The always creative and innovative Richmond Hill Brewing Company (RHBC) has just released their latest brew; The Up Side Session IPA.
Niall Cook, Master Brewer at RHBC says, “Of late we have been producing big hoppy beers such as Stay Present and Break and Enter with a high alcohol content. We felt that it was time to produce something with less kick, a good session beer, but that was still punchy with a hop aroma and good robust bitterness. The result is The Up Side Session IPA.”
I first sampled The Up Side on a Friday afternoon after a busy week. With my weekend off to a good start, I took my time and studied the flavors and aromas and can happily vouch that The Up Side is all that Niall wanted it to be. Plenty of fruity flavour, just the right amount of bitterness for a session ale and zestyness that is typical of RHBC brews.
When visiting the RHBC Tap Room, which I do rather frequently, the 5% alcohol content means I can have a beer or two more than normal and still drive home with in the BA limit.
Niall adds, “What makes this IPA unique is that we are probably the first brewery in South Africa to use the Nectaron Hop from New Zealand. Together with the Ekuanot hop, they are added to the whirlpool and produce a beer that is fresh and clean with good Passion Fruit, Pineapple and Stone Fruit flavours.”
The Up Side is no exception to the RHBC tradition of creative labeling. Ashley Reid, a regular contributor to the breweries packaging design, came up with his own idea this time round.
Ashley gathered a whole lot of doodles that had been created by RHBC staff and friends and incorporated them into the design. As the beers name suggests, the label is fun and will take some time (while you drink your first can) to fully appreciate.
Order The Up Side Session IPA here or visit the RHBC Tap Room in Alabaster Street, Baakens Valley, Gqeberha and purchase from their takeaway fridge.
