TASTING GUIDE & REVIEWS
March 2022 Judges’ Selection
Summer is still here! Sit back and sip some of these stunners, with FOUR new releases you have to try plus a cracking 8 other brews. The perfect time is now for a refreshing NZ Pilsner like 8-Wired’s delicious Italian Hoppy Pils – Luppolo. There are two super crisp Extra Pale Ales (XPA) and 7! clean, fruity, juicy hoppy Pale Ales/ IPA’s (not too strong), plus a delicious Bier Stick from Canterbury Biltong in this month’s cracker of a selection.
Tasting Notes
A good sequel is hard to come by, but if you like West Coast IPAs and getting caught in the rain, then Awesome Mix Vol.2 from Sprig + Fern Brewing Co. is the beer for you. The brew team have packed citrus, grapefruit, lime, tropical fruit and stone fruit into this WCIPA using Idaho 7 and Citra.Brewers Story
Tracy Banner aka ‘The mother of NZ brewing’ is the founder of Sprig and Fern Brewing Co. Based in Richmond, near Nelson. Brewing quality beer from natural ingredients, to the correct styles is the philosophy of Tracy and her team.
Tasting Notes
This Hazy is a full-bodied, twighlight tinted IPA that leaves you with a warm glow that’s hard to forget. Locally sourced Vape yeast brings together a bright golden malt base and a juicy blend of Motueka, Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe hops.Brewers Story
Waitoa would like to join the growing number of companies who are making community part of their DNA. They create places for our friends to relax in their own neighbourhood – with the quality and vibe of the central city…oh, and make great beer!
Tasting Notes
Voodoo XPA is a super fruity light pale ale, packed with late addition hops. Light and refreshing.Brewers Story
Owner Matt, developed the Boneface craft beer brand from a love of all things beer and sci-fi. Matt’s brewing background and passion for craft beer fit perfectly into the burgeoning Upper Hutt craft beer mecca. Whilst brewing the favourites, he’s always in a parallel universe, developing new and innovative craft beer flavours for you to try. Boneface believe their beers are some of the best New Zealand has to offer.
Tasting Notes
Luppolo is a crisp, hoppy pilsner. Generously hopped with modern German varieties, Perle, Callista and Saphir to provide a subtle layer of citrus and punchy stone fruit, tempered with pleasant bitterness. Bellissimo! Join us on our big wild beer journey invites us to rethink our relationship to the traditional double IPA.Brewers Story
8-Wired were born during the infancy of the NZ Craft Brewer Revolution when brewers sculpted a unique identity that is rich in kiwi spirit and adventure. Fired on by this brewer break-away, 8 Wired has always stood for innovation and ingenuity.
Tasting Notes
Brewer's Story
Tasting Notes
Another hard-hitter joins the ranks – Heavy Hands is uncompromising with hoppiness. This hazy IPA holds a punchy combination of NZ hops, with Rakau and Moutere as hooks left and right, followed by a body blow of Nelson Sauvin. Truly a combination that flows together with ease. Heavy Hands can leave a stinging across your face, or a bell-ringing for an amateur, but don’t throw in the towel, get to your corner & go another round!
Brewer's Story
Inspired by beer found travelling overseas, Southpaw brings flavour home to NZ – operating out of their own brewery in Christchurch. Southpaw blends their knowledge with local, fresh ingredients and share their inspiration to New Zealand with their unique and delicious beers. Southpaw have won awards for many beers at the Brewers’ Guild NZ Beer Awards, including a gold medal for their Red IPA, Riding Pine.
Tasting Notes
Wake up early, get to work on time, I’m Adulting. Gotta save every dollar, every dime. I’m Adulting. Can’t eat lollies every day. I’m Adulting. Gotta keep an eye on what I weigh. I’m Adulting. We know you have to adult sometimes. So we made this seriously hoppy Hazy IPA with Riwaka, Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo and Idaho#7 hops. Massive fruit without the massive alcohol so you can still adult if you need to.
Brewer's Story
Founded in 2013 Behemoth Brewing Company were contract brewers from the start, and are now brewing our beers in our own brewery on Dominion Road in Auckland. So far Behemoth has made over 350 unique beers; many have been one-offs. Behemoth always loves trying new things using top notch ingredients to make quality beers. Beers that are big on flavour and on making people smile or have a laugh with our mascot, Churly.
Tasting Notes
Join the Good George social league! Expect a smooth mouthfeel and pineapple citrus aroma in a full flavoured hazy IPA. Bonus points, it’s low in carbs. Social League Low Carb Hazy IPA (4.2%) looks hazy and pale yellow, and has aromas of pineapple, citrus, and hops. On the palate it’s dry with a soft bitterness and full mouthfeel.
Brewer's Story
Good George came to life after a bunch of friends got together and decided, after years in hospitality and brewing, it was time to create their own craft beer brand. Their main aim was to convert drinkers from the norm and show them how to enjoy fantastic beer.
Tasting Notes
Brewer's Story
Tasting Notes
Brewer's Story
Tasting Notes
Brewer's Story
North End are a small team, producing beer in Waikanae, on the Kapiti Coast. Brought to life in 2013 by a trio of kiwis passionate about food, drink and the coast. Beer inspired by traditional European styles and brewed to capture the uniqueness of our land. Taking their name from Kapiti Island, where the aptly named ‘North End’ is most visible from Waikanae Beach.
Tasting Notes
Brewer's Story
