Society of Beer Advocates Mid Winter Ale Festival

11 June 2016

An unprecedented number of beer-loving Wellingtonians are set to celebrate the Society of Beer Advocates’ (SOBA) Winter Ale Festival, with an adventurous lineup sure to satisfy both harden beer geeks and novices alike.

Started in 2010, the festival moved to The Hunter Lounge at Victoria University two years ago 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.

This year all 400 were snapped up within five days of going on sale, the quickest the event has reached capacity.

SOBA president Dave Wood says the speed of the tickets being sold showed interest in beer was continuing to grow in Wellington.

“We may be known as the Craft Beer Capital but beer continues to go from strength to strength in the capital as more people begin to explore what’s on offer.

This year 70 per cent of the 31 beers on offer will be seeing their first release at the festival.

Importers have also supported the festival, with three international beers on offer - Wild Beer from the U.k., To Øl from Denmark and Gigantic from Portland, Oregon.

Attendees will be able to enjoy beers of all strengths, ranging from Christchurch brewery Concept’s “Gratzer” at 2% all the way to a 13% “Rum-Oaked Ursus” from Lord Almighty.

Wellington brewery Wild & Woolly have made a special beer for the festival called “Bulb & Bell” featuring fennel and smoked paprika, while Yeastie Boys will bring “Hellzapoppin” - an IPA made with manuka-smoked malt and peach bhut and fantalli chillies.

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. It also remains one of the best value festivals in the country, with attendees receiving eight beer tasters and a food voucher for the ticket price.

Media are welcome to join us at this event.

When: Saturday 11 June 2015; 2pm – 7pm

Where: The Hunter Lounge, Victoria University, Wellington

What: 4 complimentary half-pints and a plate of food, with the option to purchase more beer

ENDS

© Scoop Media