Unfiltered IPAs for hazy days
UNFILTERED IPAs, which are more nourishing than refreshing, are the thing in cooler months.
It has been said that IPAs have, over time, been ‘‘twisted, molested and reimagined countless times’’ — in particular the less malty ones.
But none more so than hazy versions, which started with a craft brewer in the United States several years ago who set out to make a juicy soft ale. He decided that it was more fragrant and flavoursome if it was unfiltered.
Since then, brewers have used yeast strains that stay in suspension and added hops after fermentation (even powdered hops) and wheat and oats to increase cloudiness and impart a smooth body to the liquid.
Some have gone as far as using apple puree or wheat flour. Others, called ‘‘milkshake IPAs’’, have lactose in them.
The more cynical beer aficionado reckons breweries make hazy beers because their orange juice appearance and taste attract the lessdiscerning beer drinker. Their juicy and fruity character are certainly attractive — take Behemoth Me Time Mosaic single hop hazy IPA (6.8%) for example. It was introduced last year and was named as the best IPA in the Brewers Guild awards and won gold in the recent New World beer awards. This one also has wheat and oats in it.
The highly aromatic mosaic hop it uses was developed about eight years ago in the United States and delivers mainly tropical fruit flavours, in particular mango.
Me Time is expensive ($27.50 a six pack of 330ml cans), but is worth it.
Emerson’s Hazed and Confused (5.8%) also uses mosaic hops, along with two other American varieties, which produce a citric backbone to tropical flavours. It costs about $5 for a 330ml can.
Brewery sold
Wanaka Beerworks has changed hands. It went on the market about three months ago and drew about 30 inquiries nationally and internationally, including from expatriates intending to return.
The new owners are believed to be involved in the hospitality industry in Wanaka.
The brewery was established at Wanaka airport in 1998 and was bought in 2014 by Clyde viticulturist Mike Wing (who had a few months earlier established his Jabberwocky label) and his wife, Ruenell.
Winter brews
Dunedin’s annual beer fest, organised by Soba (Society of Beer Advocates), will be held on Saturday, August 15. It is a chance to try out a range of winter warmers made by Otago breweries, including a stout made at Otago Brew School in Cromwell.
The event at New New New brewery in Crawford St. It is a ticket affair.
Shout
This Friday is international beer day. It was created in the US in 2007 and is now observed in more than 200 cities in about 80 countries worldwide.
It is a day when you shout each other a beer and take the trouble to tell bar staff you appreciate their work.