PRIMARY FLAVOURS

• Passionfruit
• Juicy
• Mango
• Refreshing

Story

Surprisingly, the Hunter Valley doesn't have many breweries. Wineries, no problem, but places to get a decent beer? Pretty limited. Which makes a stop at Maltnhops in between Newcastle city and the Hunter Valley vineyards in NSW an important stop.

With 11 taps serving an assortment of constantly changing beers, with the award-winning brewery pizzas the cherry on top.

Indeed, beer diversity is what makes Maltnhops stand out, with head brewer Phil Lyne lobbing up a range that dips with the seasons from crisp Pilsner and juicy hazy in summer (with a legendary hazy NEIPA) to moody dark ales, stouts and red ale in winter. For what is hardly a large brewery, it makes Maltnhops a hidden gem, especially in what is a pretty industrial part of NSW.

Oh and the pizza? That's the work of co-founder Cam McDonald, who is every bit the face of Maltnhops. A lover of Dare iced coffee (when he's not having a beer), he's an important part of the reason why this small brewery has made such a big stamp.

This Cosmic Tadpoles makes a big statement for a mid-strength rated beer too. We're so often disappointed by 'mid' strength craft beer because it often feels like someone has turned the volume down. But this Hazy Mid just isn't that at all - it's aromatic, with just the combination of Aussie and American hops to give this a flavour punch with a creamy texture to back that up. It's just a really well rounded and delicious beer.

Specs

PAIRING GUIDE

We love a good hazy beer, and Maltnhops Brewing really captures that expressive character and depth of flavour we can’t get enough of. When it comes to food pairing, we reckon this one is best with spicy savoury dishes - peri-peri chicken, tikka masala, lamb or veggie tagine and pasta arrabiata would all work wonders here. It’s also going to be great with classic barbecue dishes, especially grilled pork sausages, garlic prawns and homemade burgers. Nice!

RECIPE MATCHES

• Easy Peri-Peri Chicken Thighs
• Cauliflower and Paneer Dal