Quality of Home Brewing Continues to Rise

QUALITY OF HOME BREWING CONTINUES TO RISE

Homebrewing honours have been shared between islands, with brewers from Christchurch and Auckland picking up the top awards.

A group of expert judges tasted a record 539 different beers from across the country over the weekend, during the event’s 9th year.

Auckland man John Gollics, a painter and decorator from Onehunga, was crowned champion brewer.

Gollics will now have the chance to brew his beer at Pomeroy’s in Christchurch and release it commercially, thanks to a brewing scholarship package provided by BeerNZ.

After winning last year’s champion beer award, Gollics said he had been joking about defending his crown but didn’t think he would go one better.

“I think the most satisfying aspect of an award like this is that people enjoy and appreciate your efforts. Sharing good beer is what it’s all about.”

The single champion beer was brewed by Christchurch man Oliver Drake, with his complicated Flanders Red Ale being judged best beer by the judges.

Drake will also have a chance to see it brewed commercially by Auckland brewery Hallertau.

NHC organiser Tom Coleman said there was a clear improvement in overall beer quality this year.

“We continue to see a shift away from old stalwarts like British style ales towards the new classics: American Pale Ales and IPAs along with more experimental brews using wild yeasts, fruit and vegetables.”

While a similar number of gold and silver medals were awarded this year there was a notable increase of bronze medals indicating a positive shift in the overall quality of entries.

Full results can be found here: www.nhc.soba.org.bz/results/2015

ENDS

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