Hop federation green limousine IPA

Hop Federation Green Limousine IPA (6 per cent ABV) was my pick of the bunch from the 2021 fresh hop vintage, so it was with great expectations that I cracked into this year’s edition.  I’ve encountered more than a few duds this time around (hazy versions seem to be the main culprit), so I was a little trepidacious going in.  But no fear, Hop Fed has produced yet another stunner. Hopped once again with fresh Nelson Sauvin, its hallmark passionfruit and gooseberry are on fine display in the aroma, with grapefruit and lime citrus adding some extra zing around the edges.  The palate follows on seamlessly, with sharp citrus flowing into softer tropical fruit, cooling resin and a firm bitterness holds the flavour taut and focused.  More conventional than the previous edition, with less of the magical and esoteric fresh-hop notes, but still looking good to once again be one of my favourites of the season.

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by | July 30, 2026 | Cover Story | 0 Comments

A couple of days after being named New Zealand's champion brewery, Daryl Bryant of Karamu Barrelworks dropped off 40 dozen bottles of his wild-fermented beer to online seller The Beer Cellar — the best place to shop if you're looking for one of his unique bottles,...
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by | July 27, 2026 | Cover Story | 0 Comments

Dunedin's Emerson's Brewery are home-town heroes after a golden night at the New Zealand Beer Awards on July 25. Emerson's won the champion large brewery title, ending Garage Project's reign — GP had won four of the past five large brewery crowns, with Parrotdog...
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by | July 17, 2026 | Cover Story | 0 Comments

The New Zealand brewing industry is set for a massive shock after France-based multi-national Malteurop announced they will close their malt plant in Marton at the end of September. Malteurop is the main supplier of malt to New Zealand’s big three breweries — Lion, DB...
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by | July 17, 2026 | Features | 0 Comments

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by | July 16, 2026 | Features | 0 Comments

Kudos to the team at Froth Technologies for the work they’re doing with their New Zealand native yeast, Wilding. I’ve always enjoyed the handful of beers where Wilding has turned up: notably the first brew Emerson’s did to showcase the yeast as well as Three Sisters...
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Flood Shuts Emporium Brewing

by | July 15, 2026 | News | 0 Comments

Emporium Brewing in Kaikoura will be closed until further notice following the devastating flood that roared through the town last week. Owner-brewer Paul Finney has just had insurance assessors through the premises which includes a brewery, bar, escape rooms, and a...
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