2 September 2015 - Best Beer HQ

Australian beer captures the essence of New Zealand

Australian beer captures the essence of New Zealand

An Australian beer modelled on the classic Kiwi dessert the pavlova has been named the beer that best captures the taste of New Zealand.

In a shocking upset that will further fuel trans-Tasman rivalry between the two nations, ‘Rusty Crowes Pavlova’ by Brisbane’s Newstead Brewery took out the top award in the ‘Flag Brew’ competition at the 2015 Beervana craft beer festival in NZ’s capital city.

The judging panel, which was made up of beer writers and brewers including ParrotDog brewer Matt Warner, described Rusty Crowes Pavlova as “perfectly capturing the taste of New Zealand”.

Beer writer and head judge Geoff Griggs commented: “It’s an iconically New Zealand beer in terms of flavour and a beautifully balanced example of the style, reeking of Riwaka hops. It was faultless. Australia can have Russell Crowe but we’ll keep our hops thanks.”

Meanwhile, Newstead Brewing co-owner Mark Howes couldn’t resist rubbing salt into the wound: “It’s little known that kiwifruit originated in Wagga Wagga, pavlova was first baked in Adelaide, Phar Lap was born in Perth, and Russell Crowe comes from Cairns…. We figured the only way to make a beer for our cuz was to use all Australian ingredients.”

He added: “A riwaka, kiwifruit, pavlova beer. Kiwifruit, passionfruit and strawberry give this all Aussie Pale Ale loads of tropical fruit character and a bold but smooth bitterness to cut through the sweetness.”

Runner-up in the Flag Brew competition was a toasted barley beer infused with Vogels – a Kiwi bread brand – and popular yeast spread Marmite. Dubbed ‘Old Sanitarium’, the beer was a collaboration between food blogger Delaney Mes and Auckland craft brewery Liberty Brewing.

In third place was a raspberry, chocolate milk and vanilla stout – named the ‘Jelly AnTIPodean’ – by 3 News’ reporter Patrick Gower and Kelly Ryan of Wellington brewpub Fork & Brewer.

Craft Beer / News Australia / New Zealand /

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