Another limited release from Swell means another guide to one of the world's stellar surf breaks. This time we venture to Poverty Bay in Gisborne where we meet Gizzy Pipe at Midway Beach. We're told this is a consistent break that provides sweet barrels in both directions – so how have the McLaren Vale brewers represented that in beer form? As a hazy NZ IPA featuring Nectaron, Motueka and Nelson Sauvin hops.
Gizzy Pipe pours an incredibly light yellow straw colour with a cloudy appearance, and is bursting with fresh fruit aromas: fleshy peach and a little lychee mixed in with some tropical pineapple. The mouthfeel is light and fluffy with the aforementioned fruit coming through with huge, juicy vibes, albeit with some classic NZ hop-derived white grape flavours shining through on the grain base of American ale, Vienna and wheat. There is a little sweetness early but dries out just a touch on the end.
Throw in a bunch of friendly locals after a day at Midway Beach and you have a great session on your hands.
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