beer

Firstly, apologies on missing out a blog last week but as you all may know it was Emerson's Appreciation week, and that is exactly what it was! We had a a few other beers coming and going but at the end of it it was all about Emersons.

Moving right along from one wonderful brewery to the next, tomorrow we welcome Luke and Kelly from Epic for the South Island launch of Epic 'Larger', an imperial pilsner. It will be one night only… expect Epic tap domination (7 of their range for the evening) as well as bottles of the new Coffee and Fig Stout.

The other thing to remember is our 12 pints of xmas.. 12 wonderful beers, get stamps for all of them and we'll shout your 13th… Oh and you'll get your name on a plaque!

And of course in between all of this Epic and Emerson's madness, this week expect to see…

8wired Black Dwarf
Adelicious sweet stout that has been 'dry beaned'. Coffee + beer = perfection.

Yeastie Boys PKB
A favourite. Hoppy porter? Black IPA? Pop in for a pint and let me know what you think!

Three Boys Pilsner
Refreshing, zingy…. Summer in a glass!

Plus a few others of course… stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter!

See you all tomorrow!

Emerson's Appreciation Week - Epic LARGER - 12 Pints of Christmas

It's December 1 and we're well into Emerson's Appreciation Week so come and enjoy your $7 pints of Bookie, 1812, London Porter and Pilsner while you can.

Emerson's Appreciation Week

Then set aside Dec 8 as Luke and Kelly from Epic are hitting Pom's for the South Island Launch of Epic Larger, and we'll have 7 taps dedicated to Epic and bottles of their Coffee & Fig Imperial Oatmeal Stout.

Epic Larger South Island Launch

Finally today kicks off the 12 PInts of Christmas. Grab a card, drink the nominated beer and get a stamp - a new keg is tapped every second day - and not only will you taste some astoundingly good craft beer but you're 13th pint will be on us.

See you soon at Pom's!

12 Pints of Christmas

This Week I Ordered... Nov 24 Edition

Heading into the final weeks of November!

I received an email of what's available this week and i've got to say its exciting to see the arrivals of Golden's, Blondes and the like… Summer is coming!

Three Boys Oyster Stout
Of course I love and look forward to a summer of thirst quenching ales but before I do, I will happily enjoy a pint or two of this magnificent stout. I did include it in last weeks blog but it did not hit the taps…. This is the last of the Oyster Stout for this year! *ON TAP NOW

Yeastie Boys Hud a Wa Strong
PKB left and has been replaced by another of the Yeastie Boys permanents.. It is limited.

From a lineage of cryptic beer names... Hud-a-wa’ is Scots for "hold the wall" and was the nickname of one of our great-great-grandfathers. He was a strong fella who once held up a wall while his workmates escaped from a collapsing mine. He’d have approved of this strong amber ale: rich and restorative, yet with enough hop to keep you coming back for more. As Hud-a-wa’ would have said: "Here’s tae us, wha’s like us, damn few, and they’re a’ deid... mairs the pity!

PS. Its pouring as you read this.

ParrotDog Bloodhound
Is on tap right now!! This is the second release from the team at Parrotdog and after such a successful first beer, I am really looking forward to trying number 2.

Official notes:
A generous, grassy New Zealand-hopped aroma is supported by a full, complex red / amber malt base and a large, pleasant New Zealand-hopped bitterness to round off.

Golden Ticket Champion Malky
Here is Ally's latest offering.. A very drinkable Golden Ale. I managed to get in a sneak peak on Tuesday and I am very much looking forward to a pint this evening… thats if there is still some left!

This Golden Ale combines the best of New Zealand hops, English Malt and American Yeast with tropical fruit notes perfectly integrated with a delicious biscuit malt. Balanced for everyday drinking this beer channels Olympian spirit with Scottish enthusiasm.

Invercargill Wasp
Sun and honey pilsners for this weekend sounds like perfection! And now you know exactly where to go to have both… Enjoy!

Notes:
We’ve blended four malts and two hops with kamahi bush honey to craft an authentic taste of New Zealand... the perfect anytime beer.

This Week I Ordered... Nov 24 Edition

Heading into the final weeks of November!

I received an email of what's available this week and i've got to say its exciting to see the arrivals of Golden's, Blondes and the like… Summer is coming!

Yeastie Boys Hud a Wa Strong
PKB left and has been replaced by another of the Yeastie Boys permanents.. It is limited.

PS. Its pouring as you read this.

ParrotDog Bloodhound
Is on tap right now!! This is the second release from the team at Parrotdog and after such a successful first beer, I am really looking forward to trying number 2.

