BEER
2016
journal
This BeerZine won’t save your life. It won’t even give you a free drink. But it will tell you about some awesome New Zealand Craft Beer. And while we’re at it, we’ll even give you some good travel tips should you decide to cross the ditch and come and visit our Craft Beer Capital...
Thanks to the following for their help with this journal & the Symposium: Cam Thurlow - (Crafty Capital Eats) Welli Food Snob with an ear to the gastro underground, Emily Day - Froth Magazine Founder and Editor and NZ beer fan, Martyn Pepperell - NZ music purveyor and all round good guy, Bill Hosking - Random travel writer who still lives at home and gets his Mum to do his washing, Sir George Connor - Brand development dude, Sean Barker - Designer and pissing around on Facebook, Billy Gibson Weird Pencil Scribbles and general doodling, Beth Brash & Sarah Meikle Beervana Coordinators, Jono - Shout Out Loud Printing and Distribution.
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Kia Ora Australia
Welcome to the third edition of what is quite possibly the best little get together celebrating great beer in Australia! Now before you get all Paul Hogan on me, don’t forget we kiwis have been subject to a few takeovers this side of the ditch in recent years and we have still managed to keep our jandals on. Pavlova, Kiwi, Crowded House and someone who use to be known as Russ Le Roq have been quietly assimilated into Aussie culture. Geez even current local TV fav Erik Thompson is a kiwi. There is nothing like a bit of Trans Tasman rivalry and what better way to get a fair dinkum conversation going than over a decent brew.
The deďŹ nition of a symposium is to drink and talk and in this case we will be drinking and talking about quality NZ Craft Beer. Beer production has been ramping up in New Zealand since 1900 but Captain Cook kicked it all off in New Zealand way back when he brewed up a potion to prevent scurvy. We have certainly come a long way since that brew which was made up of molasses and flavoured with tree bark and leaves. Our Motueka hops are sought after across the globe and export quantities of New Zealand craft beer are growing at an alarming rate given the thirst for new world brews lead by the majority of brewers featured in this wee event.
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Enjoy the serenity, drink responsibly and have fun talking about some bloody good beer.
WEDS 3rd - MON 8th feb
What better way to celebrate Waitangi Day the national day of New Zealand than by celebrating great New Zealand beer! With the giant strides Kiwi craft beer has made in recent times especially over this side of the ditch it made a lot of sense to band together a great group of brewers and get them all in one room. The New Zealand Craft Beer Symposium is just that. An occasion where you can enjoy all of the very best NZ has to offer without having to get down and dirty like a Norwich trainspotter. Get along to a venue that has a passion for great beer and that will enjoy your story and those around you. The NZ Craft Beer Symposium is not a sell out and never will be. It’s for those that enjoy beer and love talking about beer. Like the best beer it really is that simple.
Find your nearest venue and the dates they are participating by ‘liking’ our Facebook Page and joining your favourite drinking place’s FB Event. WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NZCRAFTBEERSYMPOSIUM
Panhead Upper Hutt, Wellington www.panhead.co.nz Supercharger just named by SOBA as best beer in NZ.
Garage Project Aro Valley, Wellington www.garageproject.co.nz Here to take some risks, to have a bit of fun, and to try something new.
Renaissance Blenheim, Marlborough www.renaissancebrewing.co.nz Committed to local ingredients and a pioneer of craft brewing in NZ.
ParrotDog Te Aro, Wellington www.parrotdog.co.nz Three characters named Matt who are just into really really NICE beer.
8 Wired Warkworth, Kowhai Coast www.8wired.co.nz Inspired by a Kiwi can-do mentality to challenge the masses and show beer is no longer “just beer”!
Hop Federation Riwaka, Tasman www.hopfederation.co.nz Producing something that’s an expression of traditional craft and creative innovation.
Kereru Upper Hutt, Wellington www.kererubrewing.co.nz Producing fresh, locally-supplied beers made from the finest ingredients available.
Tuatara Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast www.tuatarabrewing.co.nz Wherever possible they go direct to the source to use the ingredients that have made their style famous.
