Limited-release Cirrostratus: Low Carb Beer.

One of our most popular taproom beers is finally getting its time in a tin.

When we first poured Cirrostratus as an experimental keg at our Gold Coast tappy last year, the reaction was immediate. It kept selling out. The bar crew were fizzing over it, and every time the taps ran dry, locals kept asking when it was coming back.

So, we decided to give more people the chance to see what it’s like to drink a wispy cloud. Meet Cirrostratus: a limited-edition Hazy Pale Ale that is in low carbs, but sky-high in taste, sitting at 5% ABV.

The Brew Process 

Brewing a great low carb beer is notoriously tricky. When you lower the sugars and drop the ABV down, you're usually swimming against the tide of a thinning body. Most low carb beers end up super dry, which is the exact opposite of what you want in a Hazy. The goal is a soft, fluffy, and rounded mouthfeel.

Our Head Brewer James Belsey and the team spent ages playing with recipes to solve this puzzle. The trick with Cirrostratus was keeping the hop bill high and leaning heavily into the resins and oils to fill out the palate weight. It ends up giving you that luscious mouthfeel without relying on sugars.

A Special Run of Hops

While this is noticeably a Balter Hazy, Cirrostratus steps away from the usual citrus-and- tropical playbook. A big part of that comes down to a very specific, very limited batch of hops.

During the hop harvest over in New Zealand, James was at the Hāpi Hop Symposium when he got chatting with former brewer and legendary beer judge Kelly Ryan from Freestyle Hops. Kelly mentioned he had a tiny stash (just 40kg) of a special Motueka hop crop grown in a place called Sunrise Valley. When a bloke like Kelly says he has something special, you listen.

We snagged the lot. Because of the specific topography and weather of Sunrise Valley, these Motueka hops drop the usual lemon-lime profile in favour of surprising notes of melon, grape, and a gentle earthy geranium.

The result is a beer that takes a sip or two to fully wrap your head around… then you’re hooked.

Here is our official take from the side of the tinnie:

Dripping with taste, this low-carb hazy is all luscious edges, succulence and saturation. Made with NZ grown Freestyle Hops, its delicious ripples of citrus drift into a smooth coconut finish. Named after those wispy clouds on the horizon, it's a beer lover's daydream. From us to you with enjoyment.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: A light, golden haze that looks as soft as it drinks.
• Aroma: Subtle rose water, fresh melon, grape, and a gentle hint of herbaceous geranium.
• Palate: Soft, fluffy, and surprisingly full-bodied. A delicate balance of citrus and stone fruit driven by hop oils rather than sweetness.
• Finish: Clean and smooth with a trailing coconut finish. Fruit-forward but never sticky.

Where to get Balter Cirrostratus?

Cirrostratus will be available exclusively through select Dan Murphy’s & BWS stores just in time for Easter. To get your lips on some of this crowd pleaser, head to our beer locator to find your nearest store.