Sauvage, Packaged. Beer scores are weighted means so that more ratings for a beer increase the score's tendency to the beer's actual mean. Flavours:Lower sugar with Red Love and Geneva apples. According to an industry report put together by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), New Zealand has 218 breweries - more per capita than the United Kingdom, Australia. You can appreciate this little beauty that reminds of the East Coast Sun setting under the rising waves of 1990. Send a WhatsApp message without saving contact number. If you are in Mangatainoka and looking for some fun, then go for Tui, a famous brewery that will give a fantastic taste to your tongue. There are 10 small breweries in Nelson. The mixture is a blend of delicious coffee, creamy oat, and chocolate followed by a sense of bitterness in the form of a layer. Pairing Recommendation: Lush and fruity hazy with some palate weight will; embrace Nasi Goreng style fried rice. For more on this beer visit:8wired.co.nz. The inaugural New Zealand location has opened in Auckland on Princes Wharf - in the site formerly occupied by longstanding restaurant Euro. He is passionate about sharing those experiences and advice on NZ Pocket Guide and its YouTube channel. Amstel 8. The beers you will see the most while travelling through New Zealand comes from the two biggest breweries: Lion Breweries and DB Breweries. This is generally a malty, lightly hopped amber lager with 45% alcohol by volume. 5. 6. NZ power plugs Will my devices work in New Zealand? The brewerys lineup of ales includes varieties like the fruit-forward Wisconsin Belgian Red, the strong and hoppy Moon Man, and the tart and floral Wisconsin Belgian White. It requires extra care with a lot of time. Some examples are Heineken, Amstel, and Tiger[23] (DB Breweries); Kingfisher, Carlsberg, Holsten, and Tuborg[24][25] (Boundary Road); and Kilkenny,[26] Corona, Budweiser, Guinness, Stella Artois, and Beck's[27] (Lion Nathan). . A breeding programme had developed new hop varieties unique to New Zealand,[14] many of these new hops have become mainstays in New Zealand craft beer. This cozy beer brought the idea of stout Float containing I Stout in a glass with a scoop of vanilla Ice cream. The Big smoke is famous as the most smoked beer in New Zealand, the brewers regularly produce it on the lands of New Zealand. Finally, Garage projects lagers range from traditional to creative, offering flavors from pomegranate & rhubarb, to coffee & chocolate. In fact, Garage Project dominatedthe list with an impressive 19 of their beers featured in the GABS Hottest 100 line-up. With a higher sugar content and no hops, expect juicy fruit flavours and tart sweetness. The red flesh creates the pink ros colour of the cider and also brings a distinctive wine-like flavour of rhubarb and raspberry. Brew Moon is a delight of Invercargill, Wellington, Christchurch, Nelson, Dunedin, and Blenheim. Beer, spirits, and liqueur prices increased by approximately 10% in comparison to 2012. Saison, also known as farmhouse ale, has a rich history in Belgium where it was brewed at the end of the harvest season for the following summer to slake the thirst of, and sometimes pay, the workers. The judges loved the "dank, pine and ripe fruit" hop qualities in a pale ale that thinks its an IPA. Craft beer has gained much popularity in recent times. Flavours:Sweet raspberry on delicately tart base. IIPA DIPA - Imperial / Double IPA. It is distinct from other cream ales in its mild hop character and the distinctive flavor of Bavarian yeast. Like walking through an orchard of just-watered lemon trees, said one judge, while another added: Great beer, dig it.. Pairing Recommendation: The gentle smoke and chocolate want food that will contrast like a slow cooked lamb shoulder. Here's the top 10 list courtesy of Nielsen. Today, a proper beer lover may get confused if he steps out in search of craft beer. The prominent citrus is embedded in a deeper sweet pineapple flavour. . Best New Zealand IPAs 2022 Indian Pale Ales, or IPAs, are well loved for their strong hoppy flavour, combined tropical fruitiness with bold, bitter hops. Imported beers and popular brands like VB, Carlton, Tooheys, and XXXX remain as some of the most consumed beers in the country but Australians are also developing a taste for locally owned. With breweries spread across central Wellington, Upper Hutt and the Kpiti Coast, finding the perfect spot for a beer is easy. The Most Popular Beer (s) In New Zealand Published on Mon 05 Feb 2018 GABS has just announced the Hottest 100 Kiwi Craft Beers, as voted by New Zealanders, announcing the top craft beers from over 650 brews Annual beer, cider and food fest - GABS - has announced the Hottest 100 Kiwi Craft Beers, as voted by New Zealanders. The distinct flavor profile of Spotted Cow is due to the use of barley malts, select wheat, hops, and yeast during fermentation. To complete the experience, Invercargill Brewery is open for tours and tastings. Along with the smokiness, its sweet chocolate gives a wild relief when sipped at first. Pairing Recommendation: Huge stout can be treated like a rich red wine. It presents beautifully in the glass, a pretty peaches-and-cream colour, with a restrained peach and spice aroma. 