James Squire Broken Shackles Lager

Craft lagers have supposedly been on the cusp of a boom ever since I’ve been writing about beer.

James Squire has tried in the past to lure mainstream drinkers with the Australian-style Sundown Lager, which was deleted a few years ago.

Then there is Four Wives Pilsener, a mainstay in the brewer’s range. It’s a favourite with the critics – winning a coveted Gold Medal at the World Beer Cup, among other accolades – but has never really gotten traction with Aussie drinkers. 

New contender Broken Shackles is a more approachable style of lager, lower in bitterness; probably closest to a Munich Helles in style.

It’s an absolute cracker of a beer, offering lovely biscuity malt flavour that really slides over the palate. 

There are some delicate spicy notes in the background, courtesy of late hopping with noble European varieties.

The finish is lovely and refreshing, compelling you to reach for another one – as any decent lager should. Let’s hope this newcomer goes the distance.