Cracking Tips By Joel

Joel is one of Beer Cartel’s resident Beer Experts. As passionate as he is knowledgeable - when Joel isn't taking us down a rabbit hole about the best beer, wine or coffee you've never heard of (but can't wait to try), he 's usually reeling off some choice quotes from Seinfeld.

Check out his cracking beer recommendations below.

Cracking Tip #3: Fantome Saison

Since 1988, Dany Prignon has been brewing delicious and unique saisons, whilst earning a cult following amongst beer connoisseurs. This is his flagship beer, with a more structured malt profile than a conventional saison, and refreshingly crisp and dry for an 8% beer.

It's a stunning beer disguised in simple packaging, easily my favourite for this style.

Get Fantome Saison here.

Cracking Tip #2: Sierra Nevada Hoptimum 2023 Triple IPA

Ken Grossman started Sierra Nevada (and arguably craft beer as we know it) in his garage way back in 1979. Hoptimum is a massive ‘old money’ West Coast IPA made by the guys who practically invented the style.

If you love big IPAs with that classic bold bitterness flavour and you haven’t tried this yet, you’re doing it wrong!

Get Sierra Nevada Hoptimum here.

Cracking Tip #1: Oude Gueuze Tilquin a l'Ancienne

Pierre Tilquin, master blender at Gueuzerie Tilquin, cut his teeth blending beer at Cantillon and 3 Fonteinen before starting his own blending label in 2009.

The Oude Gueuze Tilquin a l'Ancienne is a blend of lambics acquired from Girarden, Boon, Lindemans and Cantillon, meaning each bottle has a little bit of Cantillon magic hidden inside which you can enjoy for a fraction of the price. The lambic from Cantillon, which is blended in this beer, generally sells for upwards of $100+ a bottle and can be extremely hard to get.

If you are a sour beer fan this is an absolute must try and represents exceptional value. Complex, yet refreshingly balanced with a dry apple cider like finish - Yum!

Get Oude Gueuze Tilquin a l'Ancienne here.