Beer Review: Anzus IPA

AWESOME ANZUS: Croucher Brewing Company's Anzus IPA. Yes please. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER 161014AW07

I could not hold back any longer, possibly because I could change my mind after being inundated with amazing beer for the past six weeks.

Yes - drumroll - it's my favourite beer of all time. Right now that is.

Not because it's from Rotorua's own Croucher Brewing Company, but because when I first tried their Anzus IPA I knew I had found a keeper.

Like when you get your first girl or boyfriend - it was an exciting time.

The subtle blend of Simcoe, Riwaka, Citra and Ammarillo hops packs an initial punch, but the finish is sweet and fruity, and oh so mellow.

Anzus won a bronze at this year's New Zealand Beer Awards, but brewer Paul Croucher said a very similar beer, his St Ella IPA, brewed with one very subtle change, won gold.

The flavour of this beer gets better with time, Paul says he is always tinkering with the recipe to get it just right, and you can tell he is a perfectionist.

He also tips his hat to the boys at Epic Brewing Company who he said gave him the inspiration for his Anzus with their Armageddon IPA, which is another fantastic brew.

At 7 per cent Anzus is not to be taken lightly, but it's so smooth it's easy to get carried away. Four and a half pints out of five.

Beer kindly supplied by Brew Craft Beer Pub on Eat Streat Rotorua and The Strand Tauranga. Anzus is also available at Ambrosia Restaurant and Bar Rotorua and in selected supermarkets and liquor outlets.