One Drop have collaborated with local tattoo artists Lighthouse Tattoo a few times now. For FUUUUU Hazy IPA, they've returned to the skilful work of Ryan Ussher for the can art (see Oni Citrus IPA for a previous example); his specialty is “bold, distinctive custom Japanese and neo-traditional”, with his pieces always displaying his uniquely gritty style. While his ink is more often splayed across someone’s back than someone’s beer can, we’re glad to see another One Drop tinnie exhibiting his work.
Ironically, though, the beer in said tinnie is quite the opposite of the fierce face on the label. Contrasting the threatening furrow of the brow is a hop character that, while full and fragrant, is far smoother than the forehead wrinkles of the demon’s visage. Gently layered malts carry the flowing notes of BRU-1, Mosaic and Galaxy to bring out zippy tropical flavours that are far more inviting than the toothy underbite. I don’t doubt this beer is super hopped… but I must say, it’s super drinkable.
For a collaboration of a more familiar kind – that is, between two breweries – hit up a Hearty DDH DIPA. One Drop put out a collab with Deep Creek this time last year, too, proving that no amount of travel restrictions can stop either friendship or beer.
This year’s shows off One Drop’s house hazy yeast blend (which actually features in FUUUUU as well, but I couldn’t help focusing on the artwork for that one), which has tropical esters setting the stage for the mango, passionfruit and nectarine sludge of some wonderful NZ hop varieties. Nectaron, Nelson Sauvin, and single-farm low temp Riwaka (I’m not well-versed enough in hop-lore to tell you what those qualifiers contribute to the Riwaka, but I’ll include them for your benefit) meld into a hop thickness that’s impactful without being too sweet. A citrus rind and white wine finish remains on your breath as you exhale after the last sip, and there’s a touch of heat in your chest as you remember this is, in fact, a double IPA.
Mick Wust
Published November 5, 2021 2021-11-05 00:00:00