If there is one beer style that has defined the craft beer movement, it is the India Pale Ale. Bold, aromatic and packed with hop character, IPA has become the benchmark for breweries wanting to show what they can do with hops. At IronBark Hill Brewing Co in the Hunter Valley, that showcase comes in the form of Hop Circus IPA: a 6.5% ABV celebration of four American hop varieties, brewed in Pokolbin and canned on site.
Four Hops, One Big Flavour
What makes Hop Circus stand out is its hop bill. Four American varieties, each chosen for what it brings to the glass:
- Centennial: Often called "Super Cascade," Centennial brings a clean, floral bitterness with citrus notes that form the backbone of the beer.
- Citra: One of the most sought-after hops in craft brewing. Citra delivers intense tropical fruit: think mango, passionfruit and grapefruit.
- Mosaic: A complex hop that adds layers of berry, stone fruit and herbal character. It is the variety that gives Hop Circus its depth.
- Simcoe: Known for its piney, resinous qualities alongside citrus and earthy notes. Simcoe rounds out the hop bill with a satisfying finish.
Used together, these four hops create something greater than any single variety could manage alone. The result is a beer that is bursting with vibrant citrus and tropical characters, with bright aromas of grapefruit and mango, while piney undertones and subtle earthy notes round out the palate.
What to Expect in the Glass
Pour Hop Circus into a tulip glass or an IPA glass if you have one, and you will notice the aroma before it reaches your lips. Grapefruit and mango hit first, followed by a wave of pine resin and something almost floral. Take a sip and the tropical fruit continues on the palate, balanced by a firm bitterness that is assertive without being harsh. At 6.5% ABV, it has the body and warmth to match those big flavours, making it a beer that rewards slow drinking.
For the best experience, serve it at around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. Too cold and you will lose those hop aromatics. Too warm and the bitterness can become heavy. That sweet spot in between is where Hop Circus really shines.
A Milestone for IronBark Hill
Hop Circus holds a special place in the IronBark Hill story. It was the brewery's 30th beer to be canned, a milestone for a small operation that started on a 200-litre system and has grown to a 1200-litre brewery with ten tanks. Every batch is brewed and canned on site at 694 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, which means you are drinking beer that has never left the Hunter Valley until it reaches your door.
Food Pairings
IPA and food is a pairing that more people should explore. The bold hop bitterness and citrus character of Hop Circus can stand up to strong flavours that lighter beers would get lost beside. Here are some matches worth trying:
- Spicy food: Thai green curry, buffalo wings, or a spicy Mexican bowl. The bitterness cuts through the heat while the tropical notes complement chilli and lime.
- Burgers: A loaded burger with sharp cheddar and pickles is a classic IPA match. The carbonation and bitterness cleanse the palate between bites.
- Strong cheese: Blue cheese, aged cheddar or washed rind cheeses all pair beautifully with IPA. The bold flavours meet on equal footing.
- Grilled meats: Lamb chops, barbecue ribs or charred steak. The malty backbone of Hop Circus complements caramelised, smoky flavours.
- Pizza: Next time you are visiting IronBark Hill, grab a Hop Circus from the taproom and pair it with a pizza from the Wildstreak Kitchen. The bitterness and citrus work brilliantly with tomato, cheese and cured meats.
Winter Drinking
There is a common misconception that IPA is a summer beer. In reality, the style was built for substance. At 6.5% ABV, Hop Circus has more warmth and body than a typical pale ale or lager, making it well suited to cooler evenings. Pour one after a day exploring the Hunter Valley vineyards, or crack a can while watching the winter sunset from the IronBark Hill beer garden. The piney, resinous hop character feels especially right when there is a chill in the air.
The Full IronBark Hill Range
If you enjoy Hop Circus, there is plenty more to explore from the brewery. The American Pale Ale (5.2% ABV, dual Silver Medal winner) shares some of that citrus and pine character in a more sessionable format. Far Canal Lager (4.0% ABV) takes things in a cleaner, maltier direction with biscuit and residual sweetness. And the Gold Medal winning Amber Ale bridges the gap with caramel toffee notes and a hint of citrus.
Not sure where to start? The Build Your Own 4-Pack ($24) lets you pick any four cans from the range and try a few side by side.
Visit the Taproom
Hop Circus and the full IronBark Hill range are available on tap and in cans at the brewery taproom, open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Pair your tasting with lunch from the Wildstreak Kitchen, explore the Peter Drayton Wines cellar door next door, and make an afternoon of it. Dogs are welcome and bookings are recommended on weekends.
IronBark Hill Brewing Co
694 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Shop Hop Circus IPA online
