cassels nectaron double ipa

Cassels Nectaron IPA is still my go to for a core range beer showcasing this terrific new hop, so this (ostensibly) double IPA version (8.2%) caught my eye immediately.  Bright and sharp aromas of passionfruit, pineapple and nectarine leap out of the nose, with tropical guava hovering further in.  On the palate there’s concentrated stone fruit and orange citrus before big chewy malt and a late but firm bitterness.  A big and weighty IPA with great concentration of flavour and a good malt presence that gives the palate extra fortification for winter drinking. 

Mr Good Bar — Epic Taproom

After a while, being Mr Good Bar has become a little like living a replay of Groundhog Day, the Bill Murray movie that famously celebrates repetition. And I mention that because making a professional habit of visiting various of the nation’s small army of brew bars...

An Epic 20 Years

Achieving two decades in craft brewing is a titanic feat for any producer, but few (it could be argued none) have been as formative a presence in the New Zealand industry as Epic Beer. Epic and its founder Luke Nicholas were not just at the forefront of the glory and...

Instagratification: Dusty’s Best Summer Beers

Photographer, beer-lover and Instagram influencer Dusty, picks his highlights from the latest releases. Eddyline Weizen Shine Hefeweizen Eddyline have summer in a glass with their 5% Weizen Shine Hefeweizen. All the usual suspects here: banana, clove, lemon &...

Renaissance Takes Over Kaiapoi Site From Chinchiller

Renaissance has taken over the brewery in Kaiapoi that was previously home to Chinchiller and, before that, Eagle Brewing and Five Peaks. It's the third home for Renaissance, which started in Blenheim in 2005 before moving to Christchurch under new owners Brandhouse,...

Beer Festivals — Your Guide To What’s On In Early 2026

There are plenty of beer festivals popping up around the country this summer. Here is a run-down on the main festivals coming up in the first part of 2026. Saturday, 31 January 2026 — Great Kiwi Beer Festival at Hagley Park, Christchurch...

Three Boys Sold

Three Boys, one of New Zealand's most important craft breweries and a two-time champion brewery, is in new hands after being sold. The brewery, founded by Ralph Bungard and his wife Brigid Casey, is now owned by the head brewer Damian Treacher and his business...