Beer Blog
Our blog is about us, and the beers, breweries and people we love
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.
Read MoreAlways 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.
Read MoreBrewing 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.
Read MoreNew 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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