From ChinChiller, the production arm of Christchurch’s Brew Academy, this curiously-named pilsner refers to the Covid-19 elbow-handshake that was ubiquitous around the time it was first being brewed.  A battery of New Zealand hops (Wai-iti, Motueka, Pacifica, Riwaka) drives an absolutely gorgeous noble aroma.  Fresh cut hay, lime citrus, white grape and daphne with a big drizzle of clean maltiness.  More citrus and herbaceous notes on the palate, along with a big crunchy malt and gripping bitterness.  A remarkable balancing act of a pilsner that massively delivers on the both the hop and malt character, while keeping taut and thoroughly contained throughout. A deserving bronze medal winner at the recent Brewers Guild Awards.

Fermented Culture — After The Fall

An email comes crashing through the ether like Arnold Schwarzenegger on a motorbike shouting come with me if you want to drink… “I write to you my Friends from the Past in the 9th month of the year of our lord 2036. The changes we have seen over the last decade seem...

Continued Consolidation with Volstead Takeover

The group behind Christchurch’s small and experimental Concept Brewing have taken over the larger Volstead Trading Co and brewery, continuing the consolidation of the industry that’s been the trend of the past year. And the owners are joined by American Steve Sloan,...

Globe-trotting Kiwi Brewer Sets Up In Singapore

Nick Calder-Scholes the Kiwi brewer behind the phenomenal success of Sydney’s One Drop is now head brewer at the just-opened People People Brewing Co. in Singapore. He talks about his global journey. Nick Calder-Scholes spent his teenage summers in Nelson picking...

Instagratification: Dusty’s Fresh Hop Faves

Photographer, beer-lover and Instagram influencer Dusty, picks his highlights from the latest releases. Brave Helping Hands IPA One of my anticipated fresh hop releases, the 2026 edition of Helping Hands from Hawke’s Bay locals Brave Brewing features late harvest...

Urbanaut Harmonie Hazy Belgian IPA

An argument could be made that the first hazy beer was Belgian.  With its low bitterness, restrained malt character and (depending on one’s pour) distinct opacity, it shares more than a few similarities.  IPA on the other hand can make no such comparison,...

Garage Project Harvest Home

Just when you think you’re out, fresh hop season pulls you back in… Garage Project Harvest Home, an encore of the harvest, comes from their awards powerhouse, Wild Workshop.  Brewed with raw (unmalted) wheat and pilsner malt, and flavoured with coriander seed and yen...