5. For more on this beer visit:bachbrewing.co.nz. Mikes Organic Brewery is Based in Taranaki. The result is distinctive hazy with a dry mouthfeel and light, powdery body. While sipping it, one is likely to get a touch of rosewater on the nose with a citrus bite on the tongue. Judges comments:This is your annual reminder that this is not a craft beer competition but open to all-comers. Given the small market and relative high number of breweries, many breweries have spare capacity. This allows the hop scientists to separate the cones, keeping the flavour-giving lupulin and discarding the leaves (bract) which can sometimes add an unwanted astringency to beer. Haagen beers are available throughout the US, and can also be found in certain countries overseas. Named for the centuries-old derisory term for hops when the British thought they were a nothing more than an invasive species from Europe and had no place in beer. During the late 19th and early 20th century, the temperance movement in New Zealand had become a powerful and popular lobby group, as in the UK and the US. Passionfruit and citrus hops race across the palate. Top 20 beers brewed in New Zealand. They specialize in brewing traditional German-style lagers, as well as a variety of flavorful American-style ales and sours. P Weed, as it's known in-house, showcases a pair of classic Kiwi hops, Nelson Sauvin and Rakau, which deliver pungent tropicality and a lush resinous quality on top of a rich malt base. Later, in the 1980s, small boutique or microbreweries started to emerge, and consequently the range of beer styles being brewed increased. List includes the top beers from New Zealand, along with photos of the beer logos when available. The owners and liquor buyers on this Top 6 list show real vision and foresight to stock interesting and hard to find beers from around New Zealand and the world. Speight's Beer Speight's was born in 1876 and is synonymous to kiwi-bloke-rugby-culture. This popular brew has a chocolaty taste driven by sweet malt. Tui will not only excite with its taste but also with question hidden under the cap of the bottle. Yes that means it is all lager, and near-lager beers (i.e. Mikes Mild the name that defines the hard work and saving of brewer Mike Johnson that he used to set up a brewery in September 1989. Fresh and delightful, surprisingly full mouthfeel for a low carb." The beer has a light golden color, a slightly sweet and malty flavor, and an alcohol content of 4.8% ABV, which is typical for a craft beer. New Zealand fans pass on the popular lagers and go for an alein this case, one that uses ingredients that have been around for over a century. A New Zealand Ale is a type of beer that is produced in New Zealand. [10] Gradually, beer production in New Zealand shifted from ales to lagers, using continuous fermentation. Carlsberg Danish Pilsner 4. Brewers Guild president Ralph Bungard noted that Americans were scrambling to get their hands on Kiwi hops as they were becoming more trendy in the American micro-brew market. The judges kept using the word lovely. You've reviewed 0 beers on this list. But a lot of small communities caught onto the beer revelation that started in the late 1990s. Based in Hornby, Christchurch, theyve been going six years, initially leasing space before buying their own brewery in 2019. Judges comments:The Theoretical Brewer, Taranaki-based chemical engineer Douglas Eng, got the beer bug when his wife bought him a home brew kit for his birthday a few years ago. Extremely crushable, said the judges, which is appropriate, as Hatsukoi translates to first love and we reckon youll have a crush on it. Check out Marlborough - Guide for Backpackers. The vast majority of beer produced in New Zealand is a type of lager, either pale or amber in colour, and typically 45% alcohol by volume. and "What are the most popular beers from New Zealand? [1] At around 64.7 litres per person per annum, New Zealand is ranked 27th in global beer consumption per capita. Craft ciders and ginger beers are making waves in New Zealand, with local brewers drawing massive audiences who are after something sweet and warming yet refreshing. It might be workmanlike, but like all the best workers, it turns up every day, gives 100 per cent and does everything with precision and skill. According to country-wide consumption, Asahi Super Dry is the most popular Japanese beer in Japan. Go to shop. Wild Buck makes a variety of stylish clothing for men and women, including graphic t-shirts and tanks, sweatshirts, hats, and accessories. Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in New Zealand, accounting for 63% of available alcohol for sale. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Wine. Pairing Recommendation: Lighter style hazy that partners well with roast pork and apple sauce, or a packet of pork crackling. Stella Artois 6. Brewery: 2 Cove Road, Waipu 0510, Northland, online and in stores NZ-wide. If you start counting the real list of brew of New Zealand, you will forget everything except remembering the drink. Pairing Recommendation: The smooth style of this hazy suits some fiery Nashville-style fried chicken burger or popcorn chicken nibbles. Spotted Cow is an English-style ale brewed by New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Corona beer topped the list, with the brew being the most searched beer in 62 out of 188 countries. But this is all about the hops and theres distinctive lemongrass and lemon zest, married to a coconut thread and slices of pineapple with a tangy, slightly bitter finish. Among lagers, pilsners are the lightest and brightest, promising refreshingly crisp, clean flavours perfect for summer. Craft Beer. Pairing Recommendation: This traditional German style is adaptable but spicy sausage and sauerkraut on bread rolls seems perfect. Speights will be a good option for you. Judges comments:A cult beer from Garage Project that was literally the first commercial example poured nearly 11 years ago when the brewery launched at Wellington bar Hashigo Zake. We are proud to support the New Zealand craft beer brewers and send well over 25,000 bottles of sweet NZ brew around the country every year. The beer is available in all 72 counties across Wisconsin, making it an easy to find product within the state. How much alcohol is in a Spotted Cow beer? frozen. This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Two Birds Brewing Co., Victoria. From the knowledge I had of this tree, and the similarity it bore to the spruce, I judged that, with the addition of inspissated juice of wort and molasses, it would make a very wholesome beer, and supply the want of vegetables, which this place did not afford; and the event proved that I was not mistaken. Our expert judges have picked the standout brews from around the country, featuring a thirst-quenching range of sours, ales, ciders non-alcoholic beers and more. Since my early days, I have worked hard to learn the most and to perform the best. Any wine from Marlborough, the sunniest and driest region in New Zealand, is bound to please the taste buds. The following list contains some of the notable craft breweries of New Zealand. It's put together like a Formula 1 car. Top Rated Beers: United States | BeerAdvocate Top Rated Stop lurking! The earliest was Mac's Brewery, started in 1981 in Nelson. Hokey pokey is the New Zealand term for honeycomb toffee. Are you in search of a trendy cheap bear in New Zealand? Lion produces a range of craft beers including Macs Gold, Macs Black, and Monteiths. Some of the most popular lager beers in New Zealand include Steinlager, Tui, DB Export, and Export Gold. 8 Wired iStout (Imperial Stout) 2. Their mission is to build a company that creates stylish, sustainable and quality products to help people explore and make the outdoors a little bit wilder. These unique brews include Wisconsin Belgian Red sour cherry ale, Scream IIPA double IPA, and Moon Man Nooner session IPA. Moa, Emersons, and Tuatara are all large-scale brewers known for creating lager crafted with the brewing knowledge passed down the generations in New Zealand. It is also comparable to session ales in its low ABV, below 5%. While there is currently no Guinness brewery in New Zealand, it is available in some stores and pubs throughout the country. This suburban Auckland brewery have embraced adventure in their beer, and this is typical of their flair. Supermarkets in New Zealand have only been selling beer for 8 years, so not long. Dominated by the peach and orange US-Kiwi hop blend the judges applauded the vibrant palate, the well-integrated flavour and the tussle between the bitter and sweet characters. It is counted among the purest beers with no preservatives and no additives. [9] However, one aspect of wartime regulation was made permanent: a 6pm closing time for licensed premises. Judges comments:Rhyme X Reason are a relatively young Wanaka-based brewery started by brewer Jess Wolfgang and partner Simon Ross, who makes canning machines on the side, including the one Rhyme X Reason used to package this beer. Hops used in New Zealand Ales are usually varieties like Pacific Gem and NZ Motueka. These beers contain 60% of alcohol content. Like Mays, it hits it out of the park. New Zealand is a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty: