With the fresh hop race finally dying down, it’s time to pair things all the way back and take a beat with a local lager. A simple, no nonsense pairing of 100% NZ pilsner malt and Liberty hops (an old school, laid back varietal with distinct Hallertau character), brewed at Southpaw’s new brewery and bar in the Christchurch seaside suburb of the beer’s namesake.
Brewed to the international style, the subtle grass and citrus aroma balances well against a dry and delightfully smooth malt driven palate, with snappy bitterness and a perfectly positioned hint of gristy acidity that lifts up the finish.
A sumptuous and smashable lager that is easily in the top tier of New Zealand brewed examples (McLeod’s Longboarder would be a good comparison for those further North). Best enjoyed by the pint of course, at the Southpaw taproom on a sunny day in Brighton.