Just released in six-packs, the strikingly packaged Sandman makes a new addition to the Panhead core range.  Super fresh and juicy aromas of pineapple, passionfruit and melon on the nose.  Delightfully refreshing on the palate, with more tropical and crisp white fruit flavours over a hyper-clean malt base.  The lower 5.2 per cent ABV keeps the body light and mobile, staying exceptionally clean while maintaining a fairly low bitterness.  A refreshing, superbly drinkable and precise hazy that packs in plenty of juice without becoming overripe or overbearing.  With temperatures on the rise I’ve been pouring this one extra cold, which I find really amplifies that incredible crispness.

Slow Walk Through Paradise — Visiting Every Brewery in NZ

There’s something about beer that’s always been part of my story. From the early days of sneaking sips of Lion Brown at my dad’s feet and walking around the house with my ‘beer mou’, to the $2 jugs of Joseph Kuhtze Lager at the Southern Cross Tavern during University...

Fermented Culture — The Third Place

Earlier this year a battle was fought in the leafy hills to the north of Wellington. A liquor license was being sought for what was once Dick Mead Motors and the Onslow Service Station. The resident’s association successfully applied for an extension to the decision...

The Mighty Moutere Inn Celebrates 175 Years

They started off no different to everyone else.  Four blokes used to British and European choices find options in New Zealand limited.  In 2008 good beer is being brewed but few places are yet to sell it.  They hold a few beer festivals, find the...

Knocking On (Ben) Heaven’s Door

When Heaven’s Brewing burst onto the national stage with a Top 25 at the New World Beer & Cider Awards, it seemed like they’d come from nowhere. But I reckon anyone who tried their Judas Sheep Czech-style dark lager will appreciate this is no flash in the pan...

3D Puts Isthmus On The Map

For the husband-and-wife team behind Isthmus Brewing, winning champion beer at this year’s New World Beer & Cider Awards continues a nice upward trend following some “dark times”. Hamish Ward and Caroline Muller-Ward are two of the nicest people in the beer...

Boneface Blood & Bone Oaked Stout

Since their recent ownership shakeup, Brewtown’s (aka Upper Hutt's) Boneface Brewery have been rolling out new releases with a relentless energy, such that I’ve had some samples piling up shamefully in the auxiliary fridge.  This week I’m finally making some headway...