King Road’s fondness for using Strata hops has been well documented over their rise to recognition as one of WA's best and most consistent breweries. However, what’s less recognised is their affection for hops from the land of the long white cloud. Seasonal #008 makes a strong case for righting that omission with a trio of Nelson Sauvin, Superdelic and Nectaron radiating NZ terroir.
NZCIPA’s lean malt profile and clean lagering provides just enough of platform for these hoppy endeavours to take shape. Indeed, a startled sampling companion commented: "There's nothing in the way – the hops are just immaculate in flavour and aroma."
As such, classic NZ hop "greenness" surrounds the glass, its verdant aromatics expanding to floral lime, lemongrass, under-ripe white peach, basal sappy resin and light zingy spice – all coming together in unison. The increasingly dry length carries the lean structure longer as bitterness falls away – a neat trick which makes this seem more bitter than it actually is, a factor that only adds to the wild drinkability.
Guy Southern
Published March 19, 2024 2024-03-19 00:00:00
