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Ruby Bay

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Citrus, lime, sauvignon blanc and ripe stone fruits mark this crisp, dry-hopped pilsner. The hops are all New Zealand-grown: Nelson, Riwaka and Peacharine. The name comes from a small alcove on the Tasman Sea, a stone's throw from the hop fields between Motueka and Nelson, which the brewers visited on their travels. 5.0% ABV.

ABV
5%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
pale gold3
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
citrusyhoppyfruity
citrusy
hoppy
fruity
peach
clean
malty
Aroma
The nose leads with vibrant citrus and lime notes, lifted by the distinctive New Zealand hop character of Nelson, Riwaka and Peacharine.
not found:juicy,caramel,sour,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Ruby Bay

◎ Appearance

Ruby Bay presents a pale golden hue with excellent clarity and bright, lively carbonation. The head forms quickly and maintains a fine, delicate lacing throughout the glass. Light catches the beer with a crystalline quality typical of well-executed pilsners.

pale goldenbright clarityfine lacingcrisp carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with vibrant citrus and lime notes, lifted by the distinctive New Zealand hop character of Nelson, Riwaka and Peacharine. Stone fruit aromatics—particularly peach and nectarine—blend seamlessly with subtle white wine-like florals reminiscent of sauvignon blanc. The malt base remains restrained, allowing the hops to define the aromatic profile.

lime, citruspeach, stone fruitfloral, sauvignon blanc notesbright New Zealand hops

◐ Taste

Entry is crisp and clean, with immediate citrus and peach fruit flavors coating the palate. Mid-palate maintains dry tension with herbaceous hop bitterness and a mineral-like crispness that recalls dry white wine. The 22 IBU provides balanced, articulate bitterness without harshness, while residual Malz character remains subtle and supportive rather than prominent.

dry-hopped bitecitrus-forward palateclean, mineral-likebalanced bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and refreshing with a lingering citrus and herbal aftertaste. Dryness persists without astringency, inviting the next sip.

dry finishherbal faderefreshing aftertaste
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
84
Appearance
80
Finish
78
Serve at 4–7°C

Serve well-chilled at 4–6°C for maximum crispness. A pilsner served too warm loses its defining snap.

Pilsner glass

The tall, narrow pilsner glass preserves carbonation and showcases the golden clarity that defines the style.

Drink fresh and cold. Pilsners do not improve with age — within 3 months of packaging is ideal.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Ruby Bay

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About New Zealand Pilsner

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a New Zealand Pilsner?

Pilsners are crisp golden lagers with 4–5.5% ABV and IBU 25–45. Defined by spicy, floral Saaz hops over a light malt backbone — bright carbonation and a dry bitter finish.

Finding a similar New Zealand Pilsner

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same citrusy, crisp, hoppy character as Ruby Bay will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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