Cloudwater ~ Tenuto Sempre 8.0% DIPA
Tenuto Sempre presents itself as a bold, tropical double IPA that highlights the distinctive qualities of New Zealand hops. Riwaka takes centre stage, offering an aroma that's both dank and intensely tropical, with layers of citrus, passionfruit, and a touch of pine. The malt body is smooth and sturdy, balancing the hop-forward bitterness with subtle sweetness. Expect a punch of tropical fruits such as pineapple and guava, with a whisper of resinous pine that creates a lingering finish. It’s a refreshing and vibrant beer, with a rich texture that doesn’t overwhelm despite its 8% ABV.
Interesting Fact: Riwaka hops, the star of this beer, are renowned for their high oil content and tropical aroma, making them a favourite in New Zealand hop-forward beers. They are known to contribute explosive fruitiness and a smooth bitterness that defines Tenuto Sempre’s character. The use of Riwaka, along with the careful fermentation and hop timing, ensures a distinct and memorable experience, perfect for both hop lovers and those seeking a juicy IPA with plenty of depth.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Tenuto Sempre with tropical dishes like jerk chicken or grilled shrimp. The fruity, citrusy notes of the beer will enhance the heat and spices of these dishes. For a vegetarian option, consider a mango and avocado salad with a lime dressing; the beer’s tropical fruit character will complement the sweetness of the mango and the freshness of the avocado. As a dessert option, try pairing it with a coconut and lime cheesecake—this will bring out the fruity flavours of the beer while the creamy texture of the dessert complements its smooth mouthfeel.
Dark Revolution ~ Trouble Maker 8.0% DIPA
Trouble Maker is a double IPA that bursts with tropical and citrus fruit flavours, delivering an explosive hop experience. The combination of Citra, Simcoe, Nectaron, and Superdelic hops gives this beer an enticing nose of grapefruit, pineapple, and orange zest. The taste follows suit, offering a juicy and punchy mix of tropical fruit with a slight bitterness that cleanses the palate. The malt bill, which includes Extra Pale, Wheat, and Oats, provides a smooth and creamy body, balancing the hop-forward bitterness and creating a beer that's both refreshing and satisfying despite its high ABV.
Interesting Fact: This beer is a showcase of New Zealand and American hops, with Nectaron and Superdelic contributing an extra layer of complexity with their citrus-forward and tropical fruit notes. The use of multiple hop varieties in both the hot and cold side of brewing enhances the beer's freshness and hop intensity. The malt profile is designed to support, rather than overpower, the hops, allowing the fruity and piney characteristics to shine through in every sip.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Trouble Maker pairs beautifully with spicy foods like buffalo wings or BBQ ribs, where the hops’ bitterness balances out the richness and spice. For a vegetarian pairing, consider a spicy Thai curry with coconut milk, which will complement the tropical fruit flavours of the beer while the smooth malt body softens the heat. If you’re in the mood for a snack, this DIPA works wonders with salty snacks such as roasted almonds or a sharp cheddar cheese platter, as the beer’s bitterness will cut through the richness of the cheese.
Pretty Decent ~ Costa Del Nightmares 7.0% Oatcream IPA
Costa Del Nightmares is an oatcream IPA that brings a smooth and creamy texture alongside juicy tropical flavours. Hops like Citra, Galaxy, and Nelson Sauvin deliver a beautiful medley of fruit flavours, with notes of passionfruit, mango, and citrus zest. The addition of oats and lactose enhances the body, creating a luscious mouthfeel that balances the beer's vibrant fruitiness. This IPA is full of personality, with a smooth, sweet finish that adds to its sessionable nature, making it a delight to sip on again and again.
Interesting Fact: The inclusion of oats and lactose in Costa Del Nightmares creates the characteristic "creaminess" found in oatcream IPAs. This style typically uses oats to add body and mouthfeel, and lactose to bring a touch of sweetness that balances the bitterness of the hops. The result is a beer that is smooth, juicy, and easy to drink, with an indulgent texture that makes it stand out in the IPA category.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This beer’s fruity and creamy character pairs perfectly with rich, creamy dishes. Consider pairing it with a fresh seafood pasta in a cream sauce or a grilled chicken sandwich with a tangy aioli. For a vegetarian option, try pairing it with a creamy risotto, such as one made with mushrooms and Parmesan. The smoothness of the beer will complement the creamy texture of the dishes, while the tropical fruit notes will add a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Pentrich ~ Double Dream Tempo 10.0% TIPA
Double Dream Tempo is a massive double IPA that delivers intense hop character, with Nelson Cryo and Strata hops offering a robust mix of tropical fruit and pine notes. Despite its high ABV, this beer maintains a drinkability thanks to its smooth body and clean finish. The aroma is bold, with pronounced mango, pineapple, and grapefruit, while the flavour profile evolves into a rich mix of tropical fruits with a hint of pine resin. The hops come together in a symphony of juicy, slightly dank flavours that linger long after each sip.
Interesting Fact: The use of Nelson Cryo and Strata hops in Double Dream Tempo is a nod to the growing trend of using Cryo hops for their enhanced intensity. Cryo hops are processed to preserve hop oils and compounds while reducing vegetal matter, resulting in more concentrated hop flavours and aromas. This technique, combined with the juicy characteristics of the hops, gives the beer its bold tropical profile and smooth, silky mouthfeel.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Double Dream Tempo pairs wonderfully with strong flavours and hearty dishes. A rich, cheesy burger with caramelized onions will balance out the bitterness of the hops and complement the tropical fruit flavours. For a lighter option, try pairing it with grilled fish tacos topped with a mango salsa; the sweetness of the mango salsa will play off the beer’s fruitiness while the tacos provide a satisfying base. A sharp, tangy cheese like blue cheese will also pair beautifully with the beer, cutting through its intensity while enhancing its flavours.
