Lakeman

A new one for me, this ‘American’ pilsner promises to be even more hop forward than the New Zealand variant.  You might suggest that puts it pretty close to IPL territory, which probably isn’t far wrong, but with Boneface being the current holders of a Brewers Guild trophy for exactly that style (The Outlaw), I see that as a plus.  The aroma blends familiar citrusy noble hop aromas with distinctly American stone fruit and melon.  The palate is sharp, taut and incredibly fresh, with a cleansing bitter finish that lingers on the citrus.  It’s a fairly big pilsner at 5.5 per cent, but nicely rapid and refreshing nonetheless.  An intriguing and satisfyingly full-on evolution of the NZ pilsner style.

The Beer Project — Lakeman Brewing

You can thank local government regulation for the existence of Lakeman, a brewery located on a farm 20 minutes west of Taupo. Farmer James Cooper didn't expect to become a brewer. He had never home-brewed. But regulations basically imposing herd size limits to prevent...

Three Sisters Buy Sunshine Brewing

Bold New Plymouth brewery Three Sisters is the new owner of Gisborne's iconic Sunshine Brewing. It's an unprecedented move in the New Zealand brewing industry with one craft brewery buying another. Recently DNA Brewing in Blenheim bought the Hop Federation brand but...

Hemp And Hops Align

It’s all about balance – that’s what Andy Duke at b.effect says about his latest brewing escapades. Down in Wānaka, he’s been using hemp in a number of b.efect beers, which gives new flavour profiles, adds body to gluten-free beers, and has resulted in some delicious,...

Roots Brewing — Small But Mighty

Back in the early 1900s, Whanganui wasn’t just lively as New Zealand’s 5th largest city — it was one of Aotearoa’s great beer strongholds, proudly home to 13 breweries. Thirteen! Then came decades of closures, mergers, and the lure of jobs elsewhere, and one by one...

Kotare Hops — Quality Is The Key

Champion hop grower Aeron Moleta believes the recent dip in demand for hops has bottomed out and feels positive for the future. “It's going in the right direction,” Aeron tells Pursuit of Hoppiness just ahead of this year’s harvest. “I think the of consensus seems to...

Fermented Culture — Is The Party Over?

Some years ago, I found myself wandering through St Clair in South Dunedin. I stopped to sit awhile taking in the view and taking off the weight. The roadside bench I perched upon was formed by a mini surfboard-shaped seat set upon a pair of sturdy legs. St Clair is a...