Yeastie Boys No Fixed abode www.yeastieboys.co.nz The boys stay ahead of the game by being food and drink lovers first and foremost, and postmodern craft beer cult heroes on the side.
Epic Auckland www.epicbeer.com So why Epic? “It reflected the way I like to brew beer. I like to have big aromas, flavours and taste in the beers.”
2016
MeEt tHiS YeAr’S BEER AwEsOmE BrEwErS... j o u r n a l
YOU NEVER FORGET BILL HOSKING GETS PERSONAL AND SHARES HIS FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH WELLINGTON... My knowledge of Wellington up until around 2008 was limited to about two things really. Firstly that it was the capital of New Zealand (As a child I knew that New Zealand had one of those curve ball capitals, used to stump you in a quiz, like Australia, Brazil or Switzerland) and secondly there was a great song by one of my favourite bands ‘The Mutton Birds’ all about the harbour capital, the city by the sea, that piqued my curiosity. Why then after 2008 did I start to hear more about this place? Having moved back to Melbourne myself from an extended period away, I started to discover that it was being overrun by Wellingtonians. More and more where ever you turned in Melbourne, you were encountering professional hospitality staff, and people in all trades, all who had come across the ditch to have a look at my town. Since then a picture emerged in my head of a small city. A hilly town, one full of endless wind and
YOUR FIRST TIME... rambling streets. With weather patterns as moody and indecisive as Melbourne, and just as worth visiting. Coffee, art, music theatre and booze was said to not only fill this town. They were said to be it’s very pulse, much like it’s Victorian cousin. If you like Melbourne, you’ll love Wellington. Having the opportunity to head across, I approached my first meeting with her with excitement & a little trepidation. Would we get along, or would this be like one of those awkward set-up first dates? You know, where your friends have told you both you’re really suited and both so nice. Then it turns out that sure, nice but there just is no spark and she can’t use cutlery properly. Having flown in around 1am, on the bay and close to the the town could have been of long day for the late night
and staying in a hotel city, my first view of anywhere. It’d been a kebab eating community.
I got the opportunity to visit Tuatara’s Third Eye on my first full day. I met Carl, the man himself, at 6:30am. The general numbness one gets from spending hours in airports combined with a lack of sleep was washed away by something not found in many places at 6:30am - amazing coffee.
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So there you go, there’s tick number 1.
This is where I can go on to write about the burgeoning beer industry. Wellington’s, NZ’s, Australia’s and where we all sit in the grand world scheme. The idea that Craft or just plain Good Beer is entering a wonderful and exciting period of expansion. That time when markets emerge to throw up all number of producers. Where innovations in product, marketing, production and distribution are happening. Where boarders disappear and size of markets expand so producers have to understand the idea of brand awareness and product placement. I won’t discuss this because there are people in large companies wearing polo shirts who get paid to talk at people like us about this. It is a known fact that they get upset when they realise we chat about these sorts of things without them. So where were we? Good Coffee. Wellington hit me with a day so sunny and warm, it felt like I was in Queensland. Carl & all the guys at Third Eye were brilliantly welcoming. The beer was of course outstanding and upon leaving Tuatara’s amazing little setup, my first day of walking the back streets gave me the impression of a town that once had busier days but was starting to wake up and grow again. Empty shops were filling up and ‘For Lease’ signs being removed. This place seamed nice, I walked home looking forward to seeing what Wellington would bring me the next day. Wind, cold and cold wind. The pleasant sunshine was no more and when yesterday’s paper blew down the street and hit me in the face I was thankful for the slight reprieve
from the gale forces against me. I walked along the street at a faster pace the people trying to ride their bikes past me. This is the Wellington I expected. Wellington is truly like Melbourne when it comes to its weather. She will change her mind so much that there is no use complaining. Wait half an hour and the sun will appear, and when it does it makeS this city shine.
