Pernicious Weed – Garage Project

Legendary. Intense. Uncompromising.

Beer Overview

Pernicious Weed from Garage Project is a true modern classic—a bold, hop-saturated 8% Imperial IPA that helped put New Zealand hops firmly on the global craft beer map.

Big, expressive and unapologetically intense, this is a beer that delivers exactly what it promises: huge flavour, explosive aroma and a dangerously drinkable finish. Bursting with passionfruit and citrus, it showcases the unmistakable character of Nelson Sauvin and Rakau hops in full force.

Rarely seen in the UK and hugely influential, Pernicious Weed is a must-try for anyone serious about hop-forward beer.

Flavour Profile

Taste: Passionfruit, grapefruit and full citrus bowl intensity with resinous depth.
Mouthfeel: Medium-full, smooth and deceptively drinkable.
Finish: Bold, lingering bitterness with bright citrus and tropical fruit.

Aroma

Explosive aromas of passionfruit, citrus peel and tropical fruit dominate, lifted by subtle pine and resinous hop character.

Brewing Process & Uniqueness

Pernicious Weed is a celebration of New Zealand hop innovation, built around the iconic pairing of Nelson Sauvin and Rakau. These varieties deliver vibrant fruit character—white grape, passionfruit and citrus—alongside depth and complexity.

Despite its 8% strength, the beer remains remarkably drinkable, a testament to Garage Project’s balance and brewing precision. It’s big, bold and flavour-packed without tipping into heaviness.

The name itself nods to brewing history—when hops first arrived in England in the 1500s, they were condemned as a “wicked and pernicious weed” feared to corrupt society. Thankfully, they didn’t.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at: 6–8°C in an IPA glass.

Perfect with:

• Spicy wings or tacos
• BBQ meats
• Burgers and loaded fries
• Strong cheddar
• Salty snacks

About Garage Project

Garage Project is one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing breweries in the global craft beer scene. Founded in 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand, the brewery began in a small garage in Aro Valley—living up to its name both literally and philosophically. What started as a tiny, experimental setup quickly evolved into one of the most influential craft breweries in the Southern Hemisphere.

From the outset, Garage Project built its reputation on a simple idea: “try something new.” This ethos led to their now-famous 24/24 project, where they brewed 24 different beers in 24 weeks. The project showcased their creativity, technical ability and willingness to explore new styles, ingredients and brewing techniques—laying the foundation for everything that followed.

Today, Garage Project produces an incredibly diverse range of beers, from hop-forward hazy IPAs and pale ales to mixed fermentation beers, barrel-aged releases, lagers and experimental one-offs. Their brewing is driven by curiosity and innovation, often incorporating unusual ingredients, modern hop products and cutting-edge fermentation methods.

The brewery is particularly known for its use of New Zealand hops, including varieties such as Nelson Sauvin, Motueka and Nectaron, which deliver distinctive flavours of tropical fruit, citrus and white grape. Garage Project has also played a key role in advancing hop innovation through projects like Hāpi Research, a collaborative initiative focused on developing new hop varieties and flavour profiles.

Beyond the beer itself, Garage Project is instantly recognisable for its bold, artistic branding. Each release features unique label artwork created in collaboration with artists and designers, reflecting the brewery’s strong connection to Wellington’s creative culture.

Despite its global reach and reputation, Garage Project remains fiercely independent and rooted in its origins. With multiple sites including their original Aro Valley brewery and dedicated mixed fermentation facilities, they continue to push the boundaries of what beer can be—combining technical skill, creativity and a relentless drive to innovate.

From experimental one-offs to world-class IPAs, Garage Project represents modern craft brewing at its most imaginative and exciting.

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