8 Wired Superconductor
From Oamaru’s Belgian style maestros, Craftwork, this bottle-conditioned Tripel presents the telltale aroma of sweetly pungent spice over a richer and chewier than expected malt base.  The palate too is heftier than your typical Belgian example, with the pilsner, Vienna and toffee malts running the full length and breadth of the palate  Cinnamon spiciness and golden syrup sweetness intertwine with the fruity esters of the Belgian yeast to form a finish that’s initially rich and robust, but in time lifts into the more light and ethereal character of traditional Tripel.  Decant with care, as too much of that yeast sediment will quickly bulldoze those more fragile flavors.

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...