jagged mountains, rolling pasture land, steep fiords, pristine trout-filled lakes, raging rivers, scenic beaches, and active volcanic zones. Judges comments:No brewery does pop culture references like Behemoth and they use the Hop Buddies series as a classic method of showcasing two different hop varieties working together, naming each after a well-known entertainment duo. Pairing Recommendation: Punchy IPA with lots of fruit, ideal for watching sport with a hot dog in hand. This is a densely black color brew containing 10% of alcohol. What was Argentina called before colonization? We also began to brew beer from the branches or leaves of a tree, which much resembles the American black-spruce. Best-selling beers at home and abroad. For something a little bit out there, why not try a New Zealand sour? Stout - Imperial Flavored / Pastry. Flavours:Peachy, creamy, refreshing yet complex. First imbibed at least 7000 years ago, beer is one of humanity's most enduring and popular quaffs, coming in behind only water and tea in annual consumption. New Zealand is a hub of beer making industries running around 150 brewpubs, commercial breweries, and microbreweries. @liquorland_nz, Check out This taste remains in Mikes brewery even after the real Mike passed by. This is as smooth and round as Homer Simpsons belly and as lush as Marges hair, with rich mango and coconut cream flavours. Flavours:Chocolate liqueur, sweet rich and creamy. Silkily smooth and with a seamless creamy texture, this beer has a deep seam of ripe tropical fruit flavours yet it manages to finish light and dry. Lion produces a range of craft beers including Mac's Gold, Mac's Black, and Monteith's. It hasnt taken them long to arrive at the top level. All up its thick, full-bodied and intense all thats wonderful about Kiwi-hopped hazy IPAs. Our sadness at being unable to visit New Zealand earlier this year transformed into excitement as we conducted our NZ hop selections at the brewery instead Yes, New Zealand has some excellent craft beers available. These ales are typically pale colored, with a light to moderate hop bitterness and fruit flavors. There is something for every kind of beer lover at New Glarus. For its signature dry but crisp flavor, it's arguably the most popular Japanese beer outside of the country as well. The judges loved the way Morningcider Strawberry Ros manages to be both brightly sweet and yet have enough tartness to be balanced an incredible juggling act of the taste experiences. Top 13 Famous Beers of New Zealand monalisa New Zealand is a hub of beer making industries running around 150 brewpubs, commercial breweries, and microbreweries. It looks a treat, fills your whole mouth with flavour and texture and does it so well that you hardly notice its quality in action. Spotted Cow is only sold in Wisconsin because the beer is brewed by a local Wisconsin brewery, Capital Brewery, which is based in Middleton, Wisconsin. Tuatara XV 15th Anniversary Russian Imperial Stout. Taking the top spot Upper Hutt brewery Panhead Custom Ales'SuperchargerAPA (American Pale Ale), followed byWellingtons Garage Project? Expect bright hops and toasty malt. With flavors of black currant, anise and black pepper, cabernet sauvignon is the most popular red wine. The whole package whispers of restrained elegance and an easy evening of sociability. The result of this hop blend is a super-smooth IPA that delivers seamless and consistent hop aroma and flavour with no spiky edges or distractions. Brewers of New Zealand produce this pure Steinlarger on the grounds of the city. Finally, if youre feeling inspired to plan the perfect trip to try all of those New Zealand beers, be sure to bookmark The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand. Guinness is an Irish dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness (1725-1803) at St. James's Gate brewery in the capital city of Dublin, Ireland. Although the alcohol content is relatively low, the beer has a strong flavor, with nutty and caramel notes from the malts used in the recipe. Why is it so good? It is a golden-hued lager beer made with American Ale Yeast, five types of American malted barley, and cascade hops for flavor. Kronenbourg In the low- and. Blue has just 1.5 grams of carbohydrate per 100ml of beer making it one of the lowest carb beers on the market. Brewed by the lion breweries, Speight's original beer is a New Zealand Draught style lager. Switchback Brewing Co., home to Switchback Ale - Vermont's best-selling craft beer, announces the latest in their DIPA Cat Series. [1] This has been in a declining beer market, where availability of beer has dropped 7% by volume in the two previous years. Brewed in the traditional Belgian Framboise style, which means utilising wild yeasts plus bacteria in the air and in the wood of the barrels. Judges