BENTSPOKE BREWING X YAKIMA CHIEF HOPS HOP WHEELER IPA (6.8%, 375ML)
BentSpoke’s Freewheeler series and Yakima Chief Hops’ EXP series come together on the new release Hop Wheeler – where the experimental hop HBC 586 joins forces with Simcoe, Idaho 7, Ahtanum and Citra in a sensational beer.
Bold, fresh and complex layers of flavours and aromas are packaged inside a beautifully weighted body, making it entirely and effortlessly drinkable. Pouring pale gold and hazy with a big all white head, tropical fruit aromas are big, bright and distinct with licks of candy and berry sweetness plus a swish of fresh cut grass. The tropical notes are enhanced in a body that’s firm and round without being sticky while some grassy and herbal pine deliver a crisp clean finish with lingering bitterness and a light dryness.
The Freewheeler series, that BentSpoke co-founder Richard Watkins said is “a chance for experimentation, collaboration and celebration of what it means to be part of the beer community”, kicked off in mid 2019 with the brewery teaming up with Canberra band SAFIA on a pale ale.
Yakima Chief’s EXP series began late last year and is the American network of family hop farms’ opportunity to get direct, real world feedback on their latest experimental hop varieties through collaborations with breweries. Brewers and consumers are encouraged to complete a survey on the EXP website to share their observations about the beers and the hop varieties they feature. Following EXP beers with Bale Breaker and Old Schoolhouse Brewery, this is the first time Yakima Chief have extended the series outside of North America.
Australian hops manager for Yakima Chief James Monshing said: “Partnering up with Richard and the BentSpoke team has proven itself to be a perfect opportunity to showcase hops such as Idaho 7, Ahtanum and HBC 586, produced by family farms in the Pacific North West. The EXP series allows us to get finished beer produced with our hops, into the hands of customers to continue our relationship from farm to pint, gaining feedback for our growers in the process”.