BEER NAME?
Ode to Riwaka WCIPA
WHERE’S IT FROM?
Long Point Brewing Co.
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT IT?
If you build it, they will come.
At least that’s the hope of the team behind Long Point Brewing Co. in Port Kennedy, which opened earlier this year in what will one day become the masterplanned community of Kennedy Bay.
Co-founder Shane Wormall, whose Wormall Group is playing a key role in the overall development of the community, wanted to create a focal point for the new town centre through a brewery making beers that fully capture the spirit of the coastal location.
It may not have many locals to call its own yet, but visitors can sample a core range of classic American pale ales, lagers, hazy pales and more on tap while overlooking the ocean, as well as limited releases such as this double dry hopped West Coast IPA Ode to Riwaka.
Oh, and they are also now available in cans through selected outlets to enjoy at home.
Ode to Riwaka pays homage to New Zealand’s Riwaka hop, released 30 years ago and renowned for its punchy tropical and citrus flavours. Sure enough, when you crack the can there’s a burst of citrus notes, as well as grapefruit and hints of lime and passionfruit.
It pours a bright golden colour with good clarity and a big frothy white head.
The first sip reveals the bright citrus flavour from the Riwaka hops, leading in to juicy tropical fruit backed by Strata and Citra hops, and a hint of piney dankness.
It has a lean malt base for a dry and crisp taste, with a firm bitterness at the finish in true West Coast style.
SHOULD I SHARE IT?
The 6.7 per cent ABV, or two standard drinks, gives it a potent punch but it is a thirst quencher that will have you going back for that next sip.
WHAT’S THE DAMAGE?
$8.50 each or $29.99 for a four-pack