Plaques of poetry and remembrance are everywhere. They fill the streets with New Zealand pride. Not only with passages of silver ferns and kiwis but with a general sense of joy for their country. Real love of this place. I got to spend a few days wandering the town and discovering what she had to offer. The harbour is outstandingly beautiful, with water so blue and clean it could be out of a child’s drawing. While easy to navigate the central part of the city on foot, if the looping streets confuse you, locals will amiably point you in the direction you seek. Art fills Wellington, from Victorian era statues of rich white guys who came there and stole all the good stuff in the name of the queen, to modern works of sculpture that draw the eye and make you question what it even is and what it means. Like my home city of Melbourne, there are walls, alleys and small journal
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patches of colour and shape in arches everywhere, street art that sits with and not on top of the town. Music was everywhere too, buskers and bars with live music. Every café, restaurant or pub tunes were prominent. Band touring posters line the streets next to advertisements for the Symphony. The more time I spent in this town, the more I believed everything people had said about it.
Wellington knows how to party. If you’re reading this then you’d know of the beer scene. The Craft beer map tour is a blast and every bartender and person on the street will tell you their favourite place. I’m not going to tell you mine, you’ll have to find out for yourself. I will say that just like Melbourne, don’t stick to the main streets. Find a path that looks less travelled, you’ll be rewarded. To say that Wellington is like a mini Melbourne, doesn’t do her justice. Yes the similarities are
there. The weather does change as it wants, with no discernible reason for its mood swings. Bar & Café culture is obvious, with pride in both product and service. It is friendly without being over the top or ever seaming contrite. Her old buildings sit side by side with architecturally modern structures easily, like long lost cousins. Wellington is a classy old lady. An old town with an eye on the future. At ease with itself. It may have a few things in its past it’s not proud of, but it doesn’t shy from who it was. Nor does it focus solely on what it will be. Yes Wellington is like Melbourne. Content in itself, knowing some people will complain about her and her weather. Knowing that some will go about their business and not even notice she’s there. Other’s like myself will get smitten and wish to meet her again. She nestles into her harbour with her back to the mountains, with grace and charm. A city where culture and nightlife will be king. But she will always be the Queen.
BEER
2016
journal
I’m really very lucky. For the past 12 years I have owned and worked in Gastro pubs and restaurants in Wellington. I eat out a lot. Loads actually. At least 4-5 nights a week. Some nights are a quiet bite in a noodle joint on the way home from work. Others are more intrepid affairs with my partner. We like to bounce from spot to spot, a beer here, a plate of sliders there, until we are both brimming with beer and bocaditos. Shes says its like urban foraging, i like to think of it more as grazing with exercise.
CRAFTY
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It’s no great secret that hardly any restaurants do everything well. Im always wary of a restaurant or cafe that boasts a menu a mile long. Many years of experience have proven to me that it’s better to do less and do it well. With that in mind it can be hard to know where to go in a new city, it’s even harder to know what to order. So, here are some suggestions for a weekend of Kiwi craft beer and bites in ‘The Coolest Little Capital’... FRIDAY Having arrived on the mid morning flight and checked into your hotel you’ll be ready for a light lunch. NIKAU CAFE is
hidden behind CITY GALLERY WELLINGTON in Civic Square. A bright little cafe full of suits, designers and food freaks - have the Kedgeree. (It’s so good they haven’t been able to take it off the menu for nearly 20 years). After a stroll through the city and a quick shower back at the hotel head out for a beer. I love starting at THE FORK AND BREWER. I’d grab a pint of anything from the Fork Brewing Range (brewed on site) if it’s a nice day grab a seat on the deck, the sun is awesome at 4pm - share a bowl of curly fries! Next up head to THE ROGUE AND VAGABOND in glover park
Where to eat in Welly, often with a craft beer in hand. By Cam Thurlow
(ghuznee street). The Rogue is a friendly dive bar with a great selection of tap beer and a mean pizza. If it’s sunny you can take your beer out onto the grass. Next stop, GOLDING’S FREE DIVE (leeds street), with small selection of taps and a penchant for all things Star Wars, this craft beer joint caters to quite a mixed crowd. It can be quite a tight squeeze some nights so get in early. After Goldings walk around the corner to Edward street to the new EDWARD STREET EATERY and choose from a couple of crafty taps or a range of bottles. Order boneless chicken wings – Delish. journal
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Where to eat in Welly, often with a craft beer in hand.
