News

April 2013 Brewer’s Reserve Release

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:01:22 +1200

Jonnie Golden Ale

Our Brewer’s Reserve honours one of New Zealand’s true craft beer heroes – Jon Simcock and his Dunedin icon, the InchBar. Long before craft beer was chic Jon’s line up of Emerson’s taps and many other NZ’s best craft beers wowed Dunedin locals and visitors alike. His support has been phenomenal and his energy and passion has often gone unsung – we are putting the appreciation where it belongs – Jon you held true to your belief in craft beer and we thank you for that. You are a true lion amongst the pussy cats.

Jon is known for his Fawlty Towers style of barkeeping and this has entertained and often shocked the unprepared at times – a customer walks in to the ‘Inch’ “I’ll have a pint thanks” … Jon replies “So you’d wander into a restaurant and just ask for FOOD? You’re in the wrong bar my son!” And that my friends was on a good day…!

‘Jonnie’ is a beer that celebrates that Emerson’s balance of malt and hops – the sign of a true session pint – one perfectly had whilst standing in front of the coal fire at the ‘Inch’ on a cool Dunedin evening. A blend of US and NZ hops and English ale yeast complement and round out this pint nicely.

After over 14 years of fantastic support, Jon has handed the Inchbar over to a new passionate craft beer supporter and we know the ‘Inch’ is in good hands. Jon we wish yourself and wife Sam the very best for your futures and we raise a glass to you for all the great times and support you have shown us…

Here's to you Jonnie – Cheers mate!

The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1050

Alcohol : 4.9 % vol

Malts : NZ Ale malt, Caramalts

Hops : Styrian Goldings, US Cascade

Yeast: English Ale

Brewer’s Reserve is available on tap at the brewery shop and selected outlets. Draught only.

Otago Anniversary Day and Easter hours

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:00:08 +1300

The brewery will be closed on Monday 25 March in observance of Otago Anniversary Day.

Easter hours:

The brewery shop will open until 6 pm on Thursday 28 March

Friday 29 March: closed

Sat 30 March: closed

Sunday 31 March: closed

Monday 1 April: closed

Normal hours resume from Tues 2 April

Happy Easter from the team at Emerson's

White Tail – White IPA March 2013 Brewer’s Reserve

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:20:32 +1300

White Tail

The combination of a US style IPA and a Belgian Witbier in one glass creating a “White IPA” is a beer made for Summer.

It looks like a wheat beer, pale hazy, big fluffy white head but here’s where the style guidelines are thrown out the brewery window. The Belgian witbier yeast and coriander in the boil provide those typical witbier aromas of citrus, floral and spice. But dry hopping with NZ Cascade, US Amarillo and US Centennial hops gives a complexity to the beer that you’d not expect from a wheat beer – but then it’s not is it…..

The flavour is something else – light to medium body, with a medium bitterness and soft mouth-feel, fruit and citrus characters round the beer off nicely. Here’s where things start to get funky.

The beer finishes cleanly with a crisp citrus snap provided by a Thai culinary delight - Lemongrass was added to the conditioning tank after dry hopping and allowed to infuse into the beer until we were happy with the balance of all the flavours combined. It was fantastic coming into the brewery every day and sampling White Tail, the changes were amazing across a week. It took a lot of sampling so there’s not as much to go around the taps as there might have been! Oh dear.

Enjoy what kegs of White Tail the Brew Crew has left for you! We reckon it’s a great way to enjoy those long days of summer.

Cheers from us down here in Dunners.

The Emerson’s Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1059

Alcohol : 5.8% a.b.v

Malts : NZ Lager malt, Raw wheat, Oats

Hops : US Centennial, US Amarillo, NZ Cascade

Yeast : Belgian Witbier

Brewer’s Reserve is available at the brewery shop and at selected outlets around NZ in limited quantity. Draught product only.

Great Kiwi Beer Festival, Christchurch

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:59:02 +1300

Join us at Hagley Park, Christchurch this Saturday - 23 February - for the GKBF. It promises to be a fantastic day with approximately 40 breweries showcasing their products. Further info at www.greatkiwibeerfestival.co.nz Cheers.

Brewer’s Reserve: Clean Sweep Pale Ale

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:50:40 +1300

Last year two of our brewers were left in charge of the brewery across the Xmas-New Year break whilst the rest of the BrewCrew were resting over a pint. They brewed the first batch of Clean Sweep and what a stunning wee clean pale ale it was - dry, aromatic and beautifully crisp.

The rest of the BrewCrew have got together to outdo those two renegades and produced this new batch of pale ale that we know you will appreciate. Long live in-house brewer’s competition we say!

Using a technique known as “Hop-Bursting” and a mix of warm and cold dry hopping the new Clean Sweep aroma is a huge treat of US Centennial hops that we have never achieved at this level before. Perceived bitterness is down allowing the hop flavour to shine on through big time.

The demand for the first batch of Clean Sweep on tap exceeded what we could supply so this time it’s all available on tap. 100% tap fresh pale ale – heck it’s gotta be good.

The name Clean Sweep is a nod to our fantastic four times World Champion rowing pair – local lad Hamish Bond, and the big man, Eric Murray. Not satisfied with that, the boys cleaned up in London with that beautiful gold medal and world best time! They performed a truly great Clean Sweep – Well done lads!! We hope this beer honours your efforts in the best possible way.

Cheers from the BrewCrew and here’s to Rio 2016

Original gravity: 1053

Alcohol : 5.2 % vol

Malts : NZ Ale malt, English and German Caramalts

Hops : US Centennial, US Amarillo

Yeast: American Ale

Brewer’s Reserve is only available on tap at the brewery shop and selected outlets.

Emerson's on Google+

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 00:27:00 +1300

Emerson's Brewery has just launched its Google+ page

Emersons's Brewery on Google+

Holiday season Brewer's Reserve

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:18:00 +1300

Laughing Monk

Belgian-American Pale Ale
Christmas 2012 release

Let the Brewcrew loose and this is what happens…. We’ve taken the best of our Belgian pale ale recipes and opened the US hop bags – after the hop dust settled in the brewhouse we stood back and Laughing Monk was the outcome!

The combination of a US style IPA and a Belgian yeast in one glass has become a popular theme in the US and we can see why. The typical clove, fruity/estery Belgian aromas are joined by spicy, grassy hop notes from the dry hopping. Assertive bitterness expected from an IPA certainly drives the clean finish but there’s something else going on that is hard to nail down and that’s the allure of this beer.

Experimentation has always been the whole drive behind our Brewer’s Reserve range. We just had to release this for Christmas - it pushes the envelope on beer styles as we have come to know them and is something special for the festive season. At 7.0% abv it’s not a beer to be ‘xmas trifled’ with, so after the Xmas presents have been opened and the kids and “Rellies” have opted for bed, strap yourself in and enjoy our yuletide offering.

Have a happy and enjoyable Christmas and New Year from the crew here at Emerson’s.

The Emerson’s Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1064
Alcohol : 7.0% a.b.v
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Caramalts
Hops : US Centennial, US Zythos, US Amarillo, US Cascade
Yeast : Belgian ale

Available as draught product only, from the brewery shop and selected outlets.

Brewery shop hours for the festive season

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:17:00 +1300

Mon 17 Dec – Wed 19 Dec: 9am – 5pm

Thur 20 Dec – Fri 21 Dec: 9am – 6 pm

Sat 22 Dec – Wed 27 Dec: Closed

Thurs 27 Dec – Fri 28 Dec: 10 am – 3 pm

Sat 29 Dec – Wed 2 Jan: Closed

Thur 3 Jan – Fri 4 Jan: 9 am – 6pm

Sat 5 Jan – Sun 6 Jan: Closed

Mon 7 Jan: Normal hours recommence:
Mon-Wed 9am – 5pm, Thur-Fri 9 am – 6 pm

Seasons greetings from the team at Emerson's

Ginger beer available for summer

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:17:00 +1300

Our non-alcoholic, delicious, thirst quenching, ginger beer is back for summer; great for the nominated driver or under-age drinkers. (Available from the brewery shop only).
Cheers!

New Brewer's Reserve

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:16:00 +1300

Rolling Moon Wheat

Dunedin Sound Series

Rolling Moon was the legendary first single The Chills cut for Flying Nun in 1982 described as “raw psych post punk and… fresh!” We don’t claim this to be the first Weissbier on tap but it is fresh, from Dunedin and definitely post punk. Chilled too…

This year’s summer release of our bottled Weissbier brought a flurry of enquiries for the return of a tap or draft Wheat beer. Who are we to refuse?!

The great problem (what problem?) with Weissbier is that it’s just so damn drinkable, low in bitterness, high in carbonation, full bodied and that classic Weissbier character. Rolling Moon is a touch lower in alcohol at 4.8% than our bottled Weiss, for a little less rolling on a hot Summer’s day.

Brewer’s Reserves should be something special, and we aim to always ensure that this is so. The great thing with our Brewer’s Reserves is that we can enhance our knowledge and ‘amp’ up beer flavours to provide something special. One of the keys to a great tasting German style weissbier is how the brewer manages the ferment. Rolling Moon had a number of different techniques applied and the result is, we believe, very special. Unlike many Weissbiers Rolling Moon is not a banana ‘bomb’. The balance between the flavours is fantastic, no one flavour dominates in this complex yet refreshing tap Weiss.

On tap, unfiltered or ‘mit hefe’, and served in a tall 500 ml Weissbier glass.
Quite possibly another Dunedin legend…

Prosit!

The Emerson’s Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1050
Alcohol : 4.8% a.b.v
Malts : NZ Pilsner malt, German Wheat and Cara malts
Hops : NZ Wakatu

Brewer's Reserve is available on tap from the brewery shop and selected outlets.

New chapter begins for Emerson's

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:15:00 +1300

Emerson’s is pleased to advise that we have today reached an agreement with Lion who will acquire 100% of the shares in our Dunedin based craft beer business.

Effective 30 November 2012, Emerson’s will begin an exciting new chapter in its 20 year brewing history as our team of 12 and our great range of craft beers are welcomed into the Lion NZ family.

Emerson’s will remain as a standalone business unit within Lion and will continue to produce the same great beers from the same Dunedin brewery with the same great people.

Brewery Founder, Richard Emerson says “It is business as usual for Emerson’s – the taste, integrity to style, quality and consistency of our beers will remain the same. Lion’s ownership allows us to continue doing what we do well –experimenting and brewing great beer. We will now have the backing to help us to realise our growth aspirations”.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for Emerson’s and the team and we remain committed to Dunedin and maintaining the brand’s distinctive character and authenticity”, says Emerson.

Rory Glass, Lion NZ Managing Director says “Emerson’s is a fantastic brand with a rich story and iconic beers. It complements Lion’s existing beer portfolio well and allows us to offer our customers an enhanced proposition with a leading portfolio of brands across the specialty, boutique and popular craft market.”

Richard Emerson, General Manager Bob King and Brewing Manager Chris O’Leary will retain the day to day running of the Emerson’s operations and all other roles within the Emerson’s business will remain unchanged.