Official notes:
A generous, grassy New Zealand-hopped aroma is supported by a full, complex red / amber malt base and a large, pleasant New Zealand-hopped bitterness to round off.

Invercargill Wasp
Sun and honey pilsners for this weekend sounds like perfection! And now you know exactly where to go to have both… Enjoy!

Notes:
We’ve blended four malts and two hops with kamahi bush honey to craft an authentic taste of New Zealand... the perfect anytime beer.

This Week I Ordered... Nov 18 Edition

There are a lot of exciting things happening in the beer world at our little pub! Next month will kick off with the 'Emerson's Appreciation Week - $7 pints', then the following week (8th December) expect to see Luke and Kelly from Epic for a one night only 'Epic Larger' release and of last but not least there will be the '12 pints of Xmas' too…. (more info to come).

One last thing to remember is that this Monday (21st) will host the last beer tasting for 2011. Come down and join Mark White from Harringtons and Craig Bowen of BeerNZ as they take you through the MASSIVE Harrington's range.

Ok, on to beer!
Yesterday (wednesday) it seemed like we changed a million kegs! The following all new to tap.. 8wired Black Dwarf, Golden Eagle SIPA, Invercargill Boysenbeery and back from a short break Tuatara Hefe.

Over the weekend expect to see:

Brew Moon Broomfield Brown
I haven't had the chance to try this brown ale as its the first time on tap at Pomeroys. Ever.
Tasting notes:
Malty beer with a tawny brown colour. The use of ale yeast gives a fruity flavour which enhances the dark malts

Epic Armageddon
Gearing up for Epic tap domination next month! Luke and Kelly will be at Pomeroy's on the 8th of December for the South Island launch of Epic LARGER (an imperial pilsner). Keep an eye out on Facebook and around the pub for more information.

Townshend NZ Pale Ale
This is a new brew from Townshend. We have had it on tap already and it received glowing reviews all round! Another thing to note is there is another new beer from Martin that will be part of our 12 Pints of Xmas… stay tuned!

Brewaucracy Bean Counter
I tasted this beer for the first time awhile back and its DELICIOUS. Lots of lovely vanilla notes with a lingering bitter end. I have managed to snap up a few kegs but don't wait to try as I can guarantee it won't last long!

Yeastie Boys PKB
PKB takes up a tap again after a short break!

Raindogs Apothecary Amber
We have been seeing a lot of this Amber over the last few weeks, mainly on the hand pump but this weekend expect to see it on tap. Its a wonderful session beer from Christchurch's latest brewery who, I have been told today, have another beer ready for release next week!

Three Boys Oyster Stout
I believe this may be the last time we will see this legendary stout this year.. One keg only folks!

Cheers everyone! Fingers crossed for a weekend over sunshine and terrific craft beer!

This Week I Ordered... Nov 11 Edition

Eeeek, this week got away on me… again.

So I had this big, interesting line up but due to my terrible time keeping, we have sold a lot of it already! So instead, you get a quick update of what to expect this weekend.

Sorry again, I will be far more on to it next week!

On tap RIGHT NOW

Sprig and Fern 3 Berry Cider
This is totally delicious and when served with ice makes for the perfect summer drink!

8wired Big Smoke and Hopwired
Both terrific beers and are both on tap!

Golden Eagle EVERYTHING
On tap at this very moment we have Dave's Summer Blonde, Coalface Stout and SIPA.

Coming up…

Invercargill Boysenbeery
This is a beer that you have to watch out for… Its crisp, refreshing and very drinkable BUT at 6.5% it can catch you if you're not careful

Some notes:
Redolent of the Belgium-style kriek beer with a Kiwi twist. A light flavoured wheat beer brewed with a generous serving of berry to create a dark red brew with pink bead. It’s the 180 kilos of boysenberry we put into every 1200 litre batch that accounts for the full flavour and strong colour. It’s no surprise that it’s all berry up front, fat and smooth through the middle with a dry finish. The yeast provides hints of spice and orange for added complexity.

8wired Black Dwarf
A mongrel of styles stout: The malt bill is like a sweet stout. The hops resemble a hoppy NZ pale ale. Fermented with a Belgian yeast strain and dry-beaned with CRP "Accelerator" coffee. The idea is for the roasted notes of the malt and the floral citrus flavours of the hops to be elevated by the similar qualities of the coffee.

Brew Moon Hophead IPA
An organic India Pale Ale, this is a full bodied, malty beer that is heavily hopped resulting in a fruity hop character with a healthy bitterness balanced by the 5% alcohol.

