BEER REVIEW: 362

BREWER: Kirkstall, West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 5.5%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

X: @kirkstallbrew

INSTAGRAM: kirkstallbrewery

DATE OF POST: 14th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Well it’s a warm welcome to you all on this most glorious of days.

The weather is set fair and the setting could not be better…

Welcome to Yorkshire. Welcome to Headingly.

New Zealand have opted to bowl first, with their much debated decision of going with a one pace bowler attack to surely be put to the test. Motueka* is their lone paceman. The question will be whether he can hold it together with little to no support.

 

And now, from the Kirkstall Lane End we have the first ball of the game. Motueka to Plumer**…

Oooossh, a fruity ball to start, but no real spice, Plumer seemed to appreciate the effort but the look on his face could well have been one of distain.

Ball two was much the same. Fruity yes, interesting twist to make Plumer think, no.

Balls three and four much the same.

By ball five it all became apparent that there wasn’t much more to Motueka. Plumer enjoyed the efforts but knew he wouldn’t be kept awake at night by this slightly underwhelming display. With a supporting act he could really be something, however. His action is as smooth as it comes and there is a fruity side to his deliveries. But on his own he’s exposed and bringing no bite.

Ball Six passed by, surprisingly with nothing much further to report

 

*Motueka isn’t a New Zealand bowler, it’s the single hop used in this week’s beer.

** Plumer is me, Jymi, the drinker, not the batsman (though I was dubbed the new Boycott in my youth).

 

P.S. Sorry to any none cricket loving folk probably having no clue what I was on about in this review.

Over.

Jymi’s Rating: 62%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Motueka hops are a quintessential part of New Zealand’s brewing landscape, and this single-hop brew showcases them in a way that’s both familiar and distinctly Kiwi. 

The packaging immediately catches the eye—lush green hues with touches of other colours, and a motif that pays homage to kiwi, grape, and hops. It’s visually appealing, a big tick for the beer.

On the nose, you’re greeted with floral and lime notes, a signature of the Motueka hop. 

The pour reveals a slightly hazy golden hue, which is inviting but doesn’t scream complexity. It’s straightforward, just like the hop it’s named after.

As for the taste, you get exactly what’s promised—those bright, citrusy notes come through clearly, but as with many single-hop brews, there’s a definite lack of depth. It’s thin in the mouthfeel, which isn’t surprising given the nature of the brew.

Overall, Motueka does what it says on the tin. It delivers the essence of its namesake hop in a clean, no-nonsense way. While it won’t blow you away, it’s a solid representation of the hop, and for that, it deserves some credit. Just don’t expect it to be a game-changer—this is a beer that’s all about simplicity and staying true to its roots.

Sammy’s Rating: 62%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 62%

MOB review next weekend: HAWKSTONE IPA by COTSWOLD BREW CO.

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

X: @museonbooze

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