So you want something great to eat on a Friday night that’s not going to blow the budget? There are far too many options to list so here is a quick broad sweeping rundown: WELLINGTON BOOT COMPANY (WBC – victoria street) small plates, great wine list, sensational service. MOONSOON POON (Blair street) Fast and furious Asain fare – get the Fire Cracker Chicken or the Shakin Beef. CAPITOL – wellington’s best modern Italian bistro – order the Parmesan crumbed lambs liver. THE TASTING ROOM* is a great spot for the gastropub lover – order the Beef Wellington. (*Disclaimer - Ive worked at The Tasting Room for 12 years. So i would say that!) But, don’t just take my word for it as Lonely planet listed it in the Top Ten Dishes in New Zealand. SATURDAY Get up early and go to PREFAB. Built by some of the talented people who helped create Wellingtons coffee culture. Get a coffee at the bar, have a light bite – they make and bake nearly everything themselves. Wander to Cuba street for your second coffee fix – Go to FLORIDITAS, order scrambled eggs. Seriously, DO IT! After a morning of shopping, museums and a waterfront walk get ready for lunch. For something cheap (or if its cold outside) go to FISHERMANS PLATE FISH AND CHIP SHOP (bond
street). Order Pho Bo soup. It’s the best I’ve ever had outside of Vietnam. Its MSG Free and one of my favourite meals in the city. For something a bit more serious go to CHARLEY NOBLE (post office square). A grand new modern brassiere with some great dishes and a cool drinks list. Order something from the rotisserie or the Grill. Later on Leave the hotel dressed and refreshed treat yourself to a cocktail at HIPPOPOTAMUS on the top floor of The Museum Art Hotel. Stunning views in a boutique hotel. (dinner can be pricy here ($50 mains) but drink at the bar isn’t. Dinner at ORTEGA FISH SHACK (marjoribanks street) would be my choice from here an early start (a prebooked table will secure you a seat in one of wellingtons worst kept secrets – i think Ortega is in the top 2-3 restauarants in New Zealand – and it wont break your credit card.) If you don’t fancy a seafood focused dinner head for Dinner at OMBRA (cuba street) my favourite tapas joint in Wellington and a great starting point for a night out in The Cuba Quarter. Order polenta chips, the Baccala (salt cod), and some venison meatballs, wash it down with a glass of Garage Project Beer. Wander to THE THIRD EYE – TUATARA TEMPLE OF TASTE for a beer tasting in their lovely new digs. Next stop is the grand old lady of Wellington Pubs THE SOUTHERN CROSS TAVERN (abel smith street) for a craft beer or two in the huge (and crazy) Garden bar. Finally, dance off some of that dinner (or have a last drink) with some live and loud Cuban tunes at HAVANA BAR (wigan street.)
BEER journal
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If that doesn’t make for a decadent weekend, i can honestly say i don’t know what does.
WELLINGTON ROCKS! Martyn Pepperell gives his picks for music & craft beer. In 2016, the musical culture of Wellington is one defined by diversity and D.I.Y innovation. On a weekly basis, musicians and DJs present a diverse range of live music and electronica in an equally varied range of settings. One night you’ll be watching several indie bands play inside a beautifully decorated community hall, the next you could be checking out some laptop-based dance music acts playing in a dingy bar in the suburbs or catching an international hip-hop act performing in a premium music venue. However, if you’re looking to join the dots between craft beer and live music, you might want to look into a more specific set of spaces where great brews and great tunes go hand in hand...
