There’s something truly special about brewing in the heart of The New Forest. The combination of ancient woodlands, fresh air, and a love for craft beer makes it a unique spot for creating bold, flavoursome brews. Recently, we had the chance to team up with Vibrant Forest, one of the region’s most exciting breweries, for a collaboration brew that celebrates both nature and hops. The result? A one-of-a-kind IPA featuring the distinct and punchy character of New Zealand hops.

The Collaboration Begins

When the idea of collaborating on an IPA arose, we knew it was an opportunity to do something special. After a few rounds of discussion, we landed on using New Zealand hops, prized for their bright, tropical flavours and the unique twist they bring to hoppy beers.

Brewing at Vibrant Forest’s premises in the heart of the New Forest added an extra layer of inspiration. The brewery, nestled in this stunning environment, feels like a sanctuary for creativity, and it seemed only fitting to brew something vibrant and full of life in such a place.

The Magic of New Zealand Hops

Why New Zealand hops? These hops are known for their striking flavour profiles—expect notes of passionfruit, citrus, gooseberry, and sometimes even a hint of white wine. They’re unlike any other hops, offering a fresh and aromatic quality that can’t be replicated. In this IPA, we used a carefully curated blend of varieties like Nelson Sauvin, Motueka, and Rakau, each bringing its own layer of complexity.

• Nelson Sauvin: Known for its intense aroma, with flavors of white wine and crushed gooseberries, this hop gives the beer a crisp, aromatic quality.
• Motueka: A hop with a balanced blend of tropical fruit and lime zest, it adds a refreshing citrusy punch.
• Pacific Sunrise: Lemon and orange citrus drive this hop-forward variety, with tropical hits of melon and mango riding shotgun. 
• Riwaka: Riwaka hops are one of the most prized varities to come out of New Zealand. Powerful citrus flavours, especially grapefruit. An almost 1:1 ratio of alpha to beta acids give this hop a strong sweet citrus note.

The Brewing Process

Brewing day was all about balancing creativity with precision. At Vibrant Forest, their brew kit provided everything needed to craft this IPA, from the malt bill to the fermentation process. The focus was on enhancing the tropical flavours of the hops without overpowering the beer’s drinkability.

We started with a light malt base to allow the hops to shine through. As the boil progressed, the aroma in the brewhouse became intense, with waves of citrus, passionfruit, and tropical fruit filling the air. Dry hopping post-fermentation helped amplify these bold flavours even further, giving the IPA a bright, refreshing finish.

The Result: A Celebration of Bold Flavors

The end result is a vibrant, refreshing IPA that showcases the best of New Zealand’s hop varieties. Expect a burst of tropical fruit on the nose, with a juicy, citrus-forward flavour that finishes crisp and clean. It’s a beer that feels both familiar and new, balancing bold hop intensity with smooth drinkability—perfect for those late summer evenings in the New Forest.

Stay Tuned for the Release

This IPA will be available for October Discovery Boxes and on draught at Vibrant Forest’s taproom and select venues. We can’t wait for you to try it and experience the flavours of New Zealand hops with a dash of New Forest magic!

Cheers!
Olly