comments:Garage Project are fantastic collaborators and this beer is made in conjunction with Proper Crisps. This created the culture of the six o'clock swill, a law that was not repealed until 1967, and was to have an influence on the styles of beer brewed and drunk in New Zealand. Some popular NZ beers include Emersons, 8 Wired, and Yeastie Boys. Beer accounts for around 60% of alcohol for sale. For more on this beer visit:emersons.co.nz. Brew Moon is found on tap in Dunedin, Wellington, Invercargill, Blenheim, Christchurch and Nelson. Compact flavour and dry finish. For more on this beer visit:www.volstead.co.nz. No other beer in New Zealand history can keep pace with the award-scooping brilliance of this beer. Pairing Recommendation: Huge bitterness and bold flavours will hold their own in any contest but will work well with the sweet richness of pulled pork. Pairing Recommendation: So smooth and fruity, give this beer something crunchy to tangle with like a bowl of nachos, or even just corn chips on their own. Styles: The i in iStout stands for imperial, which means big, and at 10% ABV its the biggest beer in the Top 30 but the alcohol is superbly integrated in the deep, smooth flavour. This beer is deeply loved, adored even by legions of fans. Stores Nationwide. The first commercial brewery in New Zealand was established in 1835 by Joel Samuel Polack in Kororareka (now Russell) in the Bay of Islands. This is followed by Wellington ($10.05). Judges comments:Sawmill, based in Matakana, are regular attendees in the Top 30 and their Extra Pale Ale is a previous visitor to this elite group and its easy to see why. Plus, its probably the southernmost brewery you will ever visit. All Wild Buck products are ethically and sustainably made, supporting local artisans and businesses in the process. The label on the T Straight Burnout Smokey Stout captures a retro vibe that matches the brewery name. Tuatara The Tuatara is one of our incredible native animals (it is considered the closest living link to dinosaurs! 3.89. For more information on our rating system, please view our ratings explainer. The country is a beer-making nation with around 150 commercial breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs. Its main competitor is Sapporo Premium. 2022 Top 30 award-winning beer Behemoth Brewing Hop Buddies Homer and Marge Hazy IPA Beer Baroness Beer Baroness is New Zealand's only 100% female owned Brewery, created by Ava Nakagawa who is now joined by the small and passionate team of Damian, Andi and Josh. Remember to drink responsibly and check out our 11 Drinks You Have to Try in New Zealand. Various bits of information for these New Zealand beers are available below, such as what brewery makes them and what percentage of alcohol the beers contain. During the 19th century, the brewing methods of Great Britain and Ireland were introduced to New Zealand, being the countries from which the vast majority of immigrants originated during that time thus the dominant beer styles would have been ales, porters and stouts. This iconic Irish beer is brewed at St. Jamess Gate in the Irish city of Dublin by Guinness & Co. Six years ago, when this brew came into existence, the popular brewer Richard Emerson stated that as soon as he took the sip of the brew, he was not able to think about anything else other than the ale. Wild Buck also works hard to minimize the environmental impacts of production and shipping, by using recycled materials and efficient transport systems. The list shows the top beers, based on our weighted average formula, which effectively rates all beers against each-other. Spotted Cow is incredibly popular in Wisconsin, and has achieved a cult-like status in the craft beer community. Speight's original is a malty beer with notes of fruits and hops on the back. Stouts and porters represent the darkest of ales, with rich caramel, coffee and chocolate notes. Why is Spotted Cow only sold in Wisconsin? It's a big wall of flavour. The dense fluffy white head looks great on the blazing orange body that sets the tone for treeloads of citrus: lots of grapefruit and tangerine is backed by herby dankness. liquorland.co.nz/store-locations, For more news, advice and ideas on all things alcohol, pick up a copy of Toast mag in your nearest store. Second up, We Have Auckland's Favourite, and Ours Too - 8 Wired Stout This is a big man's beer, which means it's fulfilling with the taste of roasted coffee and chocolate malt flavours. Pairing Recommendation: A perfect dessert beer that wants a sweet sidekick, try it with a gooey chocolate brownie or just a piece of chocolate. Pairing Recommendation: Robust and fruity beer that marries well with lighter Asian cuisine such as pork and chive dumplings. The Homer & Marge edition features Mosaic (possibly the most popular hop on the planet right now) and cryogenic Sabro, a modern hop with an intricate web of flavours including a distinctive coconut note. Not much has changed in a year, except for the imagination of the judges which was captured by a beer that exhibited juicy stonefruit and cookies. [11] Conversely, ale production in New Zealand is primarily undertaken by small independent breweries and brewpubs, the Shakespeare Brewery in Auckland city being the first opened in 1986 for the 'craft' or 'premium' sector of the beer market. In addition to this, the New Zealand Consumers' Institute criticised Tui for claiming to be an "East India Pale Ale" when it is in fact an amber lager that bears no resemblance to the traditionally hoppy, bitter India Pale Ale style.