BREWERY // Shining Peak take their name from the rainforest shrouded and often snowcapped volcano, Mt Taranaki, that looms over their brewery. They opened a couple of years ago as New Plymouth's first brewpub in a building that was previously home to a second hand washing machine shop. From the start they were picking up awards thanks to head brewer Jesse Sigurdsson's fastidious approach. A founding principle of the brewpub is the 5% Project which sees Shining Peak donate 5% of beer revenue from their venues to local charities each month. Their commitment to the local community goes beyond just cranking out great beer & food, and supporting charities - they're also proud sponsors of the regional rugby team, the rear of whose shorts you'll see emblazoned with the Shining Peak logo.
BEER // Scrub Cutter takes its name from the tough work European settlers put into clearing farmland. The family behind Egmont Honey reversed that work, allowing native Manuka to grow all over their property so that their bees could enjoy the unique pollen and create their famous honey. Many of those early English immigrants may have enjoyed a traditional Brown Ale of the type that had an influence on this beer. The Shining Peak team took the classic style, ramped up the abv and added a little complexity to suit our modern palates. The Manuka honey fits seamlessly into the recipe and adds a beautiful floral layer of sweetness that is not overbearing. The biscuit-y malt base is on the lighter side of Brown Ales making this a supremely drinkable and more-ish beer.
BREWERY // Shining Peak
BEER // Scrub Cutter
STYLE // Honey Brown Ale
ORIGIN // New Plymouth
ABV // 6.2%
TEMPERATURE // 12-15C
FOOD MATCH // Parmesan Popcorn. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. Rosemary Pepper Drop Biscuits. Washed Rind Cheese.
VESSEL // Tulip