Society of Beer Advocates Mid Winter Ale Festival – 14 June

Society of Beer Advocates Mid Winter Ale Festival – 14 June 2014

Hundreds of beer lovers are set to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Society of Beer Advocates’ (SOBA) Winter Ale Festival, with a collection of unique beers to warm up winter.

Started in 2010, the festival moved to The Hunter Lounge at Victoria University last year to cater for increased demand. With a hard-earned reputation as one of the best Wellington beer events on the calendar, tickets have historically sold out well in advance.

SOBA president David Wood says while the festival’s focus is on dark and wintry beers, there would still be a balance of lighter and hoppy beers as well.

“This year brewers have really gone the extra step. Many are using unusual ingredients, or making beers just for the festival. Local brewers like Baylands, Garage Project and Kereru have made small batches which will only be available at the festival.

“Wellington's beer industry is thriving. Beer bars are popping up all over, attempting to quench Wellingtonians thirst for interesting and flavoursome beers. The Winter Ale Festival is a great way for beer lovers to experience a great variety of beers all in one location.”

An ideal opportunity for those interested in beer to try new and seasonal beers, dozens of breweries will be represented including 8 Wired and Moa. Hamilton brewing company 666 will provide one of the highlights of the festival, an 11.5% Belgian Quadruple IPA called “Envy of Angels” that will not be for the faint hearted.

Other rare releases include Baylands Brewery’s “Black is Black” black ale brewed with blackberries, black doris plums and cocoa nibs and the Fork & Brewer’s “Dark Vader” - a barrel aged imperial stout produced in extremely limited quantities. Wellington brewing heroes the Yeastie Boys will also have all three of their “Spoon Bender” beers available, made using botrytised grape juice.

The festival provides an opportunity to chat with New Zealand brewers and a range of beer enthusiasts who all share a passion for quality beer. This is one of the many reasons the festival is so much fun.

When: Saturday 14 June 2014; 2pm – 7pm
Where: The Hunter Lounge, Victoria University, Wellington
How much: $45 per person, tickets available at www.soba.org.nz
What: 4 complimentary half-pints and a $5 food token, with the option to purchase more beer & food

About the Society of Beer Advocates
The Society of Beer Advocates was formed in 2006. It is a consumer-based organisation with a mission to educate, promote, and advocate for the appreciation of, and access to, a diverse range of quality beer.

ENDS

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