As a frontier country very distant from the shores of the “old country”, New Zealand displayed many advantages over the same. Not the least of which was a general standard of food whose average quality was well above that of the “old sod”.
Hand in hand with a healthy diet of meat, potatoes, and three vegies; was a fondness for a richly amber-coloured mild ale. Such fresh produce did not call for being buried beneath spices and sauces, and such clean simple ales were fine compliments.
The agricultural and pastoral qualities of New Zealand continue to be excellent today. The fine mild ales of New Zealand continue to excel – and to win medals worldwide.
The New Zealand brewing tradition is unique and probably no country (perhaps even no region of a country) consumes as high a percentage of generally amber and darker beers.
This mild ale style is smooth and light with a strong focus on consistency of aroma including a fine depth of hoppy notes. 1/2 the country can’t be wrong – great beer.