“Pacific Tides is a graceful melding of Pacifica, Motueka and Riwaka. A true expression of New Zealand character in one of our hoppiest lager renditions. This is a clean pilsner, with a wild aromatic and flavour from these NZ varietals lovingly supplied by Clayton Hops.”

Glassware: Stemmed tulip.
Appearance: Bright golden-yellow complexion capped off by a wispy overlay which quickly forms a collar. Nice webbed lacing clinging to the glass as it ebbs.
Aroma: We love the unique and quirky nature of NZ hops. One could use them in almost any style of beer and they’ll bring it alive. One of the styles we think they pair best with are pilsners and just as this interpretation shows, it provides fruity white wine, lime juice/zest, herbal spice, unripe passionfruit, peppermint and yellow grapefruit.
Flavour: More of the pilsner qualities come through which we expected. Those hops still shine bright though… displaying slightly sweeter citrus, lemon/lime zest, passionfruit, herbals and pine needle. There’s a fine pilsner malt base that lays down cereal grain, water crackers and a very mild hint of honey. A delicate bitterness develops late and rolls into a semi-dry finish which lingers.
Mouthfeel: Crisp, dry and clean. Light-moderate body and a lightly sparkling Co2. The 5.1% ABV is tucked away nicely.
Overall: This would have to be near our 15th review of King River this year. Still, we haven’t tried one beer that has scored less than 8/10 and that record continues after this very pleasant NZ pilsner.





