This Week I Ordered... Nov 2 Edition

This week we have some old favorites as well as a first ever!
I have lots of other lovely treats in the chiller too, but to avoid long waits I have shortened my list to the beers that WILL be on this week… Enjoy!

Liberty and Craig Bowen (BeerNZ) Bowenbrau
Tomorrow night we will all have the chance to try this new beer!
It is a very limited release made in collaboration by Joe from Liberty and Craig from BeerNZ… suitably named BowenBrau.

Hope to see you all tomorrow afternoon!

Moa 5 Hop
Always a favourite.

A little more info:
Moa Five Hop Winter Ale shows the unique signatures of traditional North European bottle conditioning. Displaying a Nelson-dominant hoppy nose with a subtle oak character leaving extra smooth and creamy, honeyed characters on the palate.

Brew Moon Amberley Pale Ale
Last week I spoke about the wonderful range that is coming out of Brew Moon and here is another example of that!

Tasting notes:
Amberley Pale Ale - A clean nutty malt flavour and crisp hop bitterness combined with a fresh citrus hop aroma. 4.4%

Golden Eagle Coal Face Stout
The Coal Face stout has been making a regular appearance on the hand pump of late, so to mix things up, I have ordered a keg this week.

Some info:
Pure Canterbury water, dark roasted barley, NZ, English & American hops are brought together with passion to create this extra dark earth shattering stout.

This Week I Ordered... Oct 28 Edition

Apologies on the lateness of my blog this week. As some of you may know, Steve has been on leave due to knee surgery, thus resulting in me being even busier than normal!

I am glad to say the surgery went well and he is already hobbling around the pub, not surprising though, huh!

Mikes / Liberty TPA
My bar manager Nick is very excited about the return of TPA. I have just sat and listened to his account of this terrific beer. Nick tells me that its a 'full pint experience' Big and floral to start yet grassy and bitter to finish… And of course, just when you think it can't get better… you have another pint and start the journey all over again!

Cheers to Ron and Joe!

A great write up about Mikes, Liberty and of course, The Taranaki Pale Ale

Brewaucracy Punkin Image
I got to try this beer a few weeks ago out of the rigger care of the wonderful Greig McGill as well as a few others that he and fellow Brewer Phil Murray, have been working on.

For all the info on Brewaucracy click here.

Some notes:
A style well known in the USA and associated with the Thanksgiving holiday, here in New Zealand we believe this to be a first. More reminiscent of a dessert type Pumpkin Pie, there are nonetheless notes of roast pumpkin in addition to a big bready and caramelly malt backbone, with some well integrated spice from our carefully chosen not-so-secret blend. This is pumpkin pie in a glass, and we at Brewaucracy hope you enjoy our first creation.

Brew Moon Hophead IPA
As I have said in a previous blog, there has been a recent change of Head Brewers at Brew Moon. Since then, I have noticed an increase in production and most importantly, their range continues to taste WONDERFUL! I'd just like to give a virtual 'high five' to Belinda at Brew Moon for taking over the reins so smoothly!

Tasting notes:
Amberley Pale Ale - A clean nutty malt flavour and crisp hop bitterness combined with a fresh citrus hop aroma. 4.4%

8wired Istout

This beer is DANGEROUS. Believe me, I know.

Below 8wired speak of the Imperial Stout Float, it has been tried and tested many times by the staff of Pomeroys and trust us, its delicious!

Beware, this is a BIG beer. Brimming with luscious roasted coffee and chocolate malt flavours which are balanced by a brisk bitterness and bold freshness from the hops.
If you’re feeling politically incorrect try it with your favourite cigar, or a dram of your best single malt whisky. Or, if your tooth is sweeter, why not jump in at the deep end with the most decadent dessert of all; half a bottle in a glass with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top (beer geeks like us know it as the Imperial Stout Float). Or simply enjoy it on its own as a decadent dessert or night cap - the perfect winter warmer!
If you don’t already know the history of Russian Imperial Stouts please check it out on the internet, it’s a good story. But remember, although based on that century-old classic style, this beer is a very modern interpretation, like all our beers!

Raindogs Apothecary Amber
This actually went on tap this evening! Apologies again on my lateness this week!

The last time we had Apothecary Amber was via the handpump, so this week its a little different as its kegged and going through the main beer system. Enjoy!

Some info:?

