Beer #170 - W/C 28 May 2018
BREWERY // Brewing is in Christopher Barber's blood. His Hawke's Bay brewery, Zeelandt, opened in 2012 around 125 years after his great great grandfather opened a brewery near Christchurch. Christopher honed his skills working at St Austell Brewery in Cornwall before returning to New Zealand to brew at Hallertau. The brewery's name reflects the inspiration taken from classic European styles with a distinctly New Zealand twist. Zeelandt more than doubled capacity last year and we look forward to seeing more of their beers around the country. If you find yourself anywhere near Eskdale, be sure to pay a visit to the taproom.
BEER // Archaeological discoveries in Northern Bavaria show that black beer has been continually brewed in the region since at least 800 B.C. Of course, they would have been ales where today's Schwartzbiers are a relatively modern descendant which would not have come about until lagering became commonplace in the region around the fifteenth century. Black Monk is named for the Bavarian monks who were brewing similar beers since at least the 12th century. Bottom fermented, lagered Schwarzbier offers a wonderful balance between clean dry pilsners and the rich flavours of darker beers and it is surprising the style is so underrepresented. Zeelandt's example is light bodied yet has a decidedly creamy mouthfeel. Aromas and flavours are of nutty malts, bittersweet chocolate and lots of coffee. An ideal beer for a cool Autumn evening.
Take a look at the video below to hear what Christopher has to say about the beer.
Zeelandt. Black Monk from Beer Jerk on Vimeo.
BREWERY // Zeelandt
BEER // Black Monk
STYLE // Schwarzbier
ORIGIN // Eskdale, Hawke's Bay
ABV // 5%
TEMPERATURE // Cool - 7-9C
FOOD MATCH // Head Cheese. Käsespätzle. Schnitzel & Potato Salad. Dark Chocolate.
GLASS // Lager or Pilsner Glass