Bright Tank’s adventures in limited releases continue to lead drinkers towards the cutting edge of lupulin innovation. As a result, this seemingly stylistically opposed pair have more in common that at first glance, especially through the vibrancy that the new hop products within offer.
Tropical Sour features the Kohia Nelson hop blend from New Zealand’s Freestyle Hops, one bestowed with dehydrated passionfruit pulp. While early use of this proprietary product has emboldened hazy styles with lush juiciness, it appears here in a sour realm in which the enriched hops may overdeliver.
Typically, brewers achieve fruit-forward flavours in such beers via litres of purée; no need here as massive amounts of passionfruit icy pole vibe are on show here, and you can feel the juiciness to boot. Pair this with a distinct Savvy B character and gooseberry and Tropical Sour presents a dynamic package.
Which leads us into more proprietary action, this time in the hazy realm as Bright Tank lead their GABS 2023 beer with super-condensed hop products Sabro Lupomax and Vic Secret Spectrum, plus a little straight ahead Motueka. At just shy of double digit ABV, On Tour pours super smooth, with an almost liquid cheesecake feel to it: plush with coconut, lime syrup drizzle, and vanilla cream. Though a touch sweet, booze-derived warmth cleans up the finish, much like the tidy work of collaborators Aether Care Modern Day Shoe Shiners, with the label art’s Air Force 1 sole print providing more inspiration.
Guy Southern
Published June 2, 2023 2023-06-02 00:00:00
