Woodforde’s has unveiled Hopotiki Pale as its seasonal beer for September — a 4.2% ABV light-bodied pale ale with a distinct tropical aroma and a zesty dry finish.
And it has proved a success before the first pint has even been poured. All casks have been sold ahead of its delivery to pubs across Norfolk and the wider eastern region. The launch comes as the industry prepares to celebrate Cask Ale Week.
The fruity flavours of the beer — brainchild of Woodforde’s brewing manager, Bruce Ash — are derived from Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Nectaron hops.
“Hopotiki Pale is a cracking pint, and something completely different to what we’ve offered before at Woodforde’s,” said Bruce.
“We’ve experimented with New Zealand hops in lots of our seasonal ales, but never have we brewed something purely as a celebration of these famous, sought-after ingredients. It really is a flavoursome drop.”
The beer’s name is a nod to the Ōpōtikidistrict, an area of New Zealand’s North Island famed for its rivers and sandy beaches, just like Norfolk.
Bruce said: “In Norfolk, we’re renowned for our barley, but in New Zealand it’s all about the hops. By bringing these three styles together, we’ve created a beer that’s bold in flavours like pine, stonefruit, lemon, lime, and tropical fruit.
“We’ll always be the Taste of Norfolk — but it’s great to have the opportunity to introduce something new to our customers, and we’re confident it’ll prove a hit behind the bar.”
The brewery is also celebrating successful sales across its cask range, including monthly increases in sales of its supreme champion Beer of Britain, Wherry.
As with all Woodforde’s seasonals, Hopotiki Pale is available exclusively in cask at pubs for one month only.