Emerson’s is one of the most successful craft breweries in New Zealand and has won numerous brewing and business awards over the years including BREWNZ Champion Brewery 2009 and the Supreme Award Winner at the 2010 Westpac Otago Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

We're looking for a new team member

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 09:14:00 +1200

Brewing Intern

Dunedin’s multi award winning brewery is seeking a motivated individual to join our team. As part of the ‘brewing team’ you will be involved in the brewing and quality assurance of our great beers. While we have many desired attributes in our perfect applicant, some are listed below:

• Physically fit with manual labour experience
• Background in higher level secondary school science, or base tertiary science preferred
• Commercial brewing experience would be an advantage
• Computer skills
• Willingness to work towards industry qualifications
• Full driver’s licence

This is an ideal position for someone seeking to get their foot in the door of New Zealand’s flourishing craft beer sector.

A copy of the job description is available from the brewery, or by contacting us at

Brewing Intern Position
Emerson’s Brewery
PO Box 6514
Dunedin 9059

03 477 1812, brewer@emersons.co.nz

Applicants close Friday, 21 September

New Brewer’s Reserve: Brownville Brown - Brown Ale

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:12:00 +1200

In the U.S you can find more than three hundred Brown Ales brewed in brewpubs and microbreweries around the country. These ales are not amber coloured lagers but have complex malt characters and aromas with high hop bitterness, flavour and aroma. Each of these ales are brewed with a ‘brewer’s signature’, unique often to that brewery.

Brownville Brown is a hoppy brown ale with an Emerson’s signature – Cascade and Amarillo hop aroma up front in an almost ruby brown ale deliver a complex beer. A combination of light and dark crystal, brown and chocolate malts provide an edgy, roasted, chocolatey almost dry malt base which combines nicely with the Cascade and Amarillo hop flavour.

Brownville finished at a high gravity which has created a beer with a nice ‘full’ finish improving its balance with it’s high hop load.

With the plethora of huge hoppy high alcohol pale ales out there on taps at the moment it’s a brewer’s challenge to create a brown ale that has ‘sessionability’ and edge. We think Brownville achieves that and we are sure you will too. Enjoy our Dunedin Brown Ale and the longer days that Spring will bring!

Prosit!

The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1060
Alcohol : 4.5 % vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Crystals, Chocolate and Brown
Hops : Fuggles, Cascade, Amarillo, Zythos
Yeast: American Ale

Brewer’s Reserve is a limited batch release and available from the brewery shop and selected outlets around NZ as a draught only product.

Success at Beer Awards

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:31:07 +1200

The annual beer awards in Wellington last night was another successful evening for Emerson’s.

The company picked up one trophy and eleven medals.

The Sutton Group Brewer’s Guild Awards is the premier event for brewers in New Zealand with entries from local and international brewers.

Richard Emerson and the team are thrilled with the outcome of judging by a panel of New Zealand and international judges. More than 450 beers were entered by NZ and international breweries.

The celebration of New Zealand beer continues for the next two days with the public able to sample beer from 96 breweries at Beervana at the Westapc Stadium in Wellington.

Emerson’s awards:
Regional Best Bitter: Trophy and Gold - British Ale Styles
JP 2012: Silver - European Ale Styles
BR Grace Jones: Silver - Stouts and Porters
BR Brownville Brown: Silver - US Ale Styles
Pilsner: Bronze - International Lager Styles
BR North by North: Bronze - European Lager Styles
Baltic Porter: Bronze - Stouts and Porters
Extra Stout: Bronze - Stouts and Porters
Dunkel: Bronze - Wheat and Other Grain Styles
Weizenbock: Bronze - Wheat and Other Grain Styles
Bloody Berry: Bronze - Festive Brew

Brewer’s Reserve

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:09:00 +1200

Ladies and Gentlemen here’s…  

Grace Jones Porter

  This year’s Grace has a little more subtlety than last years. We’ve allowed the malts to shine through with a snap of U.S hop right at the finish of the boil.   

Whilst not typical of the Porter style, but certainly in her ladyship’s, we used a ‘dash’ of roasted barley to give a wee ‘bite’ that really pulls up to the bumper. Otago oats were used to deliver a rich, almost oily texture and a thick creamy, white head. New Zealand ale malt makes up the base malt yielding a nice warming 6% porter for any winter’s day.  

Smooth, dark roasted malts, a snappy hoppy finish and plenty of Grace this year to go around, aww… shucks let’s just get on with it !  

We’re hoping this year Grace will sell a little more slowly due to her being only enjoyed by a select few connoisseurs of big dark porters. That way we can stave off the protests for her return a month or two longer. So ladies and gentlemen here’s Grace !  

No style guideline no compromise.  

Cheers 
The Brew Crew  

Alcohol : 6% vol 
Malts : NZ ale malt, Oats, Chocolate, Crystal, Black, Roasted Barley 
Yeast : American Ale
 Hops : NZ and US Blend

We are on the look out for the right someone to join our team, interested?

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:26:00 +1200

Cellar Hand Intern

Dunedin’s award-winning brewery is seeking a motivated individual to join our team. As part of the ‘cellar team’ you will be involved in the packaging and technical quality assurance of our great beers. You will also be assisting in the warehouse, together with ensuring that our beers are dispatched and delivered on time to our many great customers, both here in Dunedin, as well as the rest of New Zealand. While we have many desired attributes in our perfect applicant, some are listed below:

• Physically fit with manual labour experience
• Background in higher level secondary school science, or base tertiary science preferred
• Computer skills
• Willingness to work towards industry qualifications
• Full driver's licence essential with an 'F' class endorsement.

This is an ideal position for someone seeking to get their foot in the door of New Zealand’s flourishing craft beer sector.

A copy of the job description is available from the brewery, or by contacting us at:

Cellar Intern Position Emerson’s Brewery, PO Box 6514, Dunedin 9059
Ph 03 477 1812
E: brewer@emersons.co.nz

Applications close Friday, 6 July

Fill Your Own available in Hamilton from this weekend

Thu, 31 May 2012 13:33:00 +1200

From 2 pm this Saturday (2 June), craft beer lovers will be able to fill their flagons at The Hamilton Wine Company.

Their new flagon filling station will have four NZ craft beers, including our very own Brewer’s Reserve: Oreti Red. To celebrate their first day there will be a traditional kiwi sausage sizzle, specials and a competition.

The Hamilton Wine Company
856C Victoria Street, (next to Pink Curtain Studio)
Phone 07 839 1190
www.hamiltonwine.co.nz

Brewer’s Reserve - Oreti Red - Encore Release

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:25:00 +1200

For the third year, ‘by popular demand’ we welcome back our Red IPA. Bird Dog Pale Ale farewelled the last warm days of Summer, Oreti Red with it’s ‘fatter’ malt base and rich malt character will do nicely for Autumn.

A high alpha NZ hop and US Centennial flip flop their way through the boil and we also use both hops in large quantities in a series of what’s known as warm and cold dry hopping. Once again we have upped the malts to give a ‘fatter’ malt base to balance the high alpha hop resins, and kept the alcohol to a warming 6%.

No style guideline, no compromise.

People often ask us what’s next? Now that would be telling but we are currently trialling a few tweaks for the return of our Grace Jones, there are rumours of a Baltic style Porter, an Imperial Stout and the return of Brownville Brown for Spring – is that enough of a teaser…?

Winter has well and truly hit Dunedin this week so put that fire on, raise your glasses to great ale and try this great cheese match we enjoy at the brewery - Oreti Red matched with Barry’s Bay Cheshire cheese. The sharp tangy taste of the cheese alongside this hoppy ale make for a sublime combination.

Yours in Ale and Lager.

Cheers.
The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1063
Alcohol : 6% vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Munich, CaraRed and CaraMunich
Hops : High Alpha NZ and US Centennial
Yeast: American Ale

Brewer’s Reserve is only available on tap at selected bars and the brewery shop.

New Brewer’s Reserve

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:24:00 +1200

‘ROD’ Flanders style Ale

A couple of months ago our youngest brewer on the brew crew asked to brew a ‘session’ Belgian ale. Now… what could possibly go wrong? Well, he proved that he’s learnt a few tricks and has put us old boys on notice – Brendan brewed a scorcher of an ale. It was so good we had to include it in our Brewer’s Reserve range to showcase his effort.

“Belgian ales are the most sociable of brews for an evening with friends, one is never enough. No extremes of sourness, sweetness or bitterness, not bland though. A beer with enough flavour to demand another glass. A regular local beer for everyday drinking – a Belgian classic”. *

And that says it all – ‘Rod’ has a beautiful classic Belgian aroma, estery, and spicy, suggesting high alcohol like its bigger cousins. Yet at only 5.2% alc this beer still satisfies with it’s full rounded malt flavour and clean finish demanding another pint. In fact we think it will be easy to lose an afternoon with ‘Rod’ – and why the heck not.

And for the Simpsons fans out there we just might let Brendan loose one day on another Belgian ale, anyone for a brother ale maybe? Bring on ‘Todd’ !

Food Match – Nachos, Flanders style (cucumbers with cottage cheese)

The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1050
Alcohol : 5.2 % vol
Malts : Ale, Belgian Caramalt, Belgian Special B, Munich
Hops : NZ Styrian Goldings, Czech Saaz
Yeast: House Belgian

* Michael Jackson, Great Beers of Belgium

Available at the brewery shop and selected outlets. Draught product only, not available in bottles.

The Dunedin Fringe Festival opens today!

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:22:00 +1300

Emerson’s is pleased to be involved with the Dunedin Fringe Festival again. The Festival Club at Ironic Café & Bar is the place to be!

Festival Club
In association with Emerson’s Brewery, Two Paddocks and Radio One

15-17 & 22-24 March
Ironic Café & Bar, from 10:00pm
$10 or $5 with any same-night ticket from another Festival show

Mix it up with Festival artists and audiences at the 2012 Festival Club. This year’s Festival Club features an outstanding programme of entertainment by local and touring musicians, with our MC – the ever-fabulous Stanley Manthyng – ensuring you feel as special as he looks. Come kick up your heels and join us for six nights of magical mayhem!

Thursday 15
Delaney Davidson / Two Cartoons
Wandering minstrel and gentleman adventurer Delaney Davidson (Chch) is back in town after touring Europe and Australia. Be entranced by his dark bluesy repertoire and surprised by the punchy delivery. Delaney is supported by rising stars Two Cartoons (Dun) with their sweet sun-drenched melodic pop.

Friday 16
The Puddle/Nick Knox
The Puddle (Dun) remain a stubbornly underground band after 25 years, despite founder George Henderson’s output of inspired ‘pop music’. They continue to dazzle with their mix of melodic, literate psychedelic pop. Support act Nick Knox (Dun) weaves piano compositions of reverence and rage.

Saturday 17
$noregazZzm/For the Quail
$noregazZzm (Akld) are an electro pop outfit who play music that is loud, pumping, sparkly,and colourful, reminiscent of kittens, Zelda, good times, and existentialist crises. New band For the Quail (Dun) opens with gut-driven post-rock, beautiful noise that lurches between fury and joy.

