boneface unf*ck the world

This unrepentantly nostalgic release from Boneface is an ode to the IPAs of old (well maybe just a few years ago), when the beer was big (8 per cent ABV), bold and toweringly bitter.  Cryo Citra and El Dorado hops unleash on the nose, with pine resin, eucalyptus and fresh citrus rind.  More sharp citrus, tinned pineapple and mango rise up through the rich clean malt, lingering on into the long and distinctly oily finish.  Get into this one fresh and get into it chilled to keep those massively unctuous hops crisp and on point.

Spirit Of Derelict Lives On At No 19 Brewing

The win by No 19 Brewing in the NZ Stout Challenge on July 11 in Christchurch has a direct connection to one of the country’s most celebrated but short-lived breweries: the newcomers are creating their beer on the brew kit once owned by Derelict. No 19 Brewing are...

Wilding Working Wonders For The Wilderness

Kudos to the team at Froth Technologies for the work they’re doing with their New Zealand native yeast, Wilding. I’ve always enjoyed the handful of beers where Wilding has turned up: notably the first brew Emerson’s did to showcase the yeast as well as Three Sisters...

Flood Shuts Emporium Brewing

Emporium Brewing in Kaikoura will be closed until further notice following the devastating flood that roared through the town last week. Owner-brewer Paul Finney has just had insurance assessors through the premises which includes a brewery, bar, escape rooms, and a...

Garage Project Top Cutter NZIPA

The Smith’s NZIPA challenge concluded for another year last weekend, and some of the entries are already hitting the shelves in package.  While not one of the notable winners (go South Island Brewing!), this entry from Wellington’s Garage Project was the first of the...

8 Wired Rogue & Villian ESB

Though I daren’t speak it too loud for fear of jinxing it, this has (so far) been something of a revival year for ESB, with even flash North Island brewers giving it a go. Rogue & Villain is the latest such release, from one of said flash North Island brewers,...

Boneface The Darkness American Stout

Boneface have a new (or old, actually) dark beer out for the winter months, with a classic of the old ownership's core range, The Darkness (5.8% ABV), making a fresh appearance.  While the original bore the style of ‘India Stout’ the ever-shifting naming conventions...