New Releases

I haven't talked about any of the more commercial breweries in a while, focusing on craft beers is a full time job, and with so many incredible beers around I have my work cut out for me! But both Mac's and Monteith's have quietly (or not so quietly in the case of Mac's) slipped new brews onto the market... and those brews have made their way to me...

It's always quite strange to reflect of the parallel paths of these breweries - both were once independents, bravely forging their way into beer drinkers hearts and minds through innovative and invigorating brewing. Mac's is widely credited with bringing back all malt brewing to New Zealand and a compelling case could be made for both breweries reviving interest in craft beer in our fair land.

So it's perplexing to see that both have just released brews cashing in on the recent wave of Pale Ale popularity. And while its great to see them putting their own spin on the style I can't help but feel that something is missing. Once the innovators they have become the imitators.

My pick of the two would be easily Monteith's Pacific Pale Ale. They've made more of an American style and combined local and US hops. All the elements are their, and very well balanced at that, but the end result is slightly... well, for want of a better word "commercial". Now in saying that, this isn't and drop at all, and twice in recent weeks I've been perusing the selection at the supermarket looking for an easy drinker and this has been my pick. Which is to say that on it's own merits, amongst a selection of global brand lagers, it's a clear winner.

Next up, Mac's have, with their usual and charming brand personality, launched their own Pale Ale, nicknamed "Shady" (sic). Unfortunately the colour is the only real resemblance to Pales Ales you might recognise - the hops are so far down in the mix that all you're really left with is what seems like a top-fermented version of Mac's Gold. Which once again isn't to say that this is a bad beer, just somewhat disappointing. And once again this is quite palatable as a session beer, but if you're expecting something similar to an Epic, Boundry Road or Fat Yak you'll be wanting something with a bit more character.

Great White on their other hand is something to consider next time you're browsing the aisles. Aside from Hoegaarden, we don't tend to get a lot of White/Wit styles in the country and that is a shame. Perfect for summer drinking, a decent Wheat beer is the perfect choice. Great White delivers and more importantly, puts Macs ahead of the curve. Now I'm not sure if I'm picking up on the "rose petals" or "turkish delight" but this does bring all the right characteristics, and with a slice of lemon it's delicious. Mac's proves that they still have the spirit of innovation and that is a great thing to see by a brand once recognised as being cutting edge.

Too Early for a Beer?

Sometime last year, those wonderful folk at Moa Brewing Co. crafted something quite unusual. The called it "Breakfast Beer" and styled it after Belgian Wheat's. It was released to much wailing and gnashing of teeth from the media, worried that a beer in the morning would lead to widespread alcoholism.

Well, thankfully a year later the end of times hasn't arrived, and our society hasn't crumbled into a drunken wasteland. I can't help but think that at $8.50 a bottle, this is priced into the beer connoisseurs market, rather than the dedicated morning drinkers, but that's a different story.

What I can say is that this is delicious! On the nose it's all hops and fruit, it's a lot like a good wine in that the aroma is so alluring that i'd almost be happy just to smell it all day (but I wont because I know what wonders lie within! )A real treat to drink with a lovely full wheat mouth feel and a crisp slightly hoppy flavour, with only hints of cherry sweetness. Hugely rewarding and refreshing drinking, and I can't think of a comparable local Wheat Beer.

It really reminds me of a good European Wheat Beer, and a good Fruit Beer, my closest points of reference would be Hoegaarden Wheat Beer and Verboden Vrucht Strong Ale, but it's much more complex that the Wheat and less work than the Verboden Vrucht.

It's definitely not a "session" beer, a couple of these would be plenty. Moa have a reputation for crafting fantastic beers and this lives up to expectation. I don't know if I'd call it a breakfast beer, but I'd be up for 11sies!