Brewing Collaboration with Anise Myrtle: Interview with head brewer of LORD NELSON BREWERY HOTEL

Brewing Collaboration with Anise Myrtle: Interview with head brewer of LORD NELSON BREWERY HOTEL - Andrew Robson - Master of Botanical Beers

Tristian Kelly, our Head of Brand spoke to Andrew Robson, from the iconic Lord Nelson Hotel in Sydney's The Rocks about the creative journey behind his latest masterpiece, the “Achilles Lightning”, a specialty one-off beer showcasing the unique blend of Anise Myrtle in brewing.
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For over a decade, Robson has been at the forefront of brewing innovation at the Lord Nelson, a venue celebrated for its core range of beers and its adventurous foray into specialty brews. The recent introduction of the special edition of Anise Myrtle beer is a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing.

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The Inspiration Behind Achilles Lightning
When asked about the motivation for integrating Anise Myrtle into beer, Robson's enthusiasm was palpable. "It's just a great combo, never been done before," he explained. The decision to craft a beer with Anise Myrtle was driven by the desire to create something genuinely unique - a beer that stands out in a crowded market. According to Robson, no other brewery has ventured into this territory, making Achilles Lightning a first of its kind.
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The name itself, Achilles Lightning, reflects the innovative spirit of the brew. Aniseed, with its deep roots in Greek culture, and the 'lightning' element, hinting at the beer's surprising shock factor, perfectly encapsulate the essence of this groundbreaking beer.

Crafting the Perfect Sip.

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Achilles Lightening is a Kolsch-style beer, characterized by its light body, minimal bitterness, and subtle hop character, built on a foundation of pilsner malt. The result is a refreshingly light beer with a nuanced aniseed finish that lingers, offering a gentle yet unmistakable presence of aniseed.
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Robson's approach to brewing with botanicals is insightful. "Beer, being 95 percent water, provides a wider canvas to incorporate more flavors", highlighting the potential for innovation in the industry. For Achilles Lightning, a 2mm cut size of dried Anise Myrtle leaf was used, exemplifying the meticulous attention to detail that goes into each brew.
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Pairing and Popularity
This distinctive beer pairs exquisitely with both Asian and Greek cuisines, further enhancing its appeal. The response from patrons has been overwhelmingly positive, with many surprised and delighted by the originality of tasting Anise in a beer.

Robson's pioneering work doesn't stop with Anise Myrtle, having previously created a beer with Lemon Myrtle, taking it a step further by producing a case run available at various locations, indicating a growing trend towards botanical-infused brews.

​A Call to Innovation
​This interview not only celebrates innovation, but also serves as an invitation to beer brands worldwide to explore the untapped potential of using native botanicals in their creations. #brewing #beerindustry #beernews