Richard Emerson’s special ‘JP’ Commemorative Beer is selling well, as can be expected. Brewed by Richard in honour of the late Professor Jean-Pierre Dufour, who headed the Food Sciences department at the University of Otago, and was a mentor to Richard, the ‘JP’ varies in style each year, celebrating the diversity of Belgian beers. Last year’s Emerson’s ‘JP’ was a Cherry Brown Ale style at 4.8% alc. Our beer man Kieran Haslett-Moore sees the 2009 Emerson’s ‘JP’ as a strong interpretation of a Belgian Dubbel. It has a hint of star anise to the brew. Dark, rich, warming and spicy, the latest ‘JP’ is the perfect antidote to what feels like what will be a particularly biting winter. Richard Emerson recommends serving it with rare roast beef or a chocolate mousse, "personally I would go for something a little spicier such as a Moroccan tagine or some poached pears” says Kieran. As usual, this special brew is an allocated item, and is highly sought-after. Richard believes the ‘JP’ will develop more interest in the bottle, as has been shown by the inaugural 2007 ‘JP’. We still have limited stocks. If you miss out, you’ll need to wait until next year, but then it will be a different style again. The 2009 Emerson’s ‘JP’ is 8.0% alc and comes in 500 ml bottles. RC July 09