Brothers Beer are starting the new year’s seasonal brewing off with the cleverly named Martin Scores Hazy, a big Nectaron and Mosaic driven imperial hazy IPA (8 per cent).  Both bold and extremely fruity hops, Mosaic and Nectaron should be a good combo for a strong hazy. Big, bright mandarin and grapefruit come out first on the nose, with pungent passionfruit and rockmelon not far behind.  A streak of zingy acidity flashes across the start of the palate, before an intensely ripe and sweet stone fruit character takes over and hangs on hard until the bitterness finally rises in the finish.  The body on this one is extra full, taking palate weight right to the line for even a double hazy.  If you like your hazy IPAs big, bold and decadently sweet then this one will surely satisfy.

Exploring Vancouver’s historic Brewery Creek

It's 12 years between drinks in Vancouver, but I'm finally back at one of my favourite taprooms. In late 2014, Brassneck Brewery was just a year old, but it's now transitioned from craft beer pioneer to a community hub for the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. Brassneck's...

Don’t Fear The Dark — How To Enjoy Stout

In 15 years writing and talking about beer, I’ve learned the style that most surprises people — once they give it a chance — is stout. The fear is about the “weight” of the beer — that it’ll be “heavy” and/or high in alcohol. Or it’s a fear based on a fledgling sip of...

Price of Beer: Paying More Might Be Worth It

Inflation, that invisible bandit, has been nicking coins out of our pockets faster than you can say “another round, please.” It’s no wonder we wince when we see the price of beer these days. The old “cheap as chips” supermarket beer now looks like a bargain bin...

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...