Top honours for local brewers
A spot in the Top 30 means the beers were scored and ranked among the very best during a rigorous two-day blind tasting by an independent panel of industry experts and will be stocked in liquor-selling New World stores nationwide as a result.
Of the over 600 submitted entries, Warkworth’s 8 Wired Brewery took home the coveted title of Supreme Winner for their Desperate Glory. Made in collaboration
with Auckland brewery Small Gods, which specialises in old world style beers, Desperate Glory took nearly three years to create, from brew day to podium.
The original Belgian Amber Ale was aged in oak barrels for a year, and then blended with Chinese Keemun tea for a sweet-sour beer, rich in the flavours of dates, brown sugar and spice, with a light floral character and hints of cocoa.
8 Wired’s co-founder and brewer, Soren Eriksen said that the team were incredibly proud of their achievements. “Desperate Glory was a passion project we embarked on with our great friends at Small Gods. Winning the top gong for this beer highlights the power of collaboration, showing that when we work together, our shared passion leads to something truly exceptional.”
Beyond the top honour, 8 Wired secured a second Top 30 spot for their Lo-fi Raspberry Sour Ale, while their 8 Wired Cloud Tripper Hazy IPA, 8 Wired iStout, and 8 Wired Citrus Maxima Wheat Ale also received Highly Commended awards.
Up the road a bit, and Waipu icons McLeod’s Brewery - no stranger to the awards - took home a Top 30 medal for their Longboarder Lager. The already multi-award-winning beer stood out in a class with big competition from the likes of fellow winners Steinlager and Garage Project.
The Chair of Judges’ tasting notes commented: “Every aspect of Longboarder reflects the meticulous brewing process, from its luxurious texture to its perfectly balanced flavours.” The team also scooped a Highly Commended award for their McLeod’s Paradise Pale Ale.
Finally, from just around the corner, rising stars Pacific Coast Brewery from Mangawhai also received a Highly Commended award for their Beach Break Pilsner, a significant achievement for the newly established brewery. The Chair of Judges’ tasting notes called it an incredible pilsner that delivers bagfuls of great flavour.
The full list of winners, which includes top brews from local breweries all around New Zealand, is available online. The Top 30 winning brews will also be available in New World stores nationwide while stock lasts.