I’m sitting down to my mid afternoon brew on a rainy Sunday. I’m trying the Twisted Hop Nokabollokov, something I feel embarrassed to say is a first for me.
Twisted Hop has always been one of my favourite breweries. I love their Pilsner and their IPA is sour and sticky perfection. I hoped they’d release a new beer this year, broadening their range and growing their reputation. I’m sure they planned to and would have done so if they hadn’t been hit by the earthquake.
Unfortunately their brewery become part of the red zone. It took them ten weeks to get into the brewery for a first look. The bar and brewery was a mess but structurally sound. Lots of broken bottles and glasses but most of the equipment was intact.
Six months after the February quake they got into the building for a second time. Most of the neighbourhood had been demolished. This is a crying shame because the Hop was snuggled in a brick clad historic ally, between colonial warehouses. New Zealand doesn’t have enough of these to lose. The only silver lining is the Hop now has street frontage, being the only building left standing.
I get their email newsletter and it’s made grim reading this year. They have finally liberated some of their beer and seem to be getting back in the game slowly. I will continue to support them the best way I know how, which is to drink their beer and talk it up online.
Today I’m drinking my first glass of their Nokabollokov Imperial Stout. It pours jet black with an oily thickness. Its head is thick and coffee coloured, it drops slowly and five minutes later still coats the inky darkness beneath it.
Taking a first sniff the aroma is rich and full of caramel and Banoffee pie, bordered by subtle coffee notes.
Packing an 8.6% punch this is a serious beer for lovers of Imperial Stout. It has a distinct oiliness which reminds me of the barrel aged Moa Stout. The flavours are as gorgeous as they are plentiful. There is dark roasted coffee which pings and crackles off your tongue followed by a generous serve of bitter chocolate.
There is something about the whole mouthful which reminds me of black strap molasses. I’m the only person I’ve ever meet who likes a hot cup of molasses, which probably makes any of my opinions suspect.
The Nokabollokov’s initial sweetness is balanced by a resiny and sour aftertaste. The bitterness is definitely secondary to the show put on by the malt but balances the whole package.
To be honest, this makes me feel dead manly. I started this glass as a 78kg lightweight, sitting next to my daughter who's shouting along to the Wiggles. One glass later and I’m a semi drunk barrel chested Russian, working first watch on an oil rig. It’s funny how a good drink can transport you somewhere. For example a bad Tequilla makes me sick and a good one makes me feel like a crazy Mexican.
So if you’re into big boy Imperial stouts this will float your frigate. Not only is it a good drop but it will support Twisted Hop who have had a hell of a year. I recommend you rush out and buy a bottle or two.
