Beer #67 - W/C 6 June 2016
BREWERY // We thought about doing our usual research and write up on the brewery but the Zeelandt (pronounced Zay-land) story is told so very well by the brewery themselves, that we've simply pinched this write up directly from them (with a handful of edits - couldn't resist)!
They also have the following, good video which tells the story fairly well.
Zeelandt - "New Zealand is named after the Dutch province of Zeelandt (meaning Sea Land) and New Zealand and beer go back a long way. Durable Dutch brown beer helped Abel Tasman and his thirsty crew make the long voyage to the South Pacific. Captain Cook was also known to knock up the odd brew for the boys. The name ‘Zeelandt’ reflects New Zealand’s enduring relationship with beer. And just like beer has been a part of New Zealand since way back then, it’s been a big part of the Zeelandt brewing family too. Head brewer Chris’ great great grandfather started a brewery in Hororata near Christchurch back in the late 1880’s.
Christopher opened Zeelandt Brewery in Eskdale, Hawke’s Bay in August 2012 to showcase the ‘true to style’ brewing philosophy that inspired him while traveling through Europe. First working at St Austell Brewery in Cornwall UK in 2004, Christopher continued to hone his skills at Hallertau Brewery, Auckland before returning to the UK to complete his Diploma in Brewing Technology.
Zeelandt is inspired by the many classic beer styles found throughout Europe. From the ales of Great Britain to the lagers of Germany, they recreate these styles by delving into their history and discovering what inspired the brewers and who was the beer they brewed intended for."
Zeelandt's core range has 10 beers and over the next year they have plans to double production by installing three new fermenters and release 22 new beers over the year, to broaden that old world range.
TASTING NOTES // The unimaginatively, yet accurately, named Saison cast our mind back to the following (short) video, which a few of you may have already seen. It's good for a Beer Jerk to be self aware... Hipsters Love Beer.
Saison's are all the rage these days with the once 'endangered' style making it into the repatoire of most respectable breweries in recent years. Saison originated from ales brewed during the cooler and less active months in farmhouses in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium, and then stored for drinking by the farm workers during the summer months. It is believed that these farmhouse beers would have been of a lower abv than modern saisons; probably initially around 3 to 3.5% on average, rising in the early 20th century to between 4.5% and 6.5% with most commercial examples now between 5% and 8%. This one from Eskdale in the Hawkes Bay is a shade under 5%.
High fruity, citrus and floral aroma and flavour, with characteristic sour, tart undertones and a light malt character. Finishes dry with moderate hop bitterness and light body. Generally enjoyed as a refreshing summer drink.
BREWERY // Zeelandt Brewery
BEER // Saison
STYLE // Saison
ORIGIN // Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
ABV // 4.9%
TEMPERATURE // Cellar temperature (12C -14C)
FOOD MATCH // Roast chicken with garlic & herbs, Bouillabaisse (french fish stew), Grilled red meat, Pad Thai, Shawarma, creamy/bloomy-rind cheeses
GLASS // Nonic Pint, Tulip, oversized wine glass
Beer Style Blog - Read more about different styles over on the BLOG.