Bach Brewing Peach Pucker

From my Canterbury perspective this summer was a bit of a have, in fact we just recorded the coldest February day since 1945. So I’ll look to experience the season vicariously where I can, and what better way than glorious stone fruit from the warmer regions?  Brewed with peach and white tea, this Berliner (5.4 per cent) from Bach is just the ticket.  The nose is bursting with ripe peach puree, jasmine and citrus blossom on a pillow of creamy fruit yoghurt.  It’s so ripe and lush I forgot I even had a sour beer until I went in for the taste, where the vibrant lactobacillus lash will remind you in a hurry.  That sour zing takes the palate in more of a lemon citrus direction, with the tea lending a gently tannic structure.  Striking an excellent balance between refreshment and substantial flavour, this is a perfect drop to send off the season in style.

8 Wired Superconductor Double IPA

Christmas has come early for me this year, as Warkworth’s 8-Wired has revived one of their (and very much one of my own) all time classic beers.  Superconductor Double IPA (8.8%) channels a similar energy to its legendary stablemate Hopwired, with sumptuous aromas of...

The Start Up Series — DNA Brewing

This is the third instalment in a series dedicated to breweries that have opened up since the Covid-19 pandemic. The past five years have been tough for those in the brewing industry. The data is there: higher costs, lower consumer spend, alternative drinks. All are...

The Start Up Series — Coromandel Town Supply

This is the second chapter in a series dedicated to breweries that have opened up since the Covid-19 pandemic. The past five years have been tough for those in the brewing industry. The data is there: higher costs, lower consumer spend, alternative drinks. All are...

The Start Up Series — Renegade Brewing

This is the first in a series dedicated to breweries that have opened up since the Covid-19 pandemic. The past five years have been tough for those in the brewing industry. The data is there: higher costs, lower consumer spend, alternative drinks. All are eating into...

Beers Of The Year 2025

There were some standouts and commonalities when the Pursuit of Hoppiness team compiled their beers of the year for 2025. An overwhelming favourite was Emerson's Pride of The Plains Pilsner, the 30th anniversary rebrew of the genre-defining NZ-style pilsner that...

Three Sisters Expand Into Wellington

New Plymouth brewery Three Sisters is expanding into Wellington, taking over the site that was once home to Black Dog brewery in Blair Street. It's a massive step for a small provincial brewery but comes with the support of their shareholders and off the back of a...