“You can have a straightforward really well-made classic style or you can have something that is bright green or is an ice cream or has dried ants on it.” Michael Donaldson on the variety available at Beervana.
Settle in for a feature-length wrap-up as co-hosts Michael Donaldson and Martin Bridges return for episode nine of The Third Pint Theory! Fresh off a massive weekend hosting live Q&A sessions at Beervana in Wellington, the duo decompresses and reflects on the undeniable highlights of New Zealand’s premier beer festival. They share behind-the-scenes stories from their live panels, including a mind-blowing three-year vertical tasting of Garage Project’s award-winning Chance, Luck and Magic. From there, the conversation spirals into a delightful recap of the festival’s most outrageous and memorable drops, from a 4% ABV rum-and-raisin-flavored stout soft-serve ice cream to a strawberry sour garnished with real dried green ants.
The second half of the episode shifts gears as Michael—who recently served as the chair of judges—takes Martin through the freshly announced results of the New World Beer & Cider Awards. The hosts celebrate the triumph of Isthmus Brewing‘s 3D IPA taking out the Champion Beer title, sharing the heartwarming and resilient backstory of founders Hamish and Caroline Ward after a rollercoaster year in the industry. It’s a great deep dive into what makes a perfect West Coast IPA, celebrating a brew that relies on the classic, well-executed bones of the style to beat out an array of wildly-flavoured competitors in the final taste-off.
Finally, Michael and Martin run through their ultimate supermarket shopping list from the NWBCA Top 25. They debate the merits of thick fruited hazies, praise the rising quality of New Zealand’s non-alcoholic scene (with a special shoutout to Peckham‘s Zero Cider), and uncover hidden gems like a Czech dark lager from the relatively unknown Heaven’s Brewery. Whether you’re curious about smoothie sours that taste like breakfast or just want to find the perfect low-carb lawnmower beer, this episode is packed with essential recommendations. Hit download and let Michael and Martin guide your next trip to the beer aisle!