Our third iteration of IIPA’s showcasing the contrasting nuance of Nelson Sauvin – Nelson Sauvin. During our tour of various farms during the 2023 NZ hop harvest, we visited Freestyle Hops, where we discussed and sampled freshly harvested hops from the site.

FREE STYLE Double IPA is brewed using a fairly uncomplicated malt bill, allowing the hops to express themselves uninterrupted. Australian Pilsner malt, Wheat Malt, and a small percentage of medium crystal malt creating some complexity and structure in the bill for the Nelson & Mosaic to sit atop.

A well known, and formidable pairing of Mosaic and Nelson, although redefined by the difference created by the distinctive sensory attributes of Freestyle Hops. The Nelson Sauvin grown in Sunrise Valley, Upper Moutere, harvested late in the picking window, allowing louder, punchy aromatics to come to the fore, notably guava, white grapefruit & passionfruit.

If you have enjoyed All G IIPA and Nelson Lakes IIPA, observe the intriguing, pleasant differences in FREE STYLE – take note that the only difference between these beers is the grower / producer of the Nelson Sauvin that has been used in the dry hop.