I unfortunately don’t have a stout to review for this Sunday! Instead I’ve got a collaborative beer between the New Zealand Beer Collective and Aberdeen based Fierce Beer. The NZBC appears to be primarily a stockist for New Zealand beers, bringing them to the UK market. However, they also collaborate with some UK breweries and together with Fierce Beer they’ve brewed a few beers, including today’s: ‘The Main Event’. It’s a 8.5% Double IPA with Nelson Sauvin and Motueka hops, both varieties from New Zealand.

The beer pours a lovely hazy burnt orange colour with a big thick white head on top. A super punchy tropical fruit nose, packed with mango and pineapple chunks. Flavour is no different, with a tropical assault on the body of the beer. A whole medley of flavours like a tinned fruit salad. There’s also a really lovely hop throughout providing a soft bitterness. Certainly boozy in the taste but not so overwhelming that it’s unenjoyable.

A quick note on the can art: A simple design with a split in silver and black. I like the way they combined both logos into one. Clearly displayed beer info.

This is one hell of a beer. It’s big, bold and boozy. The hops have been used to a very high standard for my tastes with a whole hosts of flavours from zesty citrus to punchy juicy mango. The booze is very clear with a nice warmth going down. You certainly feel the effects afterwards too. I’ve never had a beer from either NZBC or Fierce but this is really wonderful, flavour packed double IPA. It’s fairly smooth drinking throughout with a nice creaminess. Would like to have a gander at the others in this collaboration.

Score: 9/10

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Additional Information:

• Hops: Nelson Sauvin & Motueka
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: Not Available
• ABV: 8.5%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!