09/09/2026
ONE WINNER WAS THE PLAN.
Crack The Code was built around one simple idea:
Give breweries a new hop, NZ Rhapzody™ from NZ Hop Growers , and see what they can make of it.
The plan was to crown one winner.
But after judging the entries, three b**rs stood out at an exceptionally high level, with only the smallest details separating them.
After plenty of discussion, tasting and re-tasting, we decided one winner simply wasn’t enough.
So this year, for the first time:
GOLD. SILVER. BRONZE.
Swipe to meet the top three →
🥉 BROWAR NOWY Nowy Browar Gdański
A complete and very well-executed expression of NZ Rhapzody™.
Tropical fruit, stone fruit, pineapple and citrus were all there, working together beautifully.
The overall hop expression was slightly softer than the two b**rs ahead of it, but the character of Rhapzody™ remained clear throughout. They get a well deserved 300€ bbs credit to spend on supplies!
🥈 RVK BREWING RVK Brewing Company
The Vikings were incredibly close.
RVK showcased a clear Rhapzody™ profile, with tropical and stone fruit backed by a brighter, more citrus-driven character.
Expressive, balanced and beautifully defined.
Only the smallest details separated this b**r from the top spot. Their prize for this incredible effort will be 500€ in bbs credit to spend on quality supplies for their quality b**rs!
🥇 PÜHASTE Pühaste Brewery
When it came down to the final details, Pühaste captured the character of NZ Rhapzody™ most clearly.
Distinct stone fruit, pineapple and ripe tropical fruit came through in both aroma and flavour.
Focused, expressive and unmistakably Rhapzody™.
CRACK THE CODE NZ 2026 CHAMPION
€1,500 BBS CREDIT + BREWERY PASS TO RIGA POURS!
This concludes the closest ever Crack The Code - which just goes to show how many great breweries we have in Europe! Thanks to all of the breweries that gave this a shot and until Crack The Code 2027… cheers!