Tipples Review #94 - Fixation Incubator (Australia)

Fixation are a bit of a sensation in Australia, they started about two years ago (after one of the key members of the Mountian Goat Brewery team left after they were bought out by Asahi) with the view to produce nothing but IPAs. Although they are Melbourne based, they brew at Stone & Wood a few thousand Kilometres away, near Byron Bay. They have really only had four beers - Fixation (An IPA). The Fix (A Double IPA), Obession (a session IPA) and Squish (A IPA with grapefruit)

But they have recently opened a venue in Collingwood in inner city Melbourne, which has it's own small pilot brewery in it, and it where they test their new beers, all IPAs of course - and it's called, aptly enough 'The Incubator'

So off we went to see what was on offer, we only had time for a couple of brews, but I can tell you the set up is very impressive, clean, slick, fresh, light and impressive, a simple bar with maybe 8 taps, and stainless steel in the corner.

but onto the beer.

The Brut IPA with the Stainless in the background

Fixation Brut IPA
I understand that Brut IPAs are all the rage at the moment, but I don't understand this as a concept, basically it hoppy but dry. I've tried a few and never been that impressed, in fact, this probably the only one I've liked, it feels fresh and fruity. I'm not sure I'd describe it as dry but rather as just darn tasty.

Some of that amazing sunlight with the 86, which is a touch hazy

The 86
Named for the tram that runs past the front door, how very Melbourne. It's pretty easy drinking although at 6.2% the tram would be a good choice to head home. It doesn't have any stand out hop characteristic it's more a gentle vibe of an IPA than a smack in the head - would happily drink it everyday.

If you are in Collingwood pop in it'll be worth it.

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