Hop Thief is truly unique in the craft beer world. It’s the only member of the James Squire family that is able to keep reinventing itself (much like its namesake) with a different hop bill every time. We know Hop Thief fans are always waiting with bated breath and empty glasses for each new incarnation.

So what’s new for Hop Thief #9? The hero hops this time around are Citra and Calypso. Citra is a high alpha acid hop (giving a strong bitterness) with smooth florals and citrus. It’s a fairly new hop variety but is becoming more popular thanks to its intensity of aroma and flavour. Calypso is another high alpha hop, used for its soft aromatics. Expect pleasantly fruity aromas of apple, pear and citrus that make for crisp flavours.

Then they’ve added a little magic – Lupulin. If you haven’t heard of Lupulin before, get ready for some beer science right here.

The crew at the Malt Shovel felt Citra Lupulin would be an exciting addition to Hop Thief 9 and a way to showcase some innovative brewing techniques. And if you’d like to imagine Haydo and the crew dancing past the fermentation tanks and sprinkling the beer with this exotic fairy dust, then that’s fine too.

Hop Thief 9 will be officially launched trade wide in late May.

If you’re interested in having James Squire beers in your venue head to www.maltshovel.com.au