[Fuzz]

Having not brewed with New Zealand hops before, I’m not sure if the idea I have for a brew will work and I’m looking for suggestions.

The brew is a juniper rye IPA, and I’ve done a couple of test batches but I don’t think I’ve yet hit the nail on the head. I’m thinking of coupling the spiciness of the rye with some NZ hops. Do you think Southern Cross, Motueka and Pacific Gem would work together? Warrior would be the main bittering hop, but I’m looking for flavour and aroma hops that will work well with the rye and each other.

The last batch had Citra, Simcoe and Amarillo on the dry hop, but I felt they took away the focus of the rye and juniper, which need to be at the forefront. I want a beer that people can tell has some tropical fruitiness but predominantly spicy and juniper.

Other hops I have to use are Rakau, Dr Rudi, Pilgrim, Endeavour, Jester and Mandarina.