Beer Deeds Brewing Lexicon & Simpatico

I've said it before and I'll say it again: for all the excitement generated by Deeds' abbreviation-heavy IPAs, they don't half make banging lagers. In the past 12 months alone, their Czech pilsner, Munich helles and now the NZ-hopped Lexicon have all delivered in spades with nary a wisp of haze or even taking a single step beyond 5 percent ABV.

Crystal clear with a head that seems to take The Land Of The Long White Cloud not just as the source for its hops but also a literal descriptor, this one extracts distinct citrusy Kiwi hop characters – predominantly lime and grapefruit – from Saaz derivatives Wakatu and Riwaka, while the body is a little sticky with a hint of herbaceous. I'd go so far to say it brought back memories of Emerson’s Pilsner, which is never a bad thing.

If you're more interested in Deeds' hazy, abbreviation-heavy IPAs on the march towards double digit booze content then Simpatico is right up your alley. As with recent TDH IPA Ludicrous Speed, this 20 grams per litre, Simcoe-only double reaches its heights without the cumbersome viscosity than can sometimes undermine the enjoyment of such beers – even if it does look a little like a crustless lemon meringue in cross-section in your glass. Full and rounded thanks to the oats in the mix, somewhat creamy citrus rind and tropical fruits swirl above its dank underbelly in an enticing manner.

James Smith