Former Marlborough brewing icons Renaissance have been in the news recently, having finally found a home of their own again at the former Chinchiller Brewery in Kaiapoi.
Arguably Renaissance’s most famous beer, Stonecutter is a delightfully nuanced take on an already rare style. Rich toffee, toasted nuts and semi-dry stonefruit are lifted by a beguiling thread of smoke that’s always set this particular Scotch Ale apart from the rest. While suitably weighty, the palate is comparatively juicy and mobile for a full 7.0%abv malt driven drop, with a long, satisfying finish and moderate bitterness.
Along with the rest of the range, the first examples of Kaiapoi brewed Stonecutter will presumably be appearing sooner or later, so keep an eye out.