The end of the year is a perfect time for reflection and these three releases from Banks Brewing feel like a snapshot of the brewery’s favourite hop-led moments throughout 2023. Seagull Enthusiasts is a West Coast IPA made with the team at Beermash and Sweden’s Stigbergets Bryggeri who apparently know a whole lot about the Scandinavian Gull. I don't know so much about our own gulls but I can say it's hopped with Columbus, Ekuanot and Citra and the kind of lean, IPA that would be a wonderful addition to any seagul watching sessions on the beach. There’s an old-school floral bouquet that runs through the beer and tha'ts joined by lime, grapefruit, honeydew melona and a bitter finish.
Next up is a fresh Cake Eater with the DDH Oat Cream DIPA filled with Riwaka and Citra. The longrunning series has been a favourite for many and Banks are maestros at extracting a broad array of hop notes to sit against a thick, juicy and slightly sweet base. That melange of hops brings zesty grapefruit, mango, peach and honeydew melon.
Lastly, Pac Pils is a beer that looks and tastes like it’s been pulled straight from America, thanks to the white and minimalist tall tin and the fact the West Coast pilsner pours crystal clear and stars Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo and Loral. Overall, it’s an incredibly lean and crispy affair but those hop give quite pungently dank aromas while a broad tropical tone is carried through.
Catchya 2023, it’s been a ride.
Will Ziebell
Published December 15, 2023 2023-12-15 00:00:00
