26 January 2008

Top 6 - Pseudo Imported Beers

It seems a shame that the large brewers of this country have had to license international brands to produce here because NZ'ers won't drink the locally brewed beers. Is this a reflection of the recipes the local brewers had come up with like Steinlager? or the use of the local malt and hops?(Maybe). Then again Kiwi Lager was a pretty good beer back in the early 90's before Heineken told DB they would have to drop it if they wanted to be able to brew Heineken.

Top 6 [in the order of volume?]

Heineken - DB, Auckland

Stella Artois - Lion, Auckland

Guinness - Lion, Christchurch

Kilkenny - Lion, Christchurch

Carlsberg - Independent, Auckland

Tuborg - Independent, Auckland

The list could be longer but I had to pick six. But don't forget Amstel, Amstel Light and Orangeboom are also brewed in New Zealand now.

I think the introduction of Steinlager Pure has been the largest success of the NZ beer market in the last 10 years. Kiwi's want a beer they can call their own. But for the longest time they tried to drink Steinlager, but the headaches just made it too hard. Now that the beer has been reformulated and has a flavour profile and drinkability very similar to Heineken it is a winner.

How to vote on this one?? Would you even want to? What is your top Pseudo Imported Beer in New Zealand, give it a go.

22 January 2008

Best Brewpubs in New Zealand - January 2008

Brewpubs - breweries attached to a pub, providing an outlet and means to sell their beer. Possibly the best and most successful way of brewing and selling your own beer in the New Zealand market, because you control your own outlet. Plus the brewer achieves full retail pricing for their beer. It's also the best way for a drinker to meet the brewer because he is either brewing or out drinking with the customers.

1. The Mussel Inn - location makes you forget the rest of the world so you can enjoy the beer,(thats because you have just driven to the end of the earth to get there) good range of beers and other alcoholic beverages made from locally grown produce, must try the Captin Cooker Manuka Beer, also available in Belgium.

2. Galbraith's Alehouse - award winning real ale, European lagers, guest beers from local micro breweries, excellent selection of imported English and Belgian Ales, wonderful food, nice outdoor area, great building (old public library). Must not leave without trying the Resurrection.

3. Hallertau - has the best selection of bottled craft beer, from around New Zealand, in one place, food is good, if there is a group go for the plater, beer to try has to be Stuntman (if available) 10% of crazy hopness.

4. The Twisted Hop - bit hard to find but once you are there on one of those long sunny Canterbury afternoons you aren't likely to leave. Real Ale plus a selection of other craft beer. Good pub food. Try a pint of Challenger.

5. Dux de Lux - the best garden bar in New Zealand, backs out onto the Art Center and can hold hundreds of people, a must visit for the Buskers Festival. Beer to try Nor'wester won some great awards over the years and delivers great flavour.

6. Shakepseare Tavern - this is the grand daddy of brewpubs in New Zealand with it opening in 1986. A selection of 11 different beers. Food is pub fare, and the location is very central. The only Brewpub in New Zealand with its own accommodation onsite, and at very competitive pricing for central Auckland. Beer to try Pucks Pixilation, 11.2%, not because it is strong but because it delivers flavour and drinkablity without the alcohol burn.

So you don't agree? Vote for your favourite Brewpub, and/or post your comments below