I was given 4 oz of 2011 NZ Rakau hops last week. Does it play well with C hops? What is the best use for it?
It’s in the same vein as Cascade, but I got some weird savory notes when I brewed a single-hop IPA with it (the malt bill may have contributed to that though). I think it would work with any of the usual suspects for IPA’s, such as C hops, Citra, Simcoe, etc.
(This was Riwaka, not Rakau - my bad)
I’ve been trying to find some Rakau hops in decent shape for months. I know the 2013 harvest should be spilling out soon but all I need is one stupid ounce for a clone of Funkwerks Tropic King.
http://www.breworganic.com/organic-new-zealand-rakau-pellet-hops.aspx
That being said, I may have ounce lying buried somewhere in the freezer I bet. Cleaning the garage tonite. I’ll take a look. May have used the last of my Rakau for a Pacific Rim IPA. Can’t remember…
I hate to burst your bubble, but it was disappointing. . .
I agree. I much rather prefer their flagship saison to their other offerings. That being said, they just released a Nelson Sauvin Saison that I am dying to try!!!
I wasn’t a huge fan but my wife really, really likes it. Funkwerks was kind enough to share the recipe so I offered to make it.
I did like Exotic King, which is a blend of barrel aged Tropic King and fresh Tropic King. I’m going to hang on to some of the clone I brew for some faux barrel aging with bourbon-soaked oak chips but let her keep the fresh stuff and I’ll drink the aged saison.
Just realized that I got Rakau mixed up with Riwaka. My bad.
Here are my tasting notes from a single-hopped Rakau Pale Ale. In summary, it was OK, but didn’t wow me. Got a rather indistinct “sweet fruit” note, and a touch of cinnamon as it warmed up. Bitterness was sharp, in the ballpark of Chinook/Columbus. I think it would be nice in combination with a more citrus-forward hop, so C hops or Nelson would be perfect.