Hoofman - 7.2%
NZ WCIPA
Small Gods
The hiker’s boots crunched a weary rhythm down the sloping track sending a flurry of birds swirling into the sky. The jagged profile of the nearby peak sawed a shadow through the dying glow of a Waikato sunset. The hiker tensed and turned as a sudden sound rang across the valley. Clip…clop…clip…clop. Just a goat, nothing to worry about, he thought as with a sigh he slouched onward. A few miles to the trailhead and a good night’s rest. Clip…clop…clip…clop. As the hiker trudged onwards a creeping musk of salt, sweat and blood began to invade. Clip…clop…clip…clop. As he picked up the pace, the hooves came louder, and faster, beating their echoing cacophony closer, and closer until, rounding a bend they see it. The Hoofman’s horns glistened sickly in the last embers of daylight as it lowered it’s head to charge. The echoing scream that rang across the dark valley never made it to the empty beds at the trailhead. No remains were ever found. Clip…clop…clip…clop.
Hoofman is an NZIPA with a classic West Coast spin. A smooth and subtle malt base with a touch of toast and toffee supports a resinous and oily hop presence. Southern Cross provides a rounded, firm bitterness while Motueka and Riwaka bring a massive dose of bright lime zest, orange and dank pineapple. The clean and bright flavour profile snaps to a crisp and moreish finish.