The Hopfather - The Richard Emerson story

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The Hopfather - The Richard Emerson story

The story of Richard’s childhood, and the years leading up to the establishment of Emerson’s Brewery, along with its early development and growth are Donaldson’s real contribution to the beer community’s understanding of Richard. He rightly doesn’t dwell too much on the sale to Lion but it is interesting to read of Richard’s views on the matter and Donaldson’s own might be the subject of some debate. This reader certainly didn’t agree with all that was authored about craft and brewery sales but a little tetchiness is probably helpful to inspiring conversation post reading the book on a lazy holiday afternoon - over an (Emerson’s) beer or two.

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The power of (beer) media

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The power of (beer) media

This year the New Zealand Brewers’ Guild changed its “Beer Writer of the Year” award to a “Beer Media” award. It was good move, as it opens the award up to a wider range of discourse on beer. This year’s winner – Denise Garland – is an example of that. While she’s a semi-regular writer for The Pursuit of Hoppiness (as well as being deputy editor) and The Spinoff, it was a single powerful and motivating article on Māori cultural appropriation in the brewing industry that led to her deserving recognition.

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Once in a Brew Moon…

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Once in a Brew Moon…

Once in a Brew Moon you might find yourself at Amberley and at the brew pub, possibly hosted by Head Brewer Belinda Gould. You’ll be in for a fun-filled night. Fill a tasting tray. Go for two and you’ll be able give everything a try.

Photo credit: Jed Soane - www.thebeerproject.com

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Selling The Delicious…

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Selling The Delicious…

Hannah White, like so many of us, fell in love with beer by drinking Weihenstephaner fresh off tap and all the European styles – Belgian beers were a key feature. She developed “a taste for the delicious” which has resulted in her selling delicious beer for Garage Project. She started when they were a small team of seven, and has had a hand in their growth and success over the years.

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It's Choice Bro

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It's Choice Bro

Like many of our brewers, Kerry Gray, Head Brewer of Choice Bros Brewery, found his true love of beer while overseas. Luckily his return to New Zealand coincided with the craft beer scene really starting to kick off, and a homebrew competition that he made the finals for. He’s now Head Brewer for Choice Bro and has launched a second label, Echoes, from his home base at Husk.

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These Boots Are Made For Working

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These Boots Are Made For Working

Lucie Campbell starts work at 7:00am most days. As the Operations Manager for The Lumsden Freehouse and its four companion venues – she finds the time alone in the office useful to getting work done uninterrupted. Starting work early also gives her time to work in her other roles – the most important is being a solo parent to a three-year-old toddler. Her second “baby” is the Auckland Fresh Hop Festival. And, in-between all that, she’s president of the New Zealand Pink Boots Society. Lucie’s not really sure how she’s balancing it all but she’s having fun doing it.

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Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

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Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

I spent some time chatting with Bede Roe (part-owner and sales person) and Dale Gould (head brewer) from Whistling Sisters in Central Wellington, learning the story behind the brewery’s name, and delving into their backgrounds. While the Whistling Sister’s team are not chasing the beer-explorer market, there is lots to be explored outside the core range. It’s worth stopping by for a tasting tray, or when they pop up at festivals around the country.

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Brewing Up Awards in the Bay of Plenty

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Brewing Up Awards in the Bay of Plenty

An overseas experience – or OE – is a rite of passage for many New Zealanders. And, for Mata – Aotearoa Brewing’s owner and head brewer - Tammy Viitakangas – it was life-chaning. It was the first step in her beer and brewing journey which has now seen Mata move into its new home in Whakatāne . In late 2017, Tammy opened a new brewery and a tasting room, and in 2018 she brewed a stream of award-winning beers, including the Trophy winning Cola Cuz.

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New Zealand's Champion Small Brewery 2018

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New Zealand's Champion Small Brewery 2018

The team from Fork and Brewer might have been the only ones in Wellington surprised about being awarded Champion Small New Zealand Brewery at the 2018 Brewers’ Guild Awards. Head Brewer Kelly Ryan is known and loved in the brewing community and has 18 years’ worth of experience under his belt. The brewery was a top pick by many. It’s one of the great places we visit on our beer tours.

We spoke with Kelly and part-owner Colin Mallon about the background to Fork and Brewer / Fork Brewing / Fork Brew Corp; winning their champion brewery award; their new branding; and the things they were most looking forward to into the future.

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New Zealand's own Beer Baroness

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New Zealand's own Beer Baroness

Ava Nakagawa is a familiar face in the New Zealand beer scene, and the hospitality scene in Christchurch. She owns a brewery that produces her Beer Baroness beers. She also manages Pomeroy’s freehouse and its delightful Bed and Breakfast, along with Little Poms Café.

We took some time to talk with Ava about how she manages so many successful businesses and a busy family life. And, we asked her about things beer and brewing.

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Happy Birthday Heyday

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Happy Birthday Heyday

On 24 November, Heyday Beer Company turns one. We took some time to chat with founding owners, Hannah Blackwood, and brewer, Sam Whitney, about the lead up to opening the brew pub and all things beer.

 Heyday is just one of the great Wellington brew pubs we visit on our Craft Beer College Walking Tours. They are perfectly located at 246A Cuba St, and open from 11am daily until late.

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