with hints of toffee balances a firm bitterness with stone fruit, melon, grapefruit and herbal flavours. Read Less

James Squire Cabin Fever

IPA - Session

The perfect brew for those seeking a hoppy hit that’s big on refreshment and a little lighter on the alcohol. Citra, Centennial, and the new Fortnight… Read More

The perfect brew for those seeking a hoppy hit that’s big on refreshment and a little lighter on the alcohol. Citra, Centennial, and the new Fortnight hop blend create a luscious citrus-tropical aroma. The beer’s initial sweetness gives way to a vibrant tropical hit and a clean finish that will leave you craving more.

Malts: Pale, Melanoidin, Carafa

Hops: Fortnight, Centennial, Citra Read Less

The Wreck Survivors' Ale

Porter - Imperial / Double

With the yeast from the world’s oldest surviving beer, salvaged from a shipwreck off of Tasmania, this is an Imperial version of last year’s The Wreck.… Read More

With the yeast from the world’s oldest surviving beer, salvaged from a shipwreck off of Tasmania, this is an Imperial version of last year’s The Wreck. The yeast is one of a kind, and only found in this beer. Brewed for GABS 2019. Read Less

Pedro's Lychee Sour Ale

Sour - Fruited Gose

For Stephanie and only Stephanie

For Stephanie and only Stephanie Read Less

James Squire Stride

Pale Ale - Australian

James Squire Stride is a clean refreshing low carb Pale Ale with all the flavour of a regular Pale Ale. Using only Australian Pale and Munich Malts with… Read More

James Squire Stride is a clean refreshing low carb Pale Ale with all the flavour of a regular Pale Ale. Using only Australian Pale and Munich Malts with a dash of Wheat. Tangerine, tropical stone fruit notes form the aroma and top notes while Mosaic and Galaxy hops deliver hints of passionfruit and citrus. Read Less