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Original Beer Company Sonnet XVIII

Original Beer Company
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🌍 South Korea · Herb Beer · One of 1 Herb Beers in hopIQ

A pale ale using fresh basil as a secondary ingredient — the herb character runs alongside, not instead of, the Citra hop note. Floral at the front, citrus-clear through the middle, with a dry-hoppy bitter finish. The name Sonnet XVIII refers to Shakespeare's 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?' — brewing as literary allusion.

ABV
4.9%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter37 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden6

AWARDS

Silver · 2025
Australian International Beer Awards 2025
Silver · 2024
World Beer Awards 2024
Finest Selection · 2024
Meininger's Finest Selection 2024
Bronze · 2023
London Beer Competition 2023
Bronze · 2022
World Beer Awards 2022
Silver — Australian International Beer Awards 2025
Silver — World Beer Awards 2024
Finest Selection — Meininger's Finest Selection 2024
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Medium body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Moderate bitterness.
mildbitter
Texture
Crisp mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

Even from Body through Texture, the taste structure is evenly distributed.

Harmony over emphasis — the beer is built for each note to sit at the same volume.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another Herb Beer.
Hop character
herbal
citrusy
floral
hoppy
Fermentation & yeast
clean

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Original Beer Company Sonnet XVIII

Appearance

A pale golden ale with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent white head that clings to the glass with good lacing. The carbonation is crisp and well-integrated, creating a lively visual presentation that befits its fresh, summery character.

pale goldenclearfine lacingbrisk carbonation

Aroma

Fresh basil leads the nose with a distinctive herbaceous character, layered beneath bright Citra hop notes that bring citrus zest and floral undertones. The overall aromatics are clean and inviting, with the herb and hop components in thoughtful balance rather than competition.

fresh basilCitra citrusfloralherbaceous

Taste

The palate opens with floral and herbal notes that transition smoothly into a citrus-driven mid-palate, where the Citra hop character shines clear and bright. A dry, grassy bitterness builds progressively through the middle and into the finish, supported by a light malt base that remains unobtrusive.

herbal entrycitrus-forwarddrygrassy bitterness

Finish

The finish is crisp and dry, with the hop bitterness lingering gently on the palate without harshness. A clean, refreshing aftertaste underscores the beer's elegant restraint and drinkability.

dry finishclean aftertastegentle lingering bitterness
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
81
Appearance
85
Finish
80
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Original Beer Company Sonnet XVIII

Serve at 7–10°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Original Beer Company Sonnet XVIII

About Herb Beer

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Herb Beer?

Herb Beer is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Herb Beer

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same herbal, dry, floral character as Original Beer Company Sonnet XVIII will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →