By James Atkinson
The Malt Shovel Brewery recently launched James Squire Hop Thief 6 nationally and its successor in the evolving craft beer series is already in development, the brewer said.
The Hop Thief series showcases seasonal aromatic hops available at the time of each numbered release.
Hop Thief 6 American-style Pale Ale is brewed using Simcoe and Columbus hops. Malt Shovel head brewer, Jeff Potter said Simcoe imparts passionfruit and pine-needle aromas, while Columbus contributes earthy, spicy notes.
Lion head of craft Brett Grebert told TheShout Hop Thief 5 was well received by beer lovers and was on draught at more than 120 venues nationally.
“The vast majority of these venues have embraced the changeover to Hop Thief 6 and these customers are excited by the concept of an American-style Pale Ale with an evolving hop bill,” he said.
“It is still early days, but on our digital channels we are seeing comments that show consumers are also excited by and understand the concept of a varietal series… we will be doing ongoing promotional activities with each new release.”
Hop Thief 6 is now available in-pack and on-tap nationwide and will evolve next season with the introduction of Hop Thief 7.
“Hop Thief 7 American-style Pale Ale is already a work in progress, with the Malt Shovel brewers, Jeff Potter and Robert Freshwater, having just travelled to Tasmania in March for the Hop Harvest to hand-pick hops which will feature in the next edition of the Hop Thief varietal series,” Malt Shovel said.