[21]. Price: $17.95 for 4. The tie-in was to make an IPA using actual potatoes. The scores are weighted means, giving improved ratings for those that receive the most reviews by tasters. Top Six Best Beer Supermarkets in New Zealand 1. Dollar Bill Brewing, Victoria. The Theoretical Brewer has been threatening to make the Top 30 for some time and the Mad Hatter hazy pale ale captured the judges' attention with its "intense perfume" hop notes and low bitterness. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',153,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Two Roads takes great pride in crafting unique and unique-tasting brews, and they offer numerous styles of Haagen beer. New Zealands most popular beer is Steinlager, produced by Lion, the countrys largest brewer. Its created with a deft touch and you can taste the care thats gone into making it. If you like your beers light, dry and dusted with hops this is for you. Cheers to that! Judges comments:Hastings based Brave Brewing have built a cult-like following over the years thanks to most of their award-winning beer being sold locally and therefore hard to find around Aotearoa. Or a dozen oysters. When compared to other beers, Spotted Cow is quite unique. Maybe it goes a little hard but drinking it is enjoyable. The fruit blends well with a yoghurt sourness and underlying tea tannins add to the complexity and palate length in this creamy, refreshing and seamless brew. Here's a list of the highest rated beers from brewers in: New Zealand. We think they mean its delicious. [17] One specialty brewery, Tuatara Brewery had just commenced production of an American Pale Alewhen the American hop shortage arose, they then created an Aotearoa Pale Ale, with New Zealand hops. In fact the judges said it was almost too flavourful for a lager, which tells you something. New Zealand has spoken. These beers contain 60% of alcohol content. These beers are made by locals with a passion for beer for those who love drinking beer. Created in an effort to change the conversation around drinking culture, Heaps Normal is redefining the beer category. With special interest in supporting the fledgling craft brewing industry. You can say, it is the beautiful combination of malted barley, Water, yeast, and hops. For more on this beer visit: rhymeandreason.beer. 1. This favorite brew is known for being the pride of the south. . The most widely recognised style of beer to have originated in the country is New Zealand Draught. Here beers are prepared by locals with a passion for producing beer and their love for drinking beer. Most only range a selection of mainstream brands (local and imported), and a very limited selection of styles. Cabernet Sauvignon. The ping of bitterness is in proportion to everything going on around it. New Glarus is a Wisconsin brewery that produces a variety of Belgian-style ales and lagers, including its signature Spotted Cow Cream Ale. Pairing Recommendation: Creamy and fruity this beer can keep pace with all sorts of food but it's a lovely contrast to a robust dry curry like a beef rendang. Entertain yourself by reading the back of the can while you drink this fun-filled beer. There were many small groups caught during the beer disclosure initiated during the year 1990. Judges comments:8 Wired, based in Warkworth but with a barrel room and restaurant in nearby Matakana, have made a speciality of aging beer in wooden barrels. Judges comments:Epic are the industry leaders when it comes to flavoursome, hoppy low carb beer. Founders Brewery in the Founders Park is one of the most popular Nelson beers. Since opening its doors back in 2004, The Sawmill Brewery are all about brewing top quality natural beers free from sugar, preservatives and colour. It is a lighter-bodied golden beer with a mildly fruity aroma and a smooth, sweet finish. Beer here include everything from Lion Nathan Steinlager to Lion Nathan Speights Old Dark. Excellent beer, the judges proclaimed, like chocolate liqueur. [16] The shortage was primarily caused by a hop shortage in North America. Judges comments:Hop gods Epic have named this IPA for the Cryo Pop blend of hops used.