Taranaki Beer Festival Back Bigger, Better And Frothier!

Taranaki Beer Festival Back Bigger, Better And Frothier!

Craft beer may be popular in Wellington, but New Plymouth is staking its claim with one of the best new beer festivals in the country.

The Mountain Ales Festival will return this year on April 16, to be held from 1pm to 5pm at the New Plymouth Sport Fishing & Underwater Club.

With capacity upped to 250 this year, the festival has again quickly sold out - just like it did in its inaugural year in 2015.

Taranaki SOBA regional coordinator Warwick Foy the aim was not to make a profit and organisers opted to keep the festival small for the enjoyment of punters.

The ultimate goal of the festival was to educate and raise awareness about craft beer.

“More and more Taranaki folk are discovering the joys of craft beer and are no longer satisfied with standard offerings at restaurants, bars and other venues.

“We urge our members to politely lobby their favourite bar or restaurant for more choice.”

This year the festival has an almost completely new lineup of breweries, with only Mike’s and Brewaucracy returning.

Newcomers include Hamilton’s Good George, Beer Baroness from Christchurch and beer darlings Garage Project.

Following feedback from last year food options have been improved, as had the programme.

Breweries had been asked to send staff so they could discuss the beers with festival-goers.

SOBA members will again be able to enjoy a special members-only brew, with people able to join beforehand at Soba.org.nz or on the day.

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.

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