The "IPA is Dead" gang of four
Scottish craft brewer Brewdog has launched its “IPA is Dead” series of four beers, each with a single hop taking centre stage with the same malt base. It’s a great concept – the beers will look all the same but taste and smell unique. The four hops come from different parts of the world: Challenger (UK), Galaxy (Australia), Motueka (New Zealand) and HBC (new US variety).
This is the first of a two-part review starting with the Southern Hemisphere contingent.
Galaxy
This is a relatively new arrival to British brewing but Australians have been enjoying this Aussie-developed variety for a while now. I first came across Galaxy-based beers at Little Creatures, an awesome brew-pub in Fremantle, Western Australia. My reviews at the time noted elderflower hints and grapefruit nose. In Brewdog’s Galaxy that elderflower nose is multiplied to a cacophony, there is passion fruit and toffee notes in the smooth finish.
Cracking nose, intense taste, a little dry in the finish but character loaded.
Motueka
Another new arrival from New Zealand, the Motueka hop has Saaz parentage, a common staple of European lager styles. Brewdog’s Motueka has a sweet floral nose but nowhere near that of the Galaxy. Having said that, I found it more flavoursome and better balanced than the Galaxy. It has a refreshing crispness, which makes it perfect for Pilsners.
Next time, the Northern Hemisphere hops!
