This month we launch our "Regional Guide to
Summer”. In the past we have promoted the Regional Top 30 referring to 30 wines
across different varietals that we have picked to be great value. The last two
years we have included 6 beers as an added bonus at the end of the Top 30, this
year however we decided to expand the concept to include beers and single malts,
sherries and ports as well as recipes from local chefs.
This year we have selected 6 beers that we
think will help to make a good summer great. Emerson’s Pilsner, Moa 5 Hop,
Yeastie Boys Digital IPA, Croucher Pale Ale, Mussel Inn Captain Cooker and when
it arrives fresh off the boat Little Creatures Rogers. Check out http://www.regionalwines.co.nz/pocket-guide-to-summer.aspx
to see the guide on line.
Digital IPA is this summer’s seasonal
release from Yeastie Boys. Clocking in at 7%abv Digital IPA delivers a big
punchy NZ hop aroma with a cocktail of tangy exotic fruit aromas giving way to
pale sweet malt body and a resoundingly bitter finish.
Out at the moment we have a couple of
limited release Epic beers. Barrel Aged IPA started its life as Epic’s strong
American style IPA Armageddon. The beer was then aged in new oak for 8 weeks.
The result is fruity, toasty and oaky with an end result that brings chardonnay
to mind.
Also out this month is Epic Flying Nun 30
Year Ale. Epic have teamed up with Flying Nun records to celebrate the iconic
record company’s 30th anniversary with a hoppy golden ale. Brewed using a blend of American hops, Liberty, Cascade and
Falconers Flight, and a New Australian hop called Galaxy. 30 Year Ale certainly
has an assertive ‘Epic’ character to it. The aroma is full of lemon, tropical fruit
and a big earthy ‘hopsack’ note. In the mouth the resiny earthy hop character
dominates with some sweet malt just managing to cushion the hop attack before a
resiny but not particularly bitter finish.
Cheers
Kieran