New Zealand Pale Ale Stacks Three Kiwi Hops and Drops the Gluten

Blackfoot River Brewing releases New Zealand Pale Ale, brewed with Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Nectaron hops and crafted to remove gluten, delivering what the brewery calls a distinct tropical aroma.

• Style: Pale Ale
• Release Date: 2026-08-11
• ABV: 6.2%
• Blackfoot River Brewing Company (Helena, MT)

Blackfoot River Brewing Company has put New Zealand Pale Ale on tap, brewed with three of the country's signature hop varieties: Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Nectaron. The brewery describes the beer as light-bodied with a distinct tropical aroma and a zesty, dry finish.

Thinking about the hops and flavor profile

The hop selection is worth a second look. Nelson Sauvin is one of the more distinctive hops grown anywhere, known for a grape and white-wine character that can read almost more like a Sauvignon Blanc than a typical hop; Motueka tends toward lime and tropical fruit, and Nectaron leans passionfruit and citrus. Stacked together in a light-bodied pale ale rather than a bigger IPA, that combination has room to actually show rather than getting buried under malt or alcohol.

Blackfoot River also notes the beer is crafted to remove gluten. It comes in at 6.2 percent ABV and 25 IBUs - restrained numbers for a hop-forward pale ale, which keeps the focus on aroma and finish rather than bitterness.

New Zealand Pale Ale is on tap now at Blackfoot River's Helena taproom.