Did you ever read The Chrysalids in school? Remember Sealand, the awesome country where telepaths were normal and encouraged? Sealand was New Zealand. It survived the nuclear holocaust, basically because it’s such an awesome place. Even Wyndham knew that it was that awesome. Think about it: It’s Middle Earth; they have the All Blacks; Marlborough makes some of the nicest wines in the New World; they were the first country to elect a female Prime Minister; they have some of the most progressive conservation programs for their endangered wildlife; and of course, there’s Flight of the Conchords. Not only are they growing incredible grapes for wine, but New Zealand has become something of a rock star in the hop production world. Nelson Sauvin, Galaxy, Pacific Gem and more are some of the most sought-after hops in brewing culture right now. Beers that have them feature bright fruity notes, sometimes they’re a little vinous. People like me get a little silly looking for adjectives to describe them. So it is with no small excitement that I picked up a bottle of Hopwired IPA from Marlborough’s 8 Wired Brewery. You see, not only does it use Kiwi hops, but it uses *only* Kiwi hops. And not only does it only use Kiwi hops, but it also uses New Zealand-grown pale malts. It’s as Kiwi as you can get. Like Neil Finn in a glass.
8 Wired Brewing Hopwired IPA
From a lovely 500ml bottle, Hopwired pours a brilliant clear dark amber, with glimmers of copper in the centre. About 1″ of rocky head drops to a very dense layer that stays through most of the glass. Aroma is insane! I honestly shouted in joy; it was involuntary. Big hops on the nose, big crazy kiwi hops: lychee, passion fruit, grass, honeydew melon, pineapple, tangerine; it’s crazy.There are some sweet malts, with little traces of caramel and biscuits, but you’ve got to be pretty intentional looking for it. The hops are the main attraction. Malts actually show more on the palate, sweet and a little grainy like a sweet digestive biscuit. And then the hops are back and buying you rounds and flashing their (quite lovely) chests. Big hits of passion fruit, like, I would almost think it was actual juice, but I know it’s not. Some papaya and more melon, maybe a sparkle of star fruit and pineapple again, and a bit of white wine. But it’s also quite bitter. It’s like a sangria with hops! Lots and lots of hops. Finish is dry and bitter, with the fruit punch lingering and teasing you, calling you like a siren. There’s also just a trace of biscuity sweetness on the front of you tongue. Mouthfeel is just off medium, with a lovely smooth carbonation. Just enough to be bright, without being too bubbly. It is an amazing beer, and all the more given how far it’s journeyed to be with us in Ontario.
Cheers to 8 Wired! One of the best beers I have had in a while. Definitely a top pick!
Buy HopWired IPA
Available right now at the LCBO #318295. I’m not sure how much there is, so I would go buy as much as you can afford. Really. And keep your eyes pealed around September, when their iStout should be arriving.
Drink it With
Hmmm, this is a tricky one. Those fruits and astringency call out for something equally delicate and complex. So how about this: Grilled lobster. Seriously. It is now not unusual to find live lobster for sale for around $7/lbs. Grilling a lobster is easier than you think. Split the lobster lengthwise*, splash it with some citrus juice and grill open-side down for about 12 minutes, then drench it in herbed clarified butter. Go for lovely fresh summer herbs and I think it will be a home run. Grill some corn once it’s in season and make sure your invite me over. For cheese, unlike most IPAs, I would stay away from a funky farmhouse cheese, and would go with something tart, to emphasize the fruity hops. Maybe even something as simple as a basic chevre.
*Please make sure you kill the lobster humanely, or use frozen rock lobster tails. If you’re unsure about it, check out this video http://www.finecooking.com/item/11058/video-how-to-kill-a-lobster. Please note, she kills the lobster. So if that freaks you out, maybe go with grilled shrimp instead.
About the Brewery
8 Wired Brewing is inspired by the legendary Kiwi can-do mentality and fellow craft brewers who have dared to challenge the masses and show us all that beer is no longer “just beer”!
All of our brews are crafted by Søren Eriksen, a nomadic Danish brewer who has finally found permanent ground in Marlborough, New Zealand. Expect unique brews, expect ingenuity in flavour, expect new world interpretations of classic styles.
Aroma is insane! I honestly shouted in joy; it was involuntary.