Raindogs Brewing Co was born from the aftermath of the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. The quakes closed The Twisted Hop for an as yet undetermined amount of time and brewer Sean Harris found himself looking for a new brewing challenge. After five years in charge of brewing at The Hop the timing was right to start a new brewing enterprise. Look for Raindogs beers on both handpump and tap and in the near future in bottles. Raindogs Brewing Co’s new range begins with the first release, Apothecary Amber.
Apothecary Amber is an American style amber ale. Deep coppery brown in colour it has a full biscuity, toffee malt profile. The sweetness of the malt gives way to a dry and bitter finish. The hops play less a part in this style than with a pale ale, however late hopping lends a fruity citrus hop flavour and aroma to balance the malt. Brewed to 4.9%abv Apothecary Amber is a sessionable smooth drinking beer

This Week I Ordered... Oct 19 Edition

Another terrific line up for you all to enjoy!

I have tried to put them in order of what you are likely to see first… Don't blame me if it doesn't quite work out, but hey, at least i'm trying!

Mussel Inn Captain Cooker
In my last post of Captain Cooker, I mentioned that I have been lucky enough to enjoy a pint of this wonderful beer at The Mussel Inn… I also went on to say that it's just as delicious in Christchurch but I must stress at this point, if you haven't ever made it up to The Mussel Inn, YOU NEED TO! For those who have, you'll know what i'm talking about… It's magic.

Some notes:
Inspired by the first beer ever to be brewed in New Zealand, by Captain James Cook in 1773, the Mussel Inn version is a red brown all malt beer flavoured with the freshly picked tips of the Manuka tree and locally grown New Zealand organic hop varieties.
The only one out of 240 New Zealand beers to rate 10 out of 10 in Keith Stewarts book 'The complete guide to New Zealand Beer'. Also featured in 'Best - a New Zealand compendium'. . A typical comment - this one from John Thompson and he should know.
A very distinctive beer with notes of ginger and rose oil which sometimes gives the perception of a slight sweetness although the beer is fermented dry. Long known for it's medicinal qualities by the native Maori population of New Zealand, manuka's high anti oxidant properties are also to be found in Captain Cooker manuka beer.

Yeastie Boys Red Rackham
Here is where I enter something colourful and entertaining about pirates or treasure but I am just not that witty…. Arrrrr….. Fail.

As I sit here procrastinating writing my blog, Red Rackham has JUST been tapped. So no more delay! Come in ASAP to enjoy a pint of this Belgian Red Ale.

Three Boys Golden Ale
This was my 'go to' beer the Summer before last. Its wonderful. Simple, refreshing and every sip leaves you wanting another.

Originally, Golden was brewed as a seasonal rotating with Oyster Stout but (don't quote me) I don't think it has taken much of a break this year.

Anyway, it's back in our chiller and will take a permanent tap for the up and coming months.

A little more about Golden:
The Golden Ale is a modern beer style invented by the British brewers to counter mass-produced global brands. Pale golden colour with fragrant aroma, this style combines the intricacy of ale with the refreshing qualities of lager. Three Boys Golden Ale has 100% Canterbury malted barley and 100% Nelson bred hops, including the vibrant Nelson Sauvin variety. style featuring Canterbury Pale Malt, and large amounts of Nelson Sauvin hops. The result is a crisp tangy blond beer with tons of fresh ‘sauvignon blanc like’ aromas of gooseberry, passionfruit, and herbaceous notes. In the mouth the beer is crisp, with loads of tangy green hop character, a sweet malt cushion and a cleansing firm dry finish.

Croucher Pils
I really am getting into a Summer theme! Funny that as I sit and write my blog dreaming about Sun, Pilsners and Golden Ales its LITERALLY bucketing down outside… go figure.

This Pilsner is definitely one on Croucher's flagship beers, winning Best in Class at last years BrewNZ awards, being awarded 5 stars by Bob Campbell and that's just naming a few…

From the brewery:
Our Czech-styled lager was released in January 2007, and is one of Paul’s favoured styles of beer.

Appearance - a pale straw coloured beer. 10% wheat malt added to the grist supplies a generous clinging head.
Aroma - a true lager yeast fermented at low temperatures provides the characteristic characteristics of a bohemian pilsner. Generous additions on New Zealand Motueka and Riwaka hops provide a new world twist to this ancient classic. This is a very hoppy lager.

Golden Eagle Summer Blonde
Last week we had this lovely Blonde through the Handpump, so to mix things up, I have ordered a keg this week. If you were lucky enough to try it last week, then you'll be extra lucky with this weeks comparison.

A little info from Ratebeer:
Pure Canterbury water, barley & American hops are brought together with passion to create a fruity light refreshing ale.

8wired Black Dwarf
This latest beer is a keg only release. I haven't been able to have a taste yet as the kegs are queueing in the chiller but I am sure, going by the rest of Soren's range, it'll be a winner!

And anyway, any beer that has been 'dry beaned' has my vote!

