Waipu-based McLeod’s have teamed up with fellow Northlanders Kaitaia Fire to create a special beer. I’ve always been a huge fan of Kataia Fire’s hot sauce (a local and better subsititute for Tabasco) and this is a great advertisement for their produce. There’s a hint of perfumed heat on a rock-solid Pilsner base. The chili perfectly complements the hops with an added layer of tongue tingling heat that creates a lovely multi-dimensional sensory experience. And I love the tribute to former McLeod’s brewer Mike Stimpson on the back label. A great legacy to a good man gone too soon.
