In a precision military-style operation 800kg of fresh Nelson Sauvin hops was flown across Cook Strait early April and thrown right into the tanks at Tuatara's Paraparaumu brewery to produce its limited edition Tuatara Conehead green-hopped IPA.
This is about as fresh as you can get, the hops have not been dried or pelletised and have literally come direct from the vine to the brew. And you can definitely taste the freshness and the hoppy aroma, which lasts and lasts.
It's not overly hopped so it's pleasant to drink, but be warned it's a limited edition and stocks will soon run out as this is a really popular seasonal brew. It pours a golden/amber colour and hits you immediately with tropical fruits, I got a nice hit of mango and passionfruit, and it's well balanced with crystal and light crystal malts.
I shared a pint with a friend, who is an avid wine drinker, and even she thought it was an excellent beer, so that has to be a big tick for the lads at Tuatara. It was released for public consumption on April 18 and like last year's release is being drunk with gusto around the country and won't last long. Get your hands on some and enjoy this top quality brew.
Beer supplied by Brew Craft Beer Pub, Eat Streat Rotorua and The Strand Tauranga.
