Product Description
Home Brew Republic Recipe Pack Southern Cross XPA
The Southern Cross XPA is a vibrant, hop-forward brew that pays tribute to New Zealand’s iconic night sky and the Southern Hemisphere hops that make it shine. This extra pale ale delivers a bright, citrusy, and tropical flavor profile, perfectly balanced with a clean malt backbone from Ultra Light Liquid Malt.
Dry-hopped with a bold trio of Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Riwaka, this brew bursts with notes of zesty lime, passionfruit, and gooseberry, complemented by delicate white wine and floral undertones. A subtle bitterness rounds out the experience, making it crisp, refreshing, and highly drinkable.
With a balanced IBU and a light malt body, the Southern Cross XPA is perfect for those who love a punchy hop aroma without an overpowering bitterness. Whether you’re kicking back under the stars or catching up with mates over a summer session, this beer is a stellar choice for any occasion.
Tell Me About The Hops In This Recipe:
This Southern Cross XPA is built around three powerhouse New Zealand hops—Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Riwaka, each bringing their own distinctive and aromatic character to the brew.
Motueka Hops:
Motueka is a versatile dual-purpose hop that delivers a bold citrus burst, most notably zesty lime and fresh lemon, with underlying tropical fruit tones. Originally bred from Saaz, this hop retains a subtle noble spice, making it a favorite for hop-forward pale ales.
Nelson Sauvin Hops:
One of the most unique and sought-after hops in the craft beer world, Nelson Sauvin is renowned for its white wine-like character, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Expect bright notes of gooseberry, passionfruit, and crushed grapes, giving this brew an unmistakably New Zealand-grown hop profile.
Riwaka Hops:
A true aroma bomb, Riwaka is prized for its high oil content, delivering intense tropical fruit and citrus flavors. Bursting with passionfruit, grapefruit, and fresh-squeezed orange zest, this hop enhances the bright and juicy characteristics of the Southern Cross XPA, while adding a slight resinous depth to balance out the crisp malt body.
This trio of Southern Hemisphere hops showcases the modern evolution of New Zealand pale ales—bold citrus, tropical fruit, and wine-like complexity without overwhelming bitterness. These hops thrive in extra pale ales, where their expressive aromas and bright flavors can shine.
Looking for a food match? The Southern Cross XPA goes Well With…
1. Thai Green Curry: The gooseberry & passionfruit from Nelson Sauvin bring out the aromatic spices, while the crisp malt backbone tames the heat.
2. Muscles in White Wine and Garlic: A natural pairing! The Nelson Sauvin hop’s wine-like character mirrors the white wine broth, while the citrusy zing of Motueka cuts through the richness.
3. Kumara Fries with Aioli: The light, smooth malt base keeps things balanced, while the hops’ citrus and tropical fruit make each bite even more addictive.
4. Classic Kiwi Fish and Chips: The crisp, golden XPA is the perfect match for a fresh piece of battered fish, with the Motueka lime and Riwaka passionfruit lifting the whole dish.
5. Lemon & Passionfruit Cheese Cake: That tropical, citrusy hop combo makes this dessert next-level refreshing, enhancing the tart-sweet flavors of passionfruit & lemon.
This has got to be one of the best brews I have ever made, The Southern Cross XPA is very session-able and is best enjoyed around the BBQ with good friends and good food.