Round Corner ~ Rising Waves 7.8% West Coast DIPA
Rising Waves is a West Coast double IPA that showcases the classic features of the style: bold bitterness, piney hops, and a dry finish. The beer is brewed with a mix of citrus and resinous hops like Simcoe and Centennial, giving it a punchy, hop-forward aroma of grapefruit and pine. The malt base provides a sturdy backbone to support the aggressive hop bitterness, and the beer finishes crisp and clean with a lingering bitterness that refreshes the palate. Despite its 7.8% ABV, it remains balanced and easy-drinking.
Interesting Fact: Rising Waves was created in collaboration with Women in Beer, an initiative that supports the growth and visibility of women in the brewing industry. A portion of the proceeds from every can sold is donated to support this cause. The beer itself is a celebration of both the strength of the West Coast IPA style and the community of women working to make the beer world more inclusive.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Rising Waves with rich, savoury dishes like grilled steak or a smoked brisket sandwich. The beer’s bitterness will cut through the richness of the meat while complementing its smoky flavours. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with a citrusy shrimp salad, where the bright citrus notes of the beer enhance the freshness of the seafood. As a snack, this DIPA goes wonderfully with salty snacks like salted nuts or pretzels, where the bitterness and saltiness create a satisfying contrast.
Azvex ~ Keygen.nfo 8.0% DIPA
Keygen.nfo is a vibrant double IPA that packs a punch with its blend of New Zealand and American hops. The beer is loaded with tropical fruit flavours, courtesy of Nelson Sauvin, Citra, Mosaic, and Nectaron hops. Expect a lively mix of passionfruit, pineapple, and grapefruit, with a subtle resinous bitterness balancing the sweetness of the fruits. The malt profile is clean and smooth, supporting the hops while keeping the beer drinkable despite its 8% ABV. The mouthfeel is rounded and full, making it an easy beer to enjoy over multiple sips.
Interesting Fact: Keygen.nfo is part of Azvex's special birthday release series, celebrating the brewery’s third anniversary. By carefully selecting a mix of hops from both hemispheres, Azvex has crafted a beer that bridges the gap between tropical fruit-forward New Zealand hops and the bright citrus of American varieties. The combination of these hops brings out a unique balance of juicy sweetness and bitterness, giving the beer its signature character.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Keygen.nfo is an excellent match for spicy dishes. Try it with a spicy Thai green curry, where the beer’s tropical fruit flavours will complement the heat and complexity of the dish. For a less spicy option, pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp with a citrus glaze. The bitterness of the beer will balance the sweetness of the glaze, and the fruitiness will add a tropical contrast. A tangy goat cheese salad with tropical fruits like mango or papaya will also highlight the beer's fruity notes.
Floc ~ Plenty Nelson Sauvin 8.0% DIPA
Plenty Nelson Sauvin is a bold double IPA that showcases the distinctive character of New Zealand's Nelson Sauvin hops. This beer bursts with flavours of passionfruit, white grape, and lychee, along with a subtle bitterness that balances the fruitiness. The smooth malt body carries the hops effortlessly, allowing the vibrant flavours to shine through. With a clean, crisp finish and a strong hop presence, this DIPA delivers a memorable drinking experience, perfect for those who love intense hop flavours paired with a smooth, easy-drinking mouthfeel.
Interesting Fact: The use of Nelson Sauvin hops in Plenty Nelson Sauvin is a key feature of this beer, known for their signature white wine-like character. These hops are grown in New Zealand’s rich, fertile soil, contributing to their aromatic qualities. By using both early and late hop additions, Floc has ensured that the beer offers both bold, fruity flavours upfront and a lingering hop bitterness on the finish, making it a well-balanced, highly drinkable DIPA.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The fruit-forward character of Plenty Nelson Sauvin pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, such as grilled scallops or a citrusy shrimp ceviche. The beer’s tropical fruit notes will enhance the sweetness of the seafood while balancing the acidity of the ceviche. For a richer pairing, consider a creamy goat cheese salad with fresh fruits like apple and pear—this will complement the beer’s crisp, wine-like finish. For dessert, a fruit tart or a cheese board with fresh fruits will accentuate the beer’s fruity aroma and finish.
Overtone ~ Swerve City 8.0% DIPA
Swerve City is a double IPA with a bold, hoppy profile that fans of strong IPAs will love. This beer brings together the piney and citrus-forward characteristics of Chinook, Citra, and Strata hops, delivering a punchy blend of grapefruit, pine, and tropical fruits. Despite its high ABV, the beer has a smooth mouthfeel and finishes clean, with a refreshing bitterness that leaves you wanting more. It’s a juicy and intense beer that’s perfect for those who enjoy hop-forward beers with complexity and depth.
Interesting Fact: Swerve City is named after the opening track of Deftones' 2012 album Koi No Yokan, and the beer embodies the intensity and energy of the music. The beer’s hop selection—Chinook, Citra, Strata, and Strata CGX—contributes to a unique flavour profile, blending resinous pine and bright citrus notes with the tropical fruitiness that has become a hallmark of modern IPAs. The beer’s connection to the music reflects the bold, dynamic nature of both the band and the beer itself.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Swerve City pairs well with rich, savoury dishes that can stand up to its bold flavours. Try it with a grilled steak or a smoked brisket, where the piney and citrus notes of the beer will complement the charred, smoky flavours of the meat. For a lighter option, pair it with a grilled chicken salad with a citrus dressing. The beer’s refreshing bitterness will balance the richness of the chicken, while the citrus notes will enhance the dressing’s zesty flavours. A spicy buffalo chicken pizza or a tangy barbecue chicken sandwich would also make an excellent pairing.