One of the best things about the New Zealand beer scene is discovering local boutique breweries producing great beer. One of my most recent discoveries is The Island brewery located in the sunny seaside suburb of Papamoa, Tauranga. Head brewer Michael Julian speaks proudly of the product he and the team are producing and after a tasting some of their fresh brews, I agree wholeheartedly! With a new tap room in the plans this venue looks to be the new hotspot for the summer months ahead. Dawn Daze, which was in the Top-100 at the New World Beer & Cider Awards this year, is a traditional New England IPA packed full of fresh tropical goodness — think guava, passionfruit and a big bowl of juicy mangoes. Balance is on point with this beer — it’s expertly finished with just the right of amount bitterness, a character often missing in other hazies on the market. The worst (or best) part of the experience is how light the beer is which makes it dangerously good at 7% ABV as it’s very easy drinking.
