Style: New Zealand-Style IPA
ABV: 5.8%
Brewery: Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. (Decorah, Iowa)
Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. has earned a reputation as one of the premier craft breweries in the U.S., particularly known for their hoppy masterpieces like King Sue and Pseudo Sue. Zeelander IPA is a bit of an outlier in their lineup. It’s not a hazy juice bomb or a resinous West Coast IPA, but rather a New Zealand style IPA, showcasing the vibrant and aromatic qualities of Nelson Sauvin hops.
Appearance – 4.5/5
Zeelander pours a radiant golden-orange hue, slightly hazy but not murky, with a creamy, frothy white head that clings to the glass. The carbonation level is lively, adding to the beer’s visual appeal.
Aroma – 4.5/5
The nose is bursting with tropical and citrus fruit notes, a hallmark of Nelson Sauvin hops. There’s a strong presence of gooseberry, white grape, and passion fruit, followed by subtle hints of pineapple, tangerine, and a touch of dankness. Some underlying biscuity malt adds balance, preventing the aroma from becoming overwhelmingly hop-forward.
Taste – 4/5
On the palate, Zeelander delivers a well balanced hop profile with juicy fruit flavors leading the way. The gooseberry and white grape characteristics from the aroma carry through, along with ripe mango, orange zest, and a touch of pine. A mild, crackery malt backbone provides just enough support without overshadowing the hop expression. The bitterness is moderate. It’s enough to remind you it’s an IPA, but not overly aggressive.
Mouthfeel 4/5
Smooth and slightly creamy, Zeelander has a medium body with a crisp, refreshing finish. The carbonation is bright and effervescent, making it incredibly drinkable. It’s lighter than some of Toppling Goliath’s other IPAs but still has enough heft to feel satisfying.
Finish & Drinkability – 4/5
The finish is dry with a lingering hop character. The restrained bitterness and lower ABV (compared to many other TG offerings) make it an approachable choice for those who enjoy hop-forward beers but don’t necessarily want a palate-wrecking experience.
Overall Rating – 4.2/5
Zeelander is a well executed and flavorful example of a New Zealand style IPA, highlighting the unique qualities of Nelson Sauvin hops while maintaining excellent balance. While it may not be as widely hyped as some of Toppling Goliath’s other IPAs, it’s an outstanding choice for hop lovers who appreciate fruit-forward, crisp, and highly drinkable beers.
Pros
- Excellent hop aroma and flavor
- Well balanced with moderate bitterness
- Bright and refreshing
Cons
- Slightly thin compared to other Toppling Goliath IPAs
- May not satisfy those seeking a super hazy or ultra bitter IPA
If you’re a fan of Nelson Sauvin hops or looking for something a little different from the usual West Coast or New England IPAs, Zeelander is well worth trying. It’s a great example of how a single hop variety can shine when used thoughtfully. Whether you’re new to Toppling Goliath or a longtime fan, this one is definitely worth a try.
If you’ve tried a Zeelander IPA, please let us know your thoughts about it.
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