Meow 9 Edward Street www.welovemeow.co.nz Housed inside the storied Edward Street Precinct, Meow is a beautifully decorated retro-themed bar, restaurant and evening live performance venue. Catering to live music, comedy, DJ gigs and even spoken word poetry, it has a warm and inviting atmosphere and is often a real hot spot for after work drinks. They stock an impressive range of craft beers, wines and whiskeys, serve hearty food, and always have something interesting happening later on. In recent months, Meow has played host to performances from DJ Dougg Pound, Susan Alcorn, Richard Dawson, Mick Harvey, Oddisee and countless other international level talents. Laundry 242 Cuba Street www.laundry.net.nz Located at 240 Cuba Street, Laundry is our current late night party haunt. Decorated in a colourful and eclectic style that recalls Wellington in the late 90s/early 2000s, it’s the performance spot of choice for countless reggae, dub, dancehall, hip-hop and house DJs. Walk into Laundry on a good night, and you’ll catch a heaving dancefloor. They also serve an excellent range of drinks and burgers. Recently they’ve hosted performances from Spikey Tee, OG and Aroha. They also have a great range of themed evenings. San Fran 171 Cuba Street www.sanfran.co.nz For live music in the capital, 171 Cuba Streets upstairs San Fran venue is the spot. With immaculate sound and staging, and an excellent line of sight, it’s the best place to see bands play in town. Outside of music, San Fran host regular quiz and darts nights, serve tasty bar food and have your beer, wine and spirits needs sorted. Lately, they’ve played host to the likes of Kurt Vile, Lou Barlow, Ratatat, Pusha T and Xavier Rudd. It’s always a good night up at San Fran.
BEER
2016
journal
CH
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HOW KIWIS ARE IRRITATINGLY Kiwis are bloody good at making beer and it’s a little bit annoying, like having a younger sister who is really pretty and talented and super skilled – wait, dammit, I have one of those too, FML. As New Zealand’s cocky older sibling, we like to think we are better at everything – we’re heaps bigger, we’ve got this big hot desert in our middle bits, we’ve got great surf beaches, a great relationship with our indigenous peoples -
oh wait no we f*cked that up too. Anyway, at the end of the day, we’ve had to come to terms with the fact that our younger sibling is kicking goals at just about everything. Sure they talk funny, but their landscape literally looks like a magical fantasy land and bloody oath they know how to make a ripper brew. Garage Project, Panhead, Parrotdog, Yeastie Boys, Epic, Monteiths, Kereru,
GOOD AT MAKING BEER Hop Federation, Bach, Tuatara, Moa, 8 Wired, Liberty – the list goes on and I’ve already drooled all over my shirt. So, welcome, New Zealanders, please continue to infiltrate our wide brown land with your delicious and refreshing beers, you talented bastards. Emily Day is editor & founder of Froth magazine, Australia’s free monthly craft beer magazine. www.frothbeer.com
Beervana is the cherry Lambic on top of a truly wonderful beer obsessed city. The “craft beer capital” that embraces the New Zealand-wide community for a whole week leading up to Beervana itself, in a big bearded bear hug (or is that a beer hug?). Craft beer, or “Beer” as we call it here in Wellington, has gone mainstream. We’ve been fortunate enough to have places like Malthouse and Hashigo Zake forging the way for decades, but now you’d be truly hard pressed to walk into a bar in our city and not find at least one bottle of good beer to go down your gullet. If you’re making your way over from Australia this year, I’d encourage you to arrive at least on the Wednesday before Beervana to partake in this city-wide celebration of beer, not to mention our annual food festival Visa Wellington On a Plate starting up the same weekend of Beervana. There is no better time to visit. Beervana 2016 will be better than ever. The mantra of the festival has always been about enlightenment and discovery, so we thought we’d go one step further this year and “blow your mind”. Because everyone can recall at least a few mind blowing moments with beer – That eyes closed, throwback your head “WOAH” moment? We want to recreate that over and over for our festival goers. This year it will all be about interactive themed bars, innovative collaborations and just damn good food. It’s the best way to discover everything that is wonderful about good New Zealand beer all in one place. Wellington is known for its compact size, friendly community and walkability. When combined with great beer, that sounds to me like the greatest holiday one could imagine! Beervana 2016 will be worth making the trip across the ditch this year.
BEER journal
2016
Let us blow your mind.
12 + 13 AUG 2016 / WESTPAC STADIUM, WELLINGTON / beervana.co.nz