Like wine, beer has a harvest season and its now (March) when the hops are harvested, mostly from the Nelson region.

While the bulk of the hop harvest is dried for use throughout the year, we get an opportunity right now to use freshly picked hops in our brews. They are super fragile – so after picking the fresh hops need to be in the beer within a matter of hours. It’s a logistical nightmare getting them from Moutere to Matakana but one we embark on annually, because the beer is so bloody good. For beer drinkers this means the chance to try something new and entirely seasonal.

It’s a real joy and privilege for our team to support the work of the Blake Trust. The Trust was established in 2004 and is dedicated to continuing Sir Peters Blakes Environmental leadership legacy.

Each year BLAKE aims to inspire thousands of young New Zealanders to care for the environment through activities and adventures that encourage environmental awareness and leadership, and instil a deeper sense of kaitiakitanga within them.