Moon Dog Skunk Works DIPA

TASTING NOTES

Skunkworks is a Cognac barrel aged double IPA and was also a statement of intent by the brewery back when it launched with two of the three mates sleeping in the old office space at their original Abbotsford home. It’s a big beer with a boozy prickle – 9.1 percent ABV – and that alcohol combines with the hops, malt and Cognac barrels to create some stewed fruit like flavours too.

BREWERY SNAPSHOT

Two violin-playing brothers and their marvellously monikered mate have set out to create beers that meld styles, use all manner of unusual ingredients and frequently get to see the inside of barrels before being unleashed. In keeping with their unique ethos, Josh and Jake Uljans and Karl van Buuren have also situated their microbrewery in a spot equidistant between Carlton United Breweries headquarters and the Duchess brothel. What’s more, they’ve put it together from parts that include those used for seaweed-based cosmetics and an open fermentation tank from the former Wagga Wagga brewery that hasn’t been operational in around 80 years.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Moon Dog Brewery and Bar in Abbotsford, VIC offers free popcorn, a giant projector screen which drops down during key sporting events and a table tennis table which gets wheeled out in quieter periods. Plus, there’s a Pizza van out the front! What more could you want?