We’ve asked the Pursuit of Hoppiness writers to come up with their top picks for the beers of the year. Between us the aim is to have exactly 100 beers.
Top pick: Garage Project British Steel Dark Mild
Lovely roasty aroma and flavour, notes of charred toast and a lovely nutty characterClean and smooth, could drink this all day.
Tigermilk IPA DDH Anniversary Edition
All the goodness of the OG Tigermilk, but more. The perfect balance between malt and hops; bold, fresh, fruity – always a winner.
Garage Project Chance, Luck & Magic ‘23
Big stone fruit aromas and flavours, with notes of brown sugar, fruit burst lollies, some vinegar and wood,
Saint Leonards Raspberry Sour
Full of raspberry flavour and perfectly sour – some raspberry sours are too sweet or not fruity enough, this one nails it.
Good George Virtual Reality Non-alcoholic Pale Ale
My new favourite zero – it has body, hop aroma, hop flavour, balanced bitterness and it’s clean as. Super drinkable.
Double Vision Outbreak Fresh Hop NZIPA
Double Vision released three fresh hop beers this year, but its crystal clear NZIPA showcased the sweet, oiliness that fresh hops have to offer, while underneath the well-balanced malt body carried the goods just so
Urbanaut Habanero Yuzu Lager
The habanero is super prominent in the best way – you can smell and taste the habanero chili and there is a beautiful warming heat, with some citrus characters playing a supporting role.
Sin Eater Best Oat Mild
Has all the roasty, nutty flavours you’d expect of a dark mild, only with a bigger body and some chocolate notes thanks to the oats and the slightly higher ABV. Definite scorched almonds vibes, it’s a delight.
Mean Doses Dosen Kölsch
Bready malt, slight honey note with a clean and bitter finish. Even better when enjoyed served kölsch style when they just keep a-coming, with a currywurst or a brezel to match.
Tui Mangatainoka Dark
Rare to see in the wild, but the pint I had at Tui HQ on the last weekend DB was running brewery tours was a stand-out. Tastes of roast malt, hints of coffee with a bitter, clean finish – super quaffable. Just like a Monteith’s Black, actually…
McLeod’s Big Brum Dark Mild on cask
Another highlight this year due to the time and place – McLeod’s did a handful of pins of its Dark Mild and I got the honour of tapping the cask and enjoying the first pint at Monkfish in July. The warmer temperature and the cask condition add hints of dark fruit and body to the roasty, nutty flavours.