Seven and a half years ago, we brewed our first big India Pale Ale at 401 Second Street in Williamsburg.
Rakau, the hop, wasn’t even available — compounding our lack of experience, organization, or a planned tap list long enough to last two openings. The brew day went well enough and soon we were brewing a series of weekly IPA’s – three hop additions per brew via First Wort, Whirlpool, and Dry-Hop.
Like countless other breweries in Virginia’s diverse beer scene, those early days without Rakau taught us how to dial in an IPA.
Just like A Picture of Nectaron before it, we dedicate this new recipe to Rakau; for 7+ years of encouraging us to brew without these huge notes of citrus zest, green apple, and pineapple; and the best dank nose this side of…New Zealand.
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