Taupo’s Lakeman has been revving their IPA engine again with another slot in the recently announced New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 25 (and not their only one either), for this West Coast style IPA. Classically styled, with assertive pine and pithy grapefruit up front, and a sticky dankness further in. The palate sports an immaculate balance of rich malt weight and refreshing hop character that race side by side right into the finish, where a restrained but noticeable bitterness is waiting to receive them. Refreshing, satisfying and just colossally drinkable (and drinkability goes a very long way at the New World awards, take it from a judge). Proper West Coast nutcases like myself might clamour for more IBUs, but I don’t think anyone else will be complaining.