Thursday 22
Adam Page/Drew Englehutt
Adelaide multi-instrumentalist Adam Page makes spontaneous symphonies on stage, feeding all his instruments and vocals through loop pedals to build lush, layered soundscapes. Canadian-born singer/songwriter and Threads member Drew Englehutt (Dun) will debut songs from his fuzz-rock solo album Songs for my Imaginary Friends.
Friday 23
Opposite Sex/Penny Ashton
The originality of Opposite Sex’s (Dun) mix of eerie carnival waltzes, oddball art-pop and post-punk noise has been simultaneously delighting, confusing and polarising

February 2012 Brewer’s Reserve Release

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:21:00 +1300

Bird Dog Pale Ale

The Dunedin Sound Series continues … last year’s tribute to The Verlaine’s album, Bird Dog, was so well received we have upped-the-anti and re-mastered it for release again!

A trip to Oregon by one of our brewers inspired this year’s Bird Dog. So much so - our brewer recalls a conversation with a music store owner in Bend, Oregon, who it turned out was a huge fan of The Verlaines and The Clean – Dunedin Sound Series Karma!

The Brew Crew have used a combination of NZ hops, US hops and a couple of real nice hopping techniques to take Bird Dog to the next level;

After a long boil, Bird Dog ‘wort’ is allowed to soak through whole hop cones that have been heaped into the new Emerson’s hopback. The use of a hopback produces a very smooth, resiny, hoppy beer without the ‘rawness’ or ‘grassiness’ of dry hopping.

To add a little punch we also dry-hopped with a secret Colonel Saunders combination of US and NZ hops that we have developed, to lift the flavour of Bird Dog up to something really worthy of a Brewer’s Reserve.

Bird Dog’s hop flavour and aroma is high with a medium lingering ‘resiny’ bitterness luring you into that next pint. If you aren’t a ‘Hophead’ already this is the Emerson’s beer that might convert you!

We have really enjoyed creating and re-mastering Bird Dog this year. It’s a long hard road to find the perfect beer...

"Brewers enjoy working to make beer as much as drinking beer instead of working." Harold Rudolph

The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1062
Alcohol : 5.8 % vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Caramalts
Hops : NZ Cascade, NZ Pacific Gem, NZ Hallertau, US Simcoe, US Citra
Yeast: Dunedin Ale!

Brewer’s Reserves are available from the brewery shop and at selected bars on tap.

“Fill your own” now available in Auckland

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:20:00 +1300

Great news for our fans in Auckland; you now have a fill your own service available!

HERNE BAY CELLARS
In the arcade at 182 Jervois Road

For more information phone Mike and the team on 376 3497
or email mike@hernebaycellars.co.nz
http://www.hernebaycellars.co.nz

They have 1.5 litre and 2 Litre plastic bottles, the distinctive Emerson’s 2.5 litre glass flagons, or you can bring your own flagon and save even more.

Cheers,
The team at Emerson’s

New Brewer's Reserve launch

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:19:00 +1300

For the second summer, Emerson’s celebrates the Dunedin Sound in their Brewer’s Reserve programme. The launch of the latest brew, “North by North” will take place at the Inch Bar, Bank St, North East Valley on Wednesday 25 January.

Please join Richard Emerson and Chris O’Leary from Emerson’s at the Inch Bar.
Bob Scott (The Bats) and Jon Simcock (Inch Bar) will pour the first pint at 4 p.m.

North by North is in tribute to the well known track of the same name launched by The Bats in 1987 on their first album and now one of the band’s classic songs.

Brew info:
Primarily a Christchurch band, The Bats, have strong links to Dunedin and are usually grouped in with the Dunedin Sound bands. Bob Scott, vocals and guitar, lives in Port Chalmers, and often enjoys Emerson’s at the Inchbar. We are huge fans of these guys and we are happy to claim them in our Dunedin Sound Series for an excuse to brew a great classic Czech style Pilsner. The release of the band’s new album ‘Free all the Monsters’ encouraged us to brew a ‘monster’ Czech style pilsner we call North by North after their hit of the same name.

North by North is a wee monster in many ways but what we are most proud of is the long, long, maturation or lagering, we gave ‘North by North’. Long lagering creates a pilsner with a rich, mellow malt flavour, backed up by generous amounts of Czech Saaz hop to provide a crisp firm finish. In the mainstream brewing world long lagering times are a no-no, it ties up too much tank space for too long – brewery accountants hate it! Brewers love it – North by North is a testament to doing something well and doing it right;

100% Czech malt, 100% Czech hops, Czech Yeast – No compromise

We know you will appreciate this Pilsner, try it side by side a typical Euro style ‘lager’ and taste the difference, you’ll see why we are proud of this beer.

Emerson’s Brewer’s Reserves are small batches available only from selected bars and the brewery shop for a limited time.

The Bats:
Formed in 1982, The Bats are a corner stone of the Dunedin Sound and retain the original line up of Bob Scott, Kaye Woodward, Paul Kean and Malcolm Grant.
Their eighth studio album “Free all the Monsters” was released last year to critical acclaim:

"It's The Bat's strongest effort in years...this is a classic album from the band. 10/10" - Volume Magazine/NZ Herald

"Free All The Monsters is everything you already love about The Bats, but its so much more...My pick for Album of The Year to date" - Christchurch Press

"Their Best Work...Free All The Monsters is their most radio friendly track to date and a contender for Single of the Year" - **** (4 Stars) Sunday Star Times

'Free All The Monsters' contains more great songs than any album I've heard in a long time.
Russel Brown's Public Address

For more info:

The Bats www.thebats.co.nz

Ginger beer is back!

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:19:00 +1300

The fine weather continues and the new batch of ginger beer is available at the brewery shop. Mmmmm.
(Sorry shop sales only; not available in bottles or for mailorders).

Ginger beer temporarily unavailable - but back soon!

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:18:00 +1300

Happy New Year!
With the fabulous weather we have been enjoying, our Ginger beer stocks didn't last as long as we hoped! The next batch will be ready Friday 20 January.
(Available for brewery shop sales only, sorry no mailorders).

Cheers

Thank you and the winner is...

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:19:00 +1300

THANK YOU to everyone who filled out our customer survey. We had a FANTASTIC response, and all of your valuable feedback will help us continue on our quest to produce the highest quality New Zealand brewed beer.

And the lucky winner is...
Andy Brown of Auckland
who has won the 2.5L flagon filled with an Emerson's beer of his choice!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Brewery shop hours over Xmas /New Year

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:18:00 +1300

Our retail outlet will be open except weekends and stat holidays...

Monday 19 Dec – Wednesday 21 Dec: 9 a.m – 5 p.m

Thursday 22 Dec - Friday 23 Dec: 9 a.m – 6 p.m

Saturday 24 – Tuesday 27 December: Closed

Wednesday 28 – Friday 30 December: 10 a.m - 3 p.m

Saturday 31 Dec – Tuesday 3 January: Closed

Wednesday 4 January: Reopen for business

The team at Emerson's wish you a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

Let us know what you think! Emerson's Customer Survey

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:17:00 +1300

Thank you to everyone who filled out our customer survey, we had a fantastic response!
The winner will be announced soon, so stay tuned...

The Emerson's Team.

Ginger beer at the brewery shop

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:16:00 +1300

Available only from the brewery shop in Dunedin for the summer season; our sparkling, non-alcoholic ginger beer.

Sold in 1.25 litre PETs or our staff will refill your clean, approved bottles.

A refreshing and invigorating taste of summer...

Cheers from the Brew Crew.

(Sorry, no mail orders - this is a shop only product).

New Brewer's Reserve: Tally Ho! Summer Golden Ale DUNEDIN SOUND SERIES

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:15:00 +1300

October 2011 Brewer’s Reserve Release

The Dunedin Sound Series honours some of New Zealand’s greatest music. Tally Ho was such a success last year we have remastered it and ‘reissued’ it as an early Summer release. The Clean’s 1981 debut single "Tally Ho!" reached number 19 on the New Zealand Singles Charts.

Tally Ho tips its’ hat to the beer style, English Summer Ale – straw to golden coloured, refreshing, almost citrus and light bodied, yet the malt is present enough on the palate and balances the subtle herbaceous and citrus English hop. The kind of thirst quenching ale you might imagine supping around an English common either poured beautifully on the hand pump or refreshingly effervescent from a pub tap. Did someone mention the crack of the willow?

Unlike another big brewer, we haven’t used Rata honey or spices to achieve our Summer flavours. Like our English brewing cousins we have chosen traditional English hops, in this case Challenger and East Kent Goldings and matched them with our own locally grown, ‘custom’ malted pale ale malt, to create a beautifully balanced version of the English Summertime classic.

Balance is the key with this style, dry hopped at a low level, with English varieties, Tally Ho has a teasing ‘fresh’ aroma and hop flavour. A local aficionado of fine craft beer, David Kilgour, of The Clean, helped us on the day with dry hopping this ale, so we reckon this ale is specially blessed. Our only problem will be that we have to share Tally Ho with the punters, leaving less for us to enjoy after a hard Summer day’s brewing !

Here’s to Summer and great beer wherever you are!

The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1050
Alcohol : 4.9 % vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Caramalts
Hops : UK Challenger, East Kent Goldings
Yeast: Ale

Available from the brewery shop and selected taps.

Photo: David Kilgour assists with the dryhopping of "Tally Ho!"
Photo: Clive Copeman

Mmmmm Weizenbock

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:13:00 +1300

The 2011 vintage of Weizenbock is available now.

A Bavarian cloudy Weiss or Wheat beer brewed to bock strength. The overall impression is a beer that is strong and malty, rich, full bodied and warming. Flavours of chocolate, Christmas cake, raisins, dark fruits and even a hint of Easter spices and clove characters.
Serve at 8°C. 8% abv

Inaugural Port Chalmers Seafood Festival

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:10:00 +1300

Saturday 1st October
Sample the best seafood the South Island, and especially Otago, has to offer. With local brews (including Emerson’s) and regional wines to complement their seafood experience, festival goers will be able to enjoy fishing and filleting competitions, boat rides, cooking demonstrations and more.
Quality entertainment will be throughout the venue spaces with the headline attractions being David Kilgour & the Heavy Eights, King Leo and Radler, poetry from Sam Hunt and family competitions and games. The main venue is “A” shed on the wharf supplemented by marquees, so the festival will proceed whatever the weather. Ticket holders can travel to Port Chalmers by the free buses or by Taieri Gorge train.

More information can be found at www.portchalmers.com

New Brewer's Reserve

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:09:00 +1200

Brownville Brown
Brown Ale

September 2011 Brewer’s Reserve Release

In the U.S. you can find more than three hundred Brown Ales brewed in brewpubs and microbreweries around the country. These ales are not amber coloured lagers but have complex malt characters and aromas with high hop bitterness, flavour and aroma. Each of these ales are brewed with a ‘brewer’s signature’, unique often to that brewery.

Brownville Brown is a hoppy brown ale with an Emerson’s signature – Cascade and Amarillo hop aroma up front in an almost ruby brown ale deliver a complex beer. A combination of light and dark crystal, brown and chocolate malts provide an edgy, roasted, chocolatey almost dry malt base which combines nicely with the Cascade and Amarillo hop flavour.

Whilst Brownville finished at a high gravity which would normally make for a big ‘fat’ finish, the hop bitterness asserts itself here in this ale to provide a clean crisp finish.

With the plethora of huge hoppy high alcohol pale ales out there on taps at the moment it’s a brewer’s challenge to create a brown ale that has ‘sessionability’ and edge. We think Brownville achieves that and we are sure you will too. Enjoy our Dunedin Brown Ale and the longer days that Spring brings!

Prosit !

The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1062
Alcohol : 5.8 % vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Crystals, Chocolate and Brown
Hops : Fuggles, Cascade, Amarillo
Yeast: American 1056 Ale

Brewer’s Reserve is only available at selected tap locations and the brewery shop.

BrewNZ success

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:07:00 +1200

We were pleased to again have a successful year at the annual beer awards:

British Ale Styles
Gold: Emerson's Brewery Emerson's Bookbinder
Silver: Emerson's Brewery Emerson's RSB

New Zealand & International Ale Styles
Trophy: Emerson's Brewery Emerson's Oreti Red
Gold: Emerson's Brewery Emerson's Oreti Red

Stout & Porter Styles
Bronze: Emerson's Brewery Emerson's London Porter

Wheat & Other Grain Styles
Silver: Emerson's Brewery Emerson's Dunkel

Specialty, Experimental, Aged, Barrel & Wood-Aged, Reduced Alcohol, Reduced Carbohydrate & Glutenfree Styles
Silver: Emerson's Brewery Emerson's Tabby Mild

Festive Brew
Trophy: Emerson's Brewery Emerson's Black Op
Gold: Emerson's Brewery Emerson's Black Op

New Brewer's Reserve

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:07:00 +1200

July 2011 Release

DUBBEL

The ideal Belgian ale for the cold winter nights!

This dark ruby ale is inspired by the classic Belgian Dubbels, these are a relatively strong, yet light bodied ale fermented with a distinctive Belgian yeast.

The use of sugar is often frowned upon in craft brewing circles. Judicious use of sugar is necessary in this Belgian beer style to capture the light body, high alcohol and still retain the malt flavours.

The Emerson’s Dubbel has a delicate malty profile with a subtle bitterness, just enough to balance the sweetness of the beer. A perilously easy beer to drink, we would suggest to enjoy it in moderation!

Cheers
The Emerson’s Brewing Team

Original gravity: 1075
Alcohol : 7.5% vol
Malts : NZ Pale Ale malt, Belgian Pale Malt, Special B malt, Aromatic malt,
Hops : NZ Pacific Jade and NZ Styrian Goldings.

Brewer’s Reserve is available from the brewery shop and selected bars on tap only.

The Emerson’s Long Weekend; 14-19 July in Wellington

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:06:00 +1200

Once again we take over Regional Wines & Spirits in Wellington. The Emerson’s events will stretch right over the weekend. A fantastic line up of events including three masterclass tastings hosted by Richard Emerson and Geoff Griggs, the in-store launch of the Regional / Emerson’s collaboration brew R.S.B., a beer matched long lunch at The Ambeli restaurant hosted by Richard Emerson, and finally a meet the Brewer event at Malthouse.

Visit the website for more info (beer blog page) and to make bookings for various events ;
www.regionalwines.co.nz

Brewer's Reserve - Oreti Red

Mon, 30 May 2011 11:05:00 +1200

May 2011 Encore Release

After the great response to Bird Dog and Alpha Male how does one brew a respectable encore ? By rebrewing one of last years most popular Reserves – Oreti Red – our Red IPA, that’s how.

Last autumn Oreti Red was the second in a series of beers we themed Red IPA’s and it’s very close to our Red IPA bullseye. NZ pale ale malt, along with Munich, CaraRed and CaraMunich form the malt base.

A high alpha NZ hop and US Centennial flip flop their way through the boil with both hops used in large quantity in a series of warm and cold dry hopping. We upped the malts to give a ‘fatter’ malt base to better harmonise with the high alpha hop resins, and lifted the alcohol content to 6%.

There’s plenty of Oreti to go around…for a while anyway. This will give us a chance to tweak our take on the next Brewer’s Reserve, Brown Ale. And fans of Grace Jones, last year’s porter, will be pleased that Grace has promised to make her encore performance at a bar near you in the cold depths of Winter to take some of that chill away. Not being slaves to any rhythm we will probably respect Grace’s request for a recipe tweak – look forward to that!

No style guideline, no compromise.

With that wee teaser, raise your glasses to great ale and here’s a great cheese match we discovered the other day here at the brewery - Oreti Red matched with Barry’s Bay Cheshire cheese – the sharp tangy taste of the cheese alongside this hoppy ale made for a sublime combination.

Cheers
The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1063
Alcohol : 6% vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Munich, CaraRed and CaraMunich
Hops : High Alpha NZ and US Centennial
Yeast: American Ale

Brewer’s Reserve is available at the brewery shop and selected bars – draught only.

May 2011 Brewer’s Reserve Release

Fri, 13 May 2011 11:04:00 +1200

Bird Dog Alpha Male Pale Ale

May 2011 Brewer’s Reserve Release

The final flight of the Flying Nun series for 2011 … the last beer in the series, Bird Dog Pale Ale honoured the band, The Verlaines, and Roger Shepherd’s Flying Nun label with our March release – “Bird Dog”. This final beer in the series is Bird Dog’s bigger brother – the Alpha Male.

As with Bird Dog, Alpha Male uses only one hop variety, NZ Cascade, from the boil right through to its dry hopping.

This time however we have increased the caramel malts to lift the malt background and support the hops as we move more in to the cooler months. Hop flavour is still high with that firm bitterness and crisp finish of the original Bird Dog but there is a warmer, fuller finish that really supports the hops nicely.

The Flying Nun beers have raised the bar here for us at the brewery, from the use of new ingredients through to new techniques. So much so that we have decided to make the Flying Nun series our Summer theme. Bird Dog and Tally Ho will return….. and there’s a nice rumour that Paul Kean, The Bat’s bassist is keen to have a brew put down – so Paul how about Claudine’s Copper Ale, or North by North Witbier ? Or could he be beat out by Straitjacket Summer Ale, or even D4 Dortmunder…… bring on the Flying Nuns!

Next month Oreti Red, our India Red Ale makes its popular return. Big hops, big malts and that warming 6% for those Autumnal evenings.

Meantime make the most of Alpha Male while he lasts.

The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1055
Alcohol : 5.5 % vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Caramalts
Hops : NZ Cascade
Yeast: Dunedin Ale!

Brewer's Reserve is available at the brewery shop and selected bars.

Link to Otago Daily Times item - release of new Brewer's Reserve

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:04:00 +1200

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/155318/dunedin-sound-album-toasted-unique-style

Copyright: ODT/Allied Press

April 2011 Brewer’s Reserve Release

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:03:00 +1200

Bird Dog Pale Ale

The Flying Nun series continues… for the final beer in the series we honour the band, The Verlaines, and Roger Shepherd’s Flying Nun labael with our March release – “Bird Dog”.

One music critic rated the Bird Dog album as “a sophisticated and glorious album…” of Graham “Downes distinct genius…” Heady stuff indeed! We’d like to think we have achieved something similar in a brewing sense with our Bird Dog Pale Ale. Well we might leave the genius bit out – you never stop learning as a brewer.

Bird Dog uses only one hop variety, NZ Cascade, from the boil right through to its massive dry hopping. Single hopped beers really give an appreciation for the characters of that particular hop and The Brew Crew here at Emerson’s reckon Bird Dog showcases NZ Cascade beautifully. A copper coloured pale ale with huge amounts of NZ Cascade that has created a floral, spicy aromatic pale ale that smells as delicious as it tastes. The hop flavour is high with a firm bitterness that leaves a crisp finish. If you aren’t a ‘Hophead’ already this is the Emerson beer that might covert you!

To finish off the Flying Nun series we will brew a small batch of a slighty maltier version of Bird Dog before heading into our Autumnal Red and Brown themed ales….. look out for warming malts and complex hops.

Given recent world and local events we will raise a pint of Bird Dog with you and offer a wee toast to St Arnou, patron saint of beer, that the remainder of 2011 is a healthy and happy one for us all.

The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1055
Alcohol : 5.5 % vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Caramalts
Hops : NZ Cascade
Yeast: Dunedin Ale!

Available at the brewery shop and selected outlets.

WEISSBIER STILL AVAILABLE!

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:02:00 +1300

We still have some stock available of the summer wheat beer, so sieze the opportunity and order now while the sun shines!
Cheers from the team at Emerson's

Dunedin Fringe Festival

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:01:00 +1300

17-27 March 2011

Once again Emerson's is sponsoring the Festival Club, which was a highlight of the 2010 Fringe and features a stunning programme.

The festival starts this week and features over fifty events from New Zealand and international artists.

Find your Fringe!

Event details and booking info on:

http://www.dunedinfringe.org.nz/home

Closed on Monday 21 March

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:01:00 +1300

The brewery will not be open on Monday 21 March - we will be closed for Otago Anniversary Day.

Taieri George available now

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +1300

Autumn means the return of Taieri George. Released each year on 6 March Taieri George, is now available at outlets.

Tasting notes:
This exquisite spiced ale, released annually and brewed with the addition of three spices and organic clover honey from Central Otago is bottle-conditioned prior to release on March 6th every year. Cinnamon and nutmeg notes are evident in the aroma and on the palette with the combination of spices evoking flavours reminiscent of hot-cross buns.
Serve 8-10 C. Style: Spice Ale. ABV 6.8 %

Photo: Ingrid and Richard Emerson celebrate the release of this years vintage on a trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway.

Red Cross fundraiser

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:57:00 +1300

The Brewer’s Guild and SOBA (Society of Beer Advocates) organised fundraising events around New Zealand on Friday 4 March to raise money for the Red Cross Christchurch earthquake fund.

The Dunedin event was held at Tonic Bar in Princes St and a small but enthusiastic crowd contributed by purchasing raffles and the take from the Pilsner tap was also donated to the Red Cross.

Our thanks to all patrons for their participation, congratulations to the raffle winners and many thanks to Vicki and staff at Tonic for hosting the event.

Link to article in Otago Daily Times:
www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/150430/toast-christchurch

Fundraising for Christchurch earthquake fund

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:56:00 +1300

The Brewer’s Guild of NZ, SOBA (Society of Beer Advocates) and brewers from around New Zealand have organised a series of get togethers around the country to raise funds for the earthquake appeal.

This Friday, March 4th, from 5 pm

DUNEDIN
Venue: tonic bar, Princes St

Each of the gatherings will share a few goals. We will get together around 5 pm to share a few drinks in excellent company. Some of the bars are serving donated beer, so some profits from sales will go to Red Cross efforts in Christchurch.
At 7 pm we will all observe a minutes silence for those lost and suffering in the Garden City, followed by a toast to them. Finally, we will hold a charity auction or raffles depending on venue.

The Guild have generously provided two tickets to each of three special Beervana events - A Beervana session, The Beer vs Wine Dinner, and the Awards Gala Dinner. All proceeds from the auction or raffle will also go to the Red Cross appeal. Other beer related goods have been donated for raffle or auction at each venue.

Bring your friends on Friday evening and support Christchurch.

Other venues around NZ:

Auckland.
Venue: Andrew Andrew, 201 Quay St, Viaduct from 5pm on, raffles begin 7pm

Hamilton.
Venue: House on Hood, 27 Hood St, Hamilton from 5pm on, raffles begin 7pm

Wellington. Venue: Bar Edward, 167 Riddiford Street, from 5pm on, raffles begin 7pm

Nelson. Venue: The Freehouse, 95 Collingwood St, Nelson

Blenheim. Venue: The Old Bank, 81 Cleghorn Street, Blenheim, from 6pm

Tally Ho - the new Brewer's Reserve

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:56:00 +1300

Tally Ho!
Summer Golden Ale

January 2011 Brewer’s Reserve

The Flying Nun series continues… we honour the band, The Clean, and Roger Shepherd’s Flying Nun label with our Summer Golden Ale release.

The Clean’s 1981 debut single "Tally Ho!" was Flying Nun’s second release. "Tally Ho!" reached number 19 on the New Zealand Singles Charts, giving the fledgling label its first hit.

Tally Ho tips its hat to the beer style, English Summer Ale – straw to golden coloured, refreshing, almost citrus and light bodied, yet the malt is present enough on the palate and balances the subtle herbaceous and citrus English hop. The kind of thirst quenching ale you might imagine supping around an English common either poured beautifully on the hand pump or refreshingly effervescent from a pub tap. Did someone mention the crack of willow?

Unlike another local big brewer, we haven’t used Rata honey or spices to achieve our Summer flavours. Like our English cousins we have chosen traditional English hops, in this case Challenger and East Kent Goldings and matched them with a locally specially malted pale ale malt and English yeast to create a beautifully balanced version of the English Summertime classic. Balance is the key with this style, dry hopped at a low level, with English varieties, Tally Ho has a teasing ‘fresh’ aroma and hop flavour. We reckon our only problem will be that we have to share Tally Ho with the punters, leaving less for us to enjoy after a hard Summer day’s brewing !

We reckon this ale is ‘Summer perfick’, and we’ll down a few just like the RAF even if we aren’t in Kent.

Here’s to Summer and great beer wherever you are!

The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1050
Alcohol : 4.9 % vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Caramalts
Hops : UK Challenger, East Kent Goldings
Yeast: English Ale

Available only on tap at the brewery shop and selected outlets.

Weizenbock available in limited quantity

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:55:00 +1300

The perfect alternative to port on the sometimes chilly summer evenings is our fabulous Weizenbock.

A dark wheat beer brewed to bock strength. The overall impression is a beer that is strong and malty, rich, full bodied and warming. Flavours of chocolate, Christmas cake, raisins, dark fruits and even a hint of Easter spices and clove characters. Serve at 8 C. 8% abv

Order now before the 2010 vintage sells out!

Brewery shop hours over festive season

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:55:00 +1300

Monday 20 December: 9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday 21 December: : 9 am – 5 pm
Wednesday 22 December: 9 am – 5 pm
Thursday 23 December: 9 am – 6 pm
Friday 24 December: 9 am – 1 pm

25 - 28 December: CLOSED

Wed 29 December: 10 am – 3 pm
Thursday 30 December: 10 am – 3 pm
Friday 31 December: 10 am - 3 pm

1- 4 January: CLOSED

Wednesday 5 January: 9 am – 5 pm
Thursday 6 January: 9 am – 6 pm
Friday 7 January: 9 am – 6 pm

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the team at Emerson’s.

BBQ treats today and tomorrow

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:54:00 +1300

By way of thank you to our loyal brewery shop customers, Richard Emerson will be serving BBQ morsels today and tomorrow (Thursday 16 and Friday 17 December) from 3 pm.
See you at the brewery shop, 14 Wickliffe St, Dunedin.

Cheers and Merry Christmas from the team at Emerson’s

Honest Emerson’s!

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:53:00 +1300

In the brewing world, when a problem starts to brew … something big enough to affect your most popular label … like our Emerson’s Pilsner … what do you do?

The answer, in the case of our Pilsner, is pure and simple!

At all costs hold that amazingly crisp and piquant flavour and at all times be totally up front with our ardent Pilsner faithful.

OK, what’s the problem?

A key ingredient can no longer be supplied.

And what is that ingredient?

A variety of New Zealand grown organic hops, known as Riwaka, is no longer available as a result of low cropping levels and poor yields for the hop farmer.

Now, how do you get around this without disappointing thousands?

Change the recipe by using another organic hop variety? … No way!
Keep quiet about it and hope that none of our fans notice? … Heck no!

That’s not the Emerson’s way … we’re true to our brew and our customers.

The only solution is to switch to the non-organic variety of the Riwaka hops and hold that unique, beautiful flavour. We will still continue to use as many local organic ingredients as we can source.

Announcing the decision Richard Emerson comments:

“While we value the organic status of the beer, we also know that our customers love the distinctive aromas and flavours of Emerson’s Pilsner. Changing to another organic hop would have maintained the original status, but the beer would inevitably be quite different. For us that’s just not an acceptable option. We are confident Emerson’s drinkers will respect our decision and will continue to enjoy our Emerson’s Pilsner tasting its best.”

OBiz awards success for Emerson’s

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:51:00 +1300

The winners of the prestigious 2010 Westpac Otago Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards were announced at a gala dinner and ceremony at the Dunedin Town Hall on Friday 26 November 2010. Over 320 local business community leaders attended the black tie event.

Emerson’s won the Manufacturing/Primary Award and also the Supreme Business Excellence Award.

Click here for the link to Otago Daily Times story.

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/business/138146/emerson-brewing-supreme-awards

Mike Hormann (shareholder), Richard Emerson, Bob King (General Manager) with the Supreme Award.
Photo: http://clivecopemanphotography.com/

Brewer's Reserve - The Flying Nun series continues...

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:51:00 +1300

Rolling Moon Wheat

Brewer’s Reserve November 2010 release

The Flying Nun series continues…

Rolling Moon was the legendary first single The Chills cut for Flying Nun in 1982 described as “raw psych post punk and… fresh!” We don’t claim this to be the first Weissbier on tap but it is fresh, from Dunedin and definitely post punk. Chilled too…

With the release of our bottled Weissbier came a flurry of enquiries for the return of our tap Wheat beer, Bewildered, last year’s 6% tap beauty. Rolling Moon is in response to that demand. The great problem (what problem?) with Weissbier is that it’s just so drinkable, low in bitterness, high in carbonation, full body and that classic Weissbier character. Rolling Moon is a touch lower in alcohol at 5.6%, for a little more crispness and a little less rolling on a hot Summer’s day.

Brewer’s Reserves should be something special, and we aim to always ensure that this is so. The great thing with Brewer’s Reserves is that we can enhance our knowledge and ‘amp’ up beer flavours to provide something special. One of the keys to a great tasting German style weissbier is how the brewer manages the ferment. Rolling Moon had a number of different techniques applied and the result is we believe very special. Unlike many weissbiers Rolling Moon is not a banana ‘bomb’. The balance between the flavours is fantastic, no one flavour dominates, in this complex yet refreshing tap Weiss.

We’d like to see this as our Reserve or special Director’s Weissbier – the best thing is that you get to experience it and its not kept to the boardroom! (No Richard……No)

On tap, unfiltered or ‘mit hefe’, and served in a tall 500 ml Weissbier glass.
Quite possibly another Dunedin legend…

Prosit!

The Emerson’s Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1057
Alcohol : 5.6% vol
Malts : Pilsner malt, Australian & German Wheat malts
Hops : NZ Hallertau

mmm…Ginger Beer

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:50:00 +1300

New series of Brewer's Reserves

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:49:00 +1300

Flying Nun Amber Wit

October Brewer’s Reserve

Most of us who live here in Dunedin think the place is pretty special. Apart from great beer (well we think so) it’s also the home of some great kiwi music. Music that was set apart from others by the Indie music label Flying Nun. We are dedicating our Summer Beer series to Roger Shepherd, the Flying Nun label and Dunedin music. Each beer will be a unique beer in its own right, and like Flying Nun; independent, no style guideline, no compromise.

Flying Nun Amber Wit is loosely based on the Belgian Witbier style, unfiltered and slightly spicy. Wheat forms the base of this amber spring ale, with a dash of Belgian Biscuit and Amber malts to add a touch of toasty character, well, its not quite Summer here yet… Coriander and a Belgian yeast provide a complex aroma and flavour to what is usually a simple and straightforward style.

At a warming 6% alc. Flying Nun will fend off the cooler evenings in the Octagon as the sun sneaks down behind Swampy and Flagstaff. Fear not, beer friend, wherever you are this witbier only breaks the rules nice and gently so enjoy it! Like the Dunedin sun though, Flying Nun is here for only so long…..the next brew, Rolling Moon Wheat is in the fermenter and we can hear its Weissbier yeast working…

Here’s to Summers in Dunners and great beer wherever you are!

The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1063
Alcohol : 6% vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Belgian Biscuit, Amber malts and Wheats
Hops : Who cares it’s got coriander
Yeast: Belgian ale

New guest artist at the brewery

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:48:00 +1300

One off original collaboration by Manu Berry and Pauline Bellamy

Working predominantly in printmaking techniques of woodcut and etching over the last 12 years I have been engaging with a variety of subjects from land and seascapes to portraits and historic buildings, more recently pushing the boundaries of the print process into more installation and collage based works. I have exhibited in public and dealer galleries around the South Island, most recently having an exhibition in the Forrester Gallery in Oamaru.
I currently have an exhibition on as part of the Arts Festival in Bellamy’s Gallery, Macandrew Bay, with works drawn from a trip to Doubtful Sound.

This work is part is part of a series I am currently developing in collaboration with Pauline Bellamy as an extension of these Fiordland works, in which I am printing in woodcut and monoprint over abstract watercolour fields of Pauline’s. $800.00

Manu Berry October 2010

Emerson’s Southern Clam Stout

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:47:00 +1200

Last year we brewed a small batch of Clam Stout which was only available on tap at the brewery shop and a very select few establishments. It was a hit. The success continued when we entered it in the BrewNZ awards where it earned a Silver Medal.

In conjunction with Southern Clams this year we have done a very limited bottle release of the only (as far as we know) Clam Stout in the world.

The beer has a dark tawny brown head and a subtle creamy roasty aroma with a hint of vanilla and ocean briny characters. Complex dark roasted characters prevail with more briny notes developing as you delve further into the pint glass.
6% ABV

This celebration of Southern flavours is available from today.
The batch is sold out but there are limited amounts available from the brewery shop and Regional Wines & Spirits in Wellington.

Brewer's Reserve

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:47:00 +1200

Ladies and Gentlemen here’s…

Grace Jones Porter

As promised the Emerson's Brew Crew have delivered - Grace Jones Porter is black, full bodied and pushes its way out of the glass with its huge chocolate and coffee overtones.

Two classic Porters inspired our ‘Grace’. Fuller’s London Porter has a beautiful chocolate and coffee aroma, and a rich, dark, malt depth. Fritz Maytag’s Anchor Porter out of the US also has an incredible deep ebony, dark roasted malt character and a smoothness that is hard to beat.

To achieve Grace’s malt depth we brewed with high proportions of chocolate and crystal malt. Whilst not typical of the porter style, but certainly in her ladyship’s, we used a ‘dash’ of roasted barley to give a wee ‘bite’. Otago oats were used to deliver a rich, almost oily texture and a thick creamy head. New Zealand ale malt makes up the base malt yielding a nice warming 6% porter for any winter’s day and keeps our Excise tax collector smiling ! Out of interest did you know that at 6% abv, about a dollar of your pint of Grace is paid to this happy individual?! But then life is too short for mediocrity, and at 62 this year the real Grace sure put another meaning into the term living life ‘Gracefully’.

No style guideline no compromise.

Cheers
The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1063
Alcohol : 6% vol
Malts : NZ ale malt, Oats, Chocolate, Crystal, Black, Roasted Barley
Hops : High Alpha NZ
Yeast: American Ale

Available only at the brewery shop and selected bars. Also available on fill your own at Regional Wines & Spirits in Wellington.

Annual NZ Beer Awards

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:46:00 +1200

The annual beer awards and Beervana recently took place in Wellington.

Emerson’s won the following awards at BrewNZ, 26 August 2010

Trophy
Emerson’s Dunkleweiss: Wheat & Other Grain Styles

Medals:

Emerson’s Dunkleweiss: Silver – Wheat & Other Grain Styles

Emerson’s Weizenbock: Silver – Wheat & Other Grain Styles

Emerson’s JP 2010: Silver – European Ale Styles

Emerson’s BR Oreti Red: Silver – NZ, US & International Ale Styles

Emerson’s Billy T Wit: Silver - Festive Brew

Emerson’s Pilsner: Bronze – International Lager Styles

Emerson’s Bookbinder: Bronze – European Ale Styles

Emerson’s 1812 IPA: Bronze – European Ale Styles

Emerson’s Weissbier: Bronze – Wheat & Other Grain Styles

Congratulations to all the winners within the NZ brewing industry.

We’re thrilled with these results and thank our loyal customers for their support and enthusiasm.

Cheers from the team at Emerson’s.

Brewer’s Reserve - ORETI RED

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 10:45:00 +1200

Oreti Red is the second in a series of beers that we have themed Red IPA’s and we think its getting us closer to our Red IPA bullseye. NZ pale ale malt, along with Munich, CaraRed and CaraMunich form the malt base.

A high alpha NZ hop and US Centennial again flip flop their way through the boil with both hops used in large quantity in a series of warm and cold dry hopping. We’ve upped the malts to give a ‘fatter’ malt base to better harmonise with the high alpha hop resins, lifting the alcohol content to 6%. For your drinking pleasure and because we can, we have lifted the hops even more…

No style guideline, no compromise.

Cheers
The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1063
Alcohol : 6% vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Munich, CaraRed and CaraMunich
Hops : High Alpha NZ and US Centennial
Yeast: American Ale

Available from the brewery shop and selected bars.

Emerson’s Week at Regional Wines & Spirits, Wellington

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:45:00 +1200

Wellington is a city where craft beer is much appreciated. This week our distributor in Wellington, Regional Wines & Spirits are hosting the inaugural “Emerson’s Week”.

There are trade and public events and more details are on their website;

http://www.regionalwines.co.nz/beer-content.aspx/beer-tastings

Call in to Regional Wines & Spirits, 15 Ellice St, Basin Reserve and have a chat to Richard Emerson and the Regional staff about our range of beers.

New guest artwork at the brewery - Sam Foley

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:43:00 +1200

Lovelock III
Oil on canvas
$4,500.00

Born in Wellington but raised in Dunedin, Sam Foley graduated from the Otago Polytechnic School of Art in 1998 and has been working full time as an artist since. He has held exhibitions throughout Australasia and won numerous awards, including most recently The Peoples Choice Award at the 17th Annual Wallace Art Awards. His works are held in many public and private collections. He also is co-owner of the NZ design store, Whiteroom, found in Moray Place, Dunedin.

When asked how he came to be an artist he has this to say, “Basically it stemmed from an interest I pursued at High School which I followed right through on to Art School. I just kept on going with it really. I didn’t want to do anything else so it was purely natural progression”.
In response to where Foley draws his inspiration. “I find I am drawn to painting forest/native landscapes and to the random patterns in nature and the freedom with which one can take when depicting rhythm within the chaos. I have also been looking at the urban landscape as subject now for a number of years and experimenting with a mixed media approach, combining painting and projection”.
Sam Foley manages, works and lives in an artist run studio complex, the Dowling St Studios, in Dunedin Central. He is currently planning a 6 month move to Berlin in 2012 where he will continue to develop his practice as an artist.

The Great Emerson’s Degustation Charity Dinner Auctions Are Live!

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:43:00 +1200

The Auctions are live for tickets to the Great Emerson’s Degustation Charity Dinner follow the links below to place your bid!

The Emersons Degustation Charity Dinner will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to sample some of New Zealand’s finest cuisine matched with some of the countries best beers.

Join pioneering brewer and gastronome Richard Emerson, Restaurateur Steve Logan and Regional Beer Specialist Kieran Haslett-Moore in the private upstairs dining room for a six course Degustation menu. Logan Brown Chef Shaun Clouston and Richard have devised six contemporary courses matched to six Emersons beers.

Tickets to this event are extremely limited due to the size of the dining room so a Charity Auction with proceeds going to the environmental organisation The Last Ocean will be held to purchase tickets.

The Last Ocean is a charity that campaigns to raise awareness of the Ross Sea and promote the establishment of a marine reserve to protect the last pristine open-ocean marine ecosystem on earth. Check out http://www.lastocean.com/ for more details.

When: Tuesday 20th July 2010 6pm
Where: 192 Cuba Street Wellington

Trade Me links:

Single Tickets
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=301271775

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=301271196

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=301269400

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=301272446

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=301274575

Double Tickets
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=301275927

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=301275452

New Brewer's Reserve

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:42:00 +1200

HOPPIEST INDIAN June 2010 Release

Hoppiest Indian is the first in a series of beers that we have themed Red IPA’s – a NZ first maybe? NZ Pale malt, along with Munich, CaraRed and CaraMunich form the malt base. A high alpha NZ hop and US Centennial flip flop their way through the boil with both hops used in large quantity in a series of warm and cold dry hopping. We’ve gone out on a limb – we maxed the hops out to really explore how two high alpha acid hops from two hemispheres work together. Some may say it’s out of balance – we say its ‘well hopped’ and get a life. It follows no style guideline and why should it – it’s an Emerson’s Brewer’s Reserve, made for the brewers by the brewers – you’re just lucky to have it on a tap near you.

The malt hangs in there – just, but it’s the big alpha hops that dominate, on the nose from the dry hopping and again on the finish.

Tune in for the Hoppiest Indian part deux ….. a little more alcohol, a little more malt… or maybe not …

Cheers
The Brew Crew

Original gravity: 1053
Alcohol : 5% vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Munich, CaraRed and CaraMunich
Hops : High Alpha NZ and US Centennial
Yeast: House yeast

Available at the brewery shop and selected bars

AIBA Australian International Beer Awards 2010

Fri, 21 May 2010 10:41:00 +1200

Melbourne. 20 May 2010

Emerson’s are thrilled to have won six awards at the 2010 Australian International Beer Awards.

There were 1170 beers entered from 34 countries.

Trophy for Champion Wheat Beer: Weizenbock

Gold Medal: Weizenbock

Silver Medal: Bookbinder

Silver Medal: Weissbier

Bronze Medal: Organic Pilsner

Bronze Medal: 1812 India Pale Ale

Australian International Beer Awards

Wed, 19 May 2010 10:41:00 +1200

This week is going to be a busy one for brewers and beer enthusiasts in Melbourne. New Zealand craft brewers will have a high profile this year.

The Brewer’s Guild and NZTE have organised many trade events and seminars during the week and of course there is the awards night on Thursday.

Good news for the public too, with the Beer Expo open to the public during the weekend. Emerson’s product will be showcased at the Better Beer Imports stand and Richard will be in attendance on Friday. If you are in Melbourne do go and meet the brewers and distributors and sample a range of outstanding beers from New Zealand.

For further info:

AIBA
http://www.beerawards.com

Beer Expo
http://www.beerandbrewerexpo.com

New guest artist

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:00:00 +1200

Geoffrey Williams trained as a photo engraver and sign writer and worked in that industry for years before taking the leap in to being a full time artist.

His artworks are in collections in New Zealand and overseas. He works in the mediums of acrylic and pencil with subjects ranging from landscape to still life to figure studies.

Acrylic on board
“Hand on the Wheel” $12,000

www.geoffwilliams.co.nz

Brewer’s Reserve April 2010 Release

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:39:00 +1200

EMERSON’S HARVEST Fresh Hop Ale

Available from the brewery shop and selected bars only.

It’s a brewer’s favourite time of year – the annual hop harvest! Each year we drop in on the innocent Nelson hop farmer and crawl around their hop vines and deliriously grovel around their drying kilns selecting hops for this beer (yes it’s probably an embarrassing sight to behold). It’s fantastic to be able to talk directly with the hop grower and sample and learn about the large number of New Zealand hop varieties.

Doug Donelan, NZ Hops Ltd, was instrumental in giving us the best possible visit we could ask for. We not only got to select the varieties but to choose from the actual farm and individual hop bale. The significance of this selection is amazing, there can be a huge variation amongst a single hop from one hop farm, it’s the blending process that smoothes these differences out. This was a real privilege for Emerson’s, thank you to all the hop growers and Doug for putting up with us in what is a very busy time.

Richard chose two stunning fresh hops – Pacifica and NZ Hallertau which were placed into the boil in huge quantities at the end of the boil.

Hoo boy…a subtle orangey hop aroma, reminiscence of Jaffa’s, appears on the nose. As the beer warms up, the maltiness becomes prominent with a lovely long lingering orangey bitter finish to balance. The hoppy flavour and bitterness grows on you. Perhaps you might become addicted to hops?

Cheers,
The Emerson Brewing Team

Original gravity:1056
Alcohol : 5.3% abv

Malts : Gladfields Pale, Pilsner, Carapils, Crystal
Hops : Super Alpha, NZ Hallertau and Pacifica

Current guest artist

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:37:00 +1200

Simon Kaan

Untitled intaglio woodcut 2009, from the Moth Series.

Simon Kaan is of Chinese, Ngai Tahu and Pakeha ancestry. He graduated with a Diploma of Fine Art majoring in Printmaking at Otago Polytechnic in 1993 and has exhibited widely in New Zealand in both public and dealer galleries.

He has curated numerous exhibitions and completed many commissions. In 2007 with the support of Creative NZ and the Gate Gallery Residency he was able to visit Beijing for the third time. He first travelled to China in 2003 - the first member of his family to visit China since his grandfather arrived in Port Chalmers in 1896.

Taieri George 2010 vintage sold out

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:37:00 +1200

We have sold all of this years vintage but there will still be some around the country at various outlets. Please consult the outlets page to find resellers in your area. The next vintage will be available 6th March 2011.

Otago Anniversary Day

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:36:00 +1300

In observance of Otago Anniversary Day the brewery will be closed on Monday 22 March.

Forthcoming holidays:
The brewery will be closed on Good Friday (2 April) and Easter Monday (5 April).

Cheers,
The team at Emerson’s.

Annual release soon of Taieri George

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:36:00 +1300

As always, March 6th means the release of our popular spicy beer, Taieri George. This limited release beer is always sought after, so order now to ensure you don’t miss out!
Taieri George is one of our beers that cellars beautifully so we recommend you put some aside as well as enjoy some at release time. Cheers.

Great beer weekend in Wellington

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:36:00 +1300

Wellington people are in for a treat this weekend! Saturday 6 March is Taieri George release day and Richard will be at Regional Wines & Spirits for a tasting from 11 am – 1 pm.

Following that he will be at the Brewer’s Guild stand at the Liquorland Beer Festival, Westpac Stadium. Get along to say hello and taste the ever growing range of beer available in New Zealand.

New Brewer's Reserve

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:35:00 +1300

March 2010 Release

CELLAR DOG KELLER BIER

The heat is on…February and March are the real Dunedin summer months, with hot calm weather. The pleasant smell of barbeque cooking lingering in the air really gets the mouth watering…hey what’s the ideal quencher beer?... A German Kolsch Bier.

This month’s release is our interpretation of the style keller bier. It is often served unfiltered directly from the Brewpub beer tank. In our case, we have lightly filtered the beer into kegs.

The genuine Kolsch bier yeast transforms the basic ingredients into a thirst quenching beer with subtle yet complex flavours, subtle haze and finishing with a light body true to the style. A great relaxing summer beer.

Richard vaguely recalls his experience drinking the beers in Cologne, served in a small 200ml tall glass. ‘Little and often’ was the theme, with the waiters known as ‘Kobes’ swapping glasses as soon as they were emptied, with no mention of payments; free beer, great service?! Then he realized the significance of the Kobes’ notching the beer mats with each change of glasses…aha…a thinner wallet.

Prosit!
The Emerson’s Brewing Team

Alcohol: 4.7% vol
Original gravity: 1047
Malts: Kolsch malz, Lager & Vienna
Hops: NZ Pacific Hallertau, US Liberty

Available at the brewery shop and selected bars.

Brewer’s Reserve February 2010 Release

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:34:00 +1300

EMERSON’S EXTRA PILS

What beer to start off the 2010 Brewer’s Reserve series? None other than a variation on our most popular beer at Emerson’s…The Pilsner!

The Pilsner is a very simple recipe with the emphasis on the NZ Riwaka hop that gives the distinctive flavour to our brew. In this Extra-Pils, we have steered away from that characteristic hop to brew a strong version with two Nelson hops, Rakau and Nelson Sauvin.

Rakau is a new hop variety recently released as result of the dedicated work of Dr Ron Beatson’s research team. The other, Nelson Sauvin, has been on the market for the past ten years and is now proving popular as the new “in flavour” with craft brewers. Both hop cultivars share similar flavour traits with Riwaka except they are more powerful in bitterness and higher hop oil content.

The extra oomph from those hops are the just the thing to balance against the higher alcohol and generous malt recipe. There is some resemblance to the usual Pilsner on the nose however, the beer is stronger at 6.2% abv, more golden in colour as well as the significant “gooseberry” aroma and flavour from the Nelson Sauvin. The lemony flavour and bitterness comes from the Rakau hop to balance the extra malt richness.

Prosit!

The Emerson’s Brewing Team

Alcohol: 6.2% vol
Original gravity: 1065
Malts: Gladfields Lager, CaraAmber
Hops: NZ Rakau, NZ Nelson Sauvin

Available from the brewery shop and selected bars.

Capital Times Beer Necessities Survey 2009

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:33:00 +1300

Emerson’s are thrilled to have taken out four places in the NZ beer eight-pack picked in the annual Capital Times Beer Necessities Survey.

Capital Times Beer Necessities Survey 2009
By Kieran Haslett-Moore

Copyright: Capital Times, Wellington
www.capitaltimes.co.nz

Brewing up diversity
The top rated beers from this year’s Beer Necessities Survey represent a near perfect cross section of brewing in New Zealand.

Represented in the top eight are New Zealand’s largest brewer Lion Nathan, one of the country’s biggest independent craft brewers Emerson’s, a small craft brewer, Croucher Brewing, one of the new generation of contract brewing companies, 8 Wired and a tiny farmhouse brewer, Peak.

After the controversial Supreme Champion and runners up format of last year, this year the judging panel decided to instead highlight all the top scoring beers resulting in 8 top beers ranging in style from a light crisp lager, through to a “marmalady” malt accented strong ale.
These 8 beers portray the diversity of New Zealand brewing with beers that will suit many different tastes and situations.

This year we have included 10 broad style categories and we have continued last years practise of including a succinct style description at the beginning of each category.
The beers were blind judged on their appearance, aroma and flavour with some thought given to their stylistic integrity.
The judges assessed the beers according to technical and stylistic criteria rather than according to their own subjective tastes. Often after competition results are announced judges are approached and asked why certain beers that many people may think are boring are awarded medals.
There are beer style categories which are not overly character full, a technically and stylistically excellent beer entered in these categories will and should do well.
The beers were all scored out of 5 with the panel coming to a consensus on which score each beer would get. Beers scoring less than 2.5 were not included in the write up while beers that scored 4 marks or higher earned inclusion in the top 8 Pack.

I would like to thank my fellow judges. While to many the idea of a days beer judging may seem like a dream job in practise it makes for an enjoyable but incredibly fatiguing days work.

The overall standard this year was high with a clear majority of entry’s earning a mention and some fantastic beers making the Top 8 Pack. Brewing in New Zealand is becoming increasingly diverse both in terms of the beers that are brewed and the companies that brew them. I suggest we all drink to that!
Cheers,
Kieran Haslett-Moore

The 8 Pack
Emerson’s Pilsner, Bookbinder, 1812 India Pale Ale and Old 95
Undoubtedly the biggest winner from this year’s survey is Emerson’s Brewing Company from Dunedin. Having taken out the coveted Champion Brewery title at this year’s BrewNZ it is perhaps no surprise that Emerson’s have done so well several months later.

Steinlager Pure
Lion Nathan has achieved significant success with its heavily advertised Steinlager Pure brand and the result here shows that behind the marketing there is a crisp clean well made beer.

Croucher Pale Ale
Croucher Brewing have been building up a reputation for their range of pale, complex, aromatic beers which they brew in Rotorua making them one of the few craft brewers to fly the flag for brewing in the North Island.

8 Wired Hop Wired IPA
8 Wired is one of the new generation of contract brewers who are using other peoples breweries to produce their beers. Unhindered by the commercial necessities of running a seven day a week 12 month a year business, theses brewers don’t need to brew everyday beers for mass consumption but rather can focus on producing remarkable special one off brews that are full of character.

Peak Great End ESB
Peak is a small farmhouse producer in the Wairarapa producing a wide range of organically produced beers.

Judges:
Geoff Griggs
Colin Mallon
Kieran Haslett-Moore

Brewery shop hours over 2009 Christmas / New Year break:

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:33:00 +1300

The brewery shop will be open for public sales during the holiday period as follows:

Mon 21 Dec: 9 am – 5 pm
Tue 22 Dec: 9 am – 5 pm
Wed 23 Dec: 9 am – 5 pm
Thu 24 Dec: 9 am – 1 pm
Fri 25 Dec: Closed
Sat 26 Dec: Closed
Sun 27 Dec: Closed

Mon 28 Dec: Closed
Tue 29 Dec: 10 am – 3 pm
Wed 30 Dec: 10 am – 3 pm
Thu 31 Dec: 10 am – 3 pm
Fri 1 Jan: Closed
Sat 2 Jan: Closed
Sun 3 Jan: Closed

Mon 4 Jan: Closed
Tue 5 Jan: 9 am – 5pm
Wed 6 Jan: 9 am – 5pm
Thu 7 Jan: 9 am – 6pm
Fri 8 Jan: 9 am – 6pm
Sat 9 Jan: Closed
Sun 10 Jan: Closed

From Monday 11 January, normal hours will resume:
Monday – Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm and Thursday and Friday: 9 am – 6 pm.

New Brewer’s Reserve: The temporary return of an old favourite…

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:32:00 +1300

MARIS GOLD December 2009 Release

Every now and then we like to look into the recipe archive and resurrect a beer. This release, Maris Gold was one of those recipes that had to be painfully dropped from the production line-up to free up tank space for the popular Pilsner. Notably there were a few upset Maris Gold fans!

Maris Gold was first brewed at the number two Brewery at 9 Grange Street in October 2000 as a stand in when we couldn’t get any malt for the Pilsner for the summer. There were several changes to the recipe over the years in the “search for the perfect golden beer”

Unlike the original October 2000 recipe with all NZ Cascade hops, we have added American hops as well in the kettle boil and
dry-hopping in the maturation tank. This gives a subtle level of hop flavour complexities while still refreshing as a summer golden ale.

As the warm days are coming, this should be the ideal refreshing beer with moderate alcohol content, a great match for prawns on the barbie!

Alcohol : 4.7% abv

Available from the brewery shop and selected bars only.

Weissbier available now!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:32:00 +1300

Summer must be on the way… Our popular summer wheat beer is now available. On sale November until March. Serve at 4 – 8 C. Delicious accompanied by weisswurst (veal sausages) or with mature Stilton or Kikorangi cheese. Cheers from the team at Emerson’s.

Emerson’s Beer and Sausage Tasting

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:31:00 +1300

The Bar @ Ombrellos, Dunedin

Wednesday 25th November. 6pm

Come and join us with special guest Richard Emerson as we sample a variety of house-smoked sausages including Ombrellos famous Chorizo sausages! All matched with some stunning Emerson’s beers brewed at New Zealand’s Champion Brewery for 2009!

Hand Pump Pints of London Porter available for one night only!

Tickets are just $15 per person. Available from Ombrellos.
10 Clarendon Street
Dunedin
Ph: 4778773

Ginger Beer – Brewery shop only

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:29:00 +1300

Brewer’s Family Special: GINGER BEER

A couple of summers ago we brewed our ginger beer for the staff Christmas party and shop sales. Over subsequent seasons the recipe has been fine tuned with plenty of quality control by Emerson’s staff and families. This recipe passed with flying colours!

It is boiled with chopped root ginger, ground ginger, sugar, lemon juice and clover honey. It is naturally hazy. This is a non-alcoholic ginger beer with no yeast.

Back early for the summer season, by popular demand… Happy summer!

Cheers from the team at Emerson’s.

Retail Prices including GST:
New PET (1.25 ltr) $ 3.50
Refill PET (1.25 ltr) $ 3.20
Refill Green Flagon (2 ltr) $ 5.11
Refill Amber Flagon (2.5 ltr) $ 6.39

Available only from the brewery shop.

New Guest artist

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:29:00 +1300

Ron Esplin “Barock” Digital art $1200

An interpretation of dance, conveyed by multiple images of Barbie dolls. Inspired by the dance project of Barbara Snook, the Otago University Caroline Plummer Fellow 2008.

Multiple photographs were downloaded to a computer and manipulated to produce the ethereal images in the finished work. The unanimity is achieved by accentuating the linearity of each individual image by representing them almost like a platoon of dancers represented in four lines of eight so the work is taller than it is wide. The individuality of dancers is represented by the variety of poses.

www.esplinart.com

Brewer’s Reserve October 2009 Release

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:28:00 +1300

EMERSON’S BEWILDERED

The Summer season is almost upon us and so is our release of Emerson’s bottled Weissbier. As a teaser to our seasonal Weissbier and a celebration of our recent Champion Brewery award at BrewNZ 2009 we have brewed something very special. A Weissbier or hefeweizen brewed for the tap!

Brewer’s Reserves should be something special, and we aim to always ensure that this is so. A selection of three wheat malts, two German, and an Australian wheat have been combined to give a complex pale weissbier with the best traditional flavours of European malt and the lighter, more lemony character of Australian wheat. We have increased the amount of malt to lift the usual ‘weight’ of our Weissbier to 6.0% alcohol by volume enhancing the classic weissbier characters. Enhanced banana, apple, spice, and even hints of pineapple are present in this complex yet refreshing tap Weiss.

We’d like to see this as our Reserve or special Director’s Weissbier – the best thing is that you get to experience it and its not kept to the boardroom!

Unfiltered or ‘mit hefe’ and served in a tall 500 ml Weissbier glass. Who says Beervana happens only once a year?!

Prosit!

The Emersons Brewing Team

Original gravity: 1063
Alcohol : 6.0% vol
Malts : German Pilsner malt, Australian & German Wheat malts
Hops : NZ Hallertau

Emerson’s team thrilled with 2009 BrewNZ results

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:28:00 +1200

The annual beer awards in Wellington last night was a hugely successful evening for the Dunedin craft brewery.

The company picked up four trophies and five medals including the coveted award for “New Zealand Champion Brewery”.

Now in it’s eighth year, BrewNZ is the premier event for brewers in New Zealand with entries from local and international brewers.

Richard Emerson and the team are thrilled with the outcome of judging by a panel of New Zealand and international judges.

“We’ve spent the last three years getting the small things right. Last nights result was a fantastic reward for our team effort. Ultimately the consumer wins, because as brewer’s we endeavour to improve the quality of our beers every year”.

The celebration of New Zealand beer continues for the next two days with the public able to sample beer from forty New Zealand breweries at Beervana in the Wellington Town Hall.

Emerson’s awards:
Trophy for New Zealand Champion Brewery
Emerson’s Organic Pilsner – Trophy (New Zealand Lager & Premium Lager)
Emerson’s JP 2009 – Trophy (Flavoured & Aged Styles)
Emerson’s BeWITched – Trophy for Festive Brew
Emerson’s Dunkelweiss – Gold (Wheat & Other Grain Styles)
Emerson’s Weizenbock – Gold (Wheat & Other Grain Styles)
Emerson’s Bookbinder – Silver (European Ale Styles)
Emerson’s Southern Clam Stout – Silver (Stouts & Porters)
Emerson’s Taieri George – Bronze (Flavoured & Aged Styles)

Otago Flavours Partner for Heavenly Match

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:25:00 +1200

Dunedin’s Emerson’s Brewery will be heading to Beervana and the BrewNZ Beer Awards in Wellington taking with them a truly original brew that celebrates a fusion of Otago flavours. The new, limited edition, big velvety stout has been brewed with locally harvested Blueskin Bay clams and it’s being hailed as a heavenly match.

‘Emerson’s Southern Clam Stout’ was inspired by brewery owner Richard Emerson who enthused Roger Belton from Southern Clams about the concept. Both are excited about the extraordinary flavour chararcteristics of this special stout. Richard Emerson says, “Beer devotees have enjoyed oyster stout since the late 1930’s, I couldn’t see any reason why we couldn’t produce a brew equally as heavenly with our own local clams and we’ve done it. It’s incredibly satisfying to produce an original stout of this quality and fantastic to do it with local produce.”

Emerson says the Southern Clam Stout has a dark tawny brown head and subtle creamy roated aroma with a hint of vanilla and ocean briny characters. “ We’ve modelled it on the big export style stouts of yesteryear. We’ve combined chocolate and roasted barley malts to provide a beautiful dark edge. The briny notes become more prominent the more you sup.”

Emerson’s are committed to ensuring that locals will be the first to savour the stout before they showcase it at a Trade Luncheon in Wellington on 26 August. Following the official launch it is available on tap at The Inch Bar, Tonic, Starfish, Eureka, Albar and the brewery shop. Southern Clams are also offering the bars the opportunity to serve up clams with the stout.

Roger Belton is quick to hand praise to Emerson’s for their innovation and entrepreneurship. “What Richard has done is such a positive example of how Otago businesses can cut a national profile by embracing opportunities on their own doorstep”.

Roger is so delighted with the brew that he’s organised a christening at sea. “We are planning a ceremonial toast over the clam beds in the middle banks of the harbour. Next month Southern Clams will begin commercially harvesting from these beds so it will be a double celebration for us.”

Photo: Courtesy of The Otago Daily Times.

Emerson’s Southern Clam Stout is a very limited release brew and is available for a short time on tap at the Brewery Shop, and the following Dunedin bars: The Inch Bar, Tonic, Starfish, Eureka, Albar.

Artist of the month

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:23:00 +1200

Brendan Bransgrove

Don’t you wish you could be a fly on the wall?
A sneaky little
creepy little
fly on the wall

Acrylic, oil-polyurathane, canvas.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for “Delicatessen”, Brendan’s new exhibition soon.

Contact details: C/o The Emerson Brewing Company

August Brewer's Reserve

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:23:00 +1200

HOPPY2PORTER

Are we nearly there…are we nearly there…?

Well…we are pleased to say, “Yes!”

The first Hoppy Porter was very popular, yet the Brew Crew wasn’t sure that all the flavour balance was there. So, we looked hard at the recipe to see where we could get the ingredients to the perfect balance.

We made two changes; another choice of yeast to assist with the mouthfeel, and of course, more of Richard’s favourite sticky green stuff…yes heaps more!

The result is an awesome wall of floral tropical fruit hop aroma clambering out of the beer glass, hitting the nose with sensory pleasure…mmm. Followed by a subtle smokey malt mouthfeel that really complements the hop profile.

Now the question begs, do we sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy this lovely “black Pilsner” or revel in the sunny flavours at the bar in the dark evening?

Cheers
The Emerson’s Brewing Team

Original gravity: 1055
Alcohol: 5.2% vol
Malts: Lager, crystal, chocolate, roast barley, roast wheat and some smoke malt
Hops: NZ Cascade and Nelson Sauvin
Yeast: Wyeast English Ale

Guest Artist this month…

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +1200

Since June 2008 Emerson’s has been supporting local artists with a guest artist space in the area adjoining the brewery shop. The artwork changes each month and this months artist is Michel Greaves.

Michel is Head of the Painting Department at the School of Art Otago Polytechnic Dunedin. He has work held in private and public collections in the UK, Germany, U.S.A., Australia and New Zealand.

“Things done in the dark will be brought to the light”.

"This work is the first in a new group of works for an upcoming show in October/November 2009. The painting is a further departure from things that I have been making in the last 5 years although the motivation remains the same.
With this work I am consciously thinking about luxury, light, contemporary speculative culture and threat.

Things done in the dark will be brought to the light is a title lifted from a Johnny Cash song I first heard a number of years ago. This phrase, treaded into the belly of the song struck me as both threatening and closeted, we all have secrets and we all have things that are less than attractive. In painting a chandelier to explore these thoughts I have drawn attention to the liturgical history of light and the exuberance and luxury that lends experimentation in the excesses of the human condition. There is something both beautiful and inherently vulgar in the painting, a speculation on contemporary culture, and a threatening gesture".

Oil on Canvas 2009
149 x 127 cm
$2600.00

Brewers Reserve

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:20:00 +1200

CALAMITY JANE July 2009 Release

Remember the DBA label back in 9 Grange Street days? For those young lads, the label stood for “Dunedin Brown Ale”. This was a delicious malty brew with plenty of German speciality malts balanced with just enough hops to allow the malt sweetness to be in tune.

The DBA had a good set of devotees that took a shine to the beer until Emerson’s set about registering the trademark name… A gentle tap on the shoulder from a big brewer’s lawyer put a stop to the future of this fine recipe. It doesn’t take much of a guess who that was…

We have resurrected the spirit of the DBA recipe with this malt monster, loaded with plenty of speciality malts and high gravity generosity from the brew crew for this beer to weigh in at 1070 original gravity. The choice of an English Ale yeast has left the beer with a wonderful malty and full bodied beer with a sneaky 6.4% abv.

Take care, as this is a deceptive wee number with the alcohol hidden among the huge malt flavours with ‘just the right bitterness’ to balance things out. Remember the way home!

Try pairing this brew with some smoked foods, tell us your favourite match!

Cheers
The Emersons Brewing Team

Original gravity: 1070
Alcohol : 6.4% vol
Malts : Pale ale, Pilsner, Caramalts, Chocolate and Roasted Wheat
Hops : NZ Pacific Gem,NZ Styrian Goldings and NZ Cascade.

World Champ visits Emerson's

Fri, 08 May 2009 10:15:00 +1200

The commitment to a safe workplace and ongoing training led us to engage the services of Precious McKenzie recently. He took the staff through various training exercises in safe lifting and back care.

Most people will remember Precious as the world champion weight lifter but since the 1970s he has also been working as an international freelance consultant on back care injury prevention. He has conducted seminars in countries all over the world spreading his pain-saving message to both employees and management of companies concerned with workplace safety.

At the conclusion of the seminar Precious couldn’t resist a little showing off and hoisted Richard Emerson with ease!

Emerson's on Facebook

Fri, 01 May 2009 10:14:00 +1200

You can now follow Emerson's on Facebook, search under "Emerson's Enthusiasts" for the latest news on happenings at the brewery. There are members registered from all over the globe!

“Taieri George” seasonal release on 6 March

Fri, 02 May 2008 12:00:00 +1200

The Emerson Brewing Company releases the multi award winning seasonal beer “Taieri George” on Thursday March 6th. This exquisite spiced ale, released annually and brewed with the addition of three spices and organic clover honey from Central Otago is bottle-conditioned for five months prior to release on March 6th every year. Cinnamon and nutmeg notes are evident in the aroma and on the palette with the combination of spices evoking flavours reminiscent of hot-cross buns.

The brew has quite a history as Richard Emerson notes.

“The story of this