Moa Brewing is part of the new vanguard of great beer coming out of New Zealand. Earlier this year, they celebrated their 10th anniversary! Founder, Josh Scott is the son of a wine maker in the famous Malborough wine region of New Zealand. He used his wine studies in France and California to secretly study the beers of Europe and the US so that he could go home and start a brewery, counter to his father’s wishes. A few years later, he met an ex-Heineken brewer named David Nicholls who joined him at Moa. Today, they’re the leading exporters of New Zealand beer to the US.
Their Pale Ale is brewed in tribute to the classic North American Pale Ale and features the classic pale ale hop, Cascade. It also features the classic New Zealand Hop, Nelson Sauvin, making this a nice mix of two popular and tasty hops from two different hemispheres.
Appearance: Hazy Orange, off white head, great retention.
Aroma: Passion fruit, mango, tropical fruit, some pine notes, a bit of hop funk balanced with a touch of caramel malt.
Taste: Fruity, bitter hops, nice malt balance, crisp and refreshing.
Overall Impression: This is an excellent pale ale from New Zealand. I’m a fan of both the Nelson Sauvin and Cascade hops, so this is an ideal hop combination for me. Moa makes really good beer and they’re worth trying if you see them.
Availability: At better beer shops, imported by St. Killian Importing Co.
5% ABV