Some notes:
A mongrel of styles stout: The malt bill is like a sweet stout. The hops resemble a hoppy NZ pale ale. Fermented with a Belgian yeast strain and dry-beaned with CRP "Accelerator" coffee. The idea is for the roasted notes of the malt and the floral citrus flavours of the hops to be elevated by the similar qualities of the coffee.

This Week I Ordered... Oct 11 Edition

A lovely, mixed bag this week… Enjoy and cheers!

Croucher Low Rider
Croucher's newest offering - a super hoppy low alcohol ale (2.7%)

Please to all reading this, try this beer with an open mind. A Beer DOES NOT have to be over 5% to be worthwhile and wonderful!

Here we have a tasty, session ale that is somewhat responsible… Sounds pretty great to me!

To read all about the wonderful team from Rotorua: Croucher.

Golden Eagle Summer Blonde
The fact that this beer has Summer in its name just gets me so, so excited! Its been a long winter, a crazy year and I for one, am really looking forward to Blondes, Golden's and other such SUMMER treats!

This will be this year's first release from local brewer, Dave Gaughan.

A little info from Ratebeer:
Pure Canterbury water, barley & American hops are brought together with passion to create a fruity light refreshing ale.

Follow Dave on Facebook!!!! Golden Eagle Brewery

Tuatara NZ APA
I am REALLY looking forward to tasting this beer!!!! This is Tuatara's solution to the hop shortage that affected the supply of APA. I have already heard and read terrific things… Cheers Tuatara!

To read all about it: Tuatara NZ APA

Golden Bear Hooligan
I txted Craig and asked for tasting notes after not being about find anything online. The reply I got was 6.8% Hoppy Ale… I guess he is as nearly in the dark as me!

Well in any case, come in and check it out…

To learn a little more about Golden Bear: Click here!

8wired Rewired
Its been a long time since this we have had this lovely ale on tap… That's craft beer for you, there's never enough!

I managed to grab a few kegs before it ran out (again) but cannot guarantee how long it'll last.

Some info:
Poor old misunderstood brown ale... It is perhaps the most versatile style of beer in the world, but is often overlooked. Why?
Does the word brown lead the mind towards less appetizing things? Is it because the colour brown is less sexy than, say, 'golden'? Or have the mass brewing companies driven the style into oblivion by claiming it for their most unattractive products? Mull that over while you sip this beer, either in the sun, in front of the barbie, with your afternoon steak and kidney pie, your Sunday roast, or just by itself because you're thirsty and deserve a treat!
Chances are that this is unlike any brown ale you have ever tasted: it's malty, hoppy, roasty, flavoursome and refreshing. Some might say it's Brown Ale 'redefined', we'd say it's REWIRED. Cheers! The recipe varies slightly from batch to batch but includes: Gladfield pale malt, munich malt, crystal malt, caramalt, chocolate malt, oat malt. Hops are NZ Pacific Jade, Cascade and Pacifica.

8wired Big Smoke
There isn't too much I can say for this beer as it speaks for itself… Gold and Best in Class at this years Brewers Guild NZ Beer awards.

We’ve taken our best porter recipe and added a good measure of that same Bamberg Rauchmalz. The smoke mingles beautifully with the rich, dark roasted chocolate flavours of the porter without being overpowering. Although it pairs extremely well with smoked seafood, barbeques, strong cheeses and hearty stews, its food friendliness isn’t limited to savouries; chocolate and caramel based deserts are great companions too! Trust us; it really isn't as crazy as it sounds.

Raindogs Apothecary Amber Ale
As our city continues to shake (Sunday's 5.5 is testament to that!), its wonderful to see new businesses and most especially new breweries open.

I am looking forward to following and watching Raindogs story and success! You can be sure that when available, it'll be on tap here!

Cheers Sean and Good Luck!

Some info:
Raindogs Brewing Co was born from the aftermath of the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. The quakes closed The Twisted Hop for an as yet undetermined amount of time and brewer Sean Harris found himself looking for a new brewing challenge. After five years in charge of brewing at The Hop the timing was right to start a new brewing enterprise. Look for Raindogs beers on both handpump and tap and in the near future in bottles. Raindogs Brewing Co’s new range begins with the first release, Apothecary Amber.

Apothecary Amber is an American style amber ale. Deep coppery brown in colour it has a full biscuity, toffee malt profile. The sweetness of the malt gives way to a dry and bitter finish. The hops play less a part in this style than with a pale ale, however late hopping lends a fruity citrus hop flavour and aroma to balance the malt. Brewed to 4.9%abv Apothecary Amber is a sessionable smooth drinking beer.

Follow Raindogs on Facebook!