Duck Foot Brewing Co. - My Cousin Nelson NZ-Hopped Hazy IPA
An exotic and aromatic adventure, My Cousin Nelson is a New Zealand-Hopped Hazy IPA that brings the lush, unique flavors of the Southern Hemisphere to your glass. This beer is a vibrant expression of what can be achieved with international hops, delivering a juicy and complex profile that will delight both hazy IPA fans and traditionalists alike.
A Story of San Diego Craft & Gluten-Reduced Innovation
Duck Foot Brewing Co., founded by Matt Delvecchio and Brett Goldstock, made a name for itself in San Diego's competitive craft beer scene by creating great-tasting, gluten-reduced beer. Their mission was simple: make beer that everyone can enjoy, including those with gluten sensitivities. My Cousin Nelson is a testament to this innovative spirit. By exclusively using hops from New Zealand, a region renowned for its distinctive and aromatic hop varieties, Duck Foot has crafted a Hazy IPA that stands out from the crowd and celebrates the global nature of craft brewing.
Key Features
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Exclusively New Zealand Hops: This Hazy IPA is brewed only with hops from New Zealand, including the famous Nelson Sauvin hop, which imparts its unique white wine grape character.
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Thiolized Yeast Strain: Fermented with a special yeast strain that enhances the fruity aromatic compounds in the hops, creating an even more vibrant and tropical flavor profile.
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Hazy IPA Style: An opaque, hazy yellow body with a soft, pillowy texture that is the hallmark of the style.
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Balanced & Drinkable: At 6.0% ABV, it's a "happy hazy" that is both flavorful and easy to drink, with a restrained bitterness that keeps the beer from feeling overly sweet.
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Gluten-Reduced: Like all Duck Foot beers, this brew is crafted using a process that reduces the gluten content, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: An explosive bouquet of white grape, pineapple, and lime, with a hint of crushed gooseberries and a light dankness.
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Palate: The flavor follows the aroma, with a powerful burst of white wine grape character from the Nelson Sauvin hop. Notes of pineapple and lime create a beautiful tropical fruit blend, all while maintaining a smooth and balanced mouthfeel.
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Finish: A clean and crisp finish that has just enough bitterness to balance the fruit, rolling into a subtle, almost bready flavor at the very end.
Awards & Acclaim
While this is a limited release, Duck Foot Brewing Co. has a history of award-winning beers. The brewery has taken home medals at prestigious competitions like the Great American Beer Festival, with their beer "The Contender IPA with Chilis" winning a silver medal. The quality and craftsmanship of their year-round and seasonal offerings, including the My Cousin Nelson, have consistently received high praise and ratings from critics and consumers on platforms like Untappd.
The Overall Expression: An Exciting Journey
My Cousin Nelson is a beer that is as delightful as its name. It's a journey to the South Pacific in a can, offering a truly unique and compelling flavor profile that showcases the special characteristics of New Zealand hops. This beer is a perfect example of Duck Foot's brewing skill and their ability to create an approachable, yet complex Hazy IPA that will reward you with every sip. It's a testament to the fact that great beer, no matter where its hops are from, is an adventure worth taking.
