NZ: Land of Award-Winning Beer

It's such an awesome feeling sitting in the audience as so many of my favourite Kiwi breweries are nominated and awarded medals at an international event.  Talk about feeling patriotic.  If I'd had enough to drink I may even have stood up and sung God of Nations at the top of my voice (including the Maori version - yes, I know the words).

I was fortunate enough to attend the Australian International Beer Awards in May, among many other beer-related events that took place in Melbourne during one indulgent week of fabulous food, fantastic beer and a multitude of fun & frivolity.  But for most of the New Zealand brewers there it was a week of meetings, education and showcasing their product to eager Australians.

We are all aware that the craft beer market is on the increase in New Zealand, and as word spreads overseas of the high quality product kiwis are producing, our brewers are taking further steps towards exporting our uniquely tasting beer to Australia and the rest of the world.

Headed up and expertly organised by the Brewers Guild of New Zealand as well as heavily supported by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, kiwi beers were proudly presented at three events.  The Kea Speed Dating was the first of these affairs, taking place at Young & Jackson's (a very famous Melbourne pub), where each brewery hosted a table of ten guests, promoted their beers, offered samples of their product and answered related questions.  Every ten minutes a whistle was blown and the guests promptly moved tables.  At the end of the evening all of the attendees had sampled beer from each of the eleven featured New Zealand breweries.  The favourite beers of the night were Epic Armageddon IPA (one of my personal favourites) and Kaimai Porter's Rye Ale (ridiculously yummy).

The second event was the Brewer's Degustation Dinner, also held at Young & Jackson's, where a beer from each of the represented breweries was served with a tasty food match.  The Mac's HopRocker paired with crumbed chicken and soft herbs was talked about predominantly, Golden Bear's Liquefaction matched with lamb cutlets and red wine jus was another of popular mention and Epic's Pale Ale with pan-fried chorizo on crouton and quince was delicious.  But the overall favourites for that night were Harrington's Pig & Whistle matched with Tiramisu and Yeastie Boys Pot Kettle Black with bittersweet chocolate truffles.  I have no doubt that all those who attended (including the brewers) slept rather well that night!

During the days, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise hosted a series of educational seminars that covered essential topics such as marketing and branding, the Australian beer market and export and distribution options.  Each seminar was well presented, offered valuable insight into the Australian market and ensured no kiwi brewer was left scratching his/her head (as well as keen to get exporting and showing up the Aussies).

The first few days were an awesome lead-up to the ultimate event which was the Australian International Beer Awards.  This year's awards received 1170 entries from 243 breweries across 34 countries - and out of all of that, New Zealand came away with 49 medals and nominations for Champion Large Brewery (Harrington's Breweries) and Champion Small Brewery (Renaissance Brewing).  Pretty impressive for our wee country - not to mention the fact that two of the judges were kiwis!

Australian International Beer Awards - NZ Medal & Trophy Winners 

All in all, New Zealanders (and especially the brewers) should be mighty proud of their achievements in Oz - we were up against some pretty tough competitors (Deschutes, Nøgne Ø, Mikkeller, The Boston Beer Company, to name but a few).  And of course I shouldn't neglect the Australians who, I have to admit, have some outstanding beers in their repertoire.  My favourite Aussie beer for that week was the Bridge Road Pale Ale - perhaps that was due to the fact they use NZ hops..?  So with all of this export chatter, are we going to reciprocate and up our importing of quality Australian brews?  Despite our on-going rivalry, we can't deny a strong sense of brotherhood with our mates across the Tasman - if we scratch their backs, they're sure to scratch ours.

By Wendy Roigard
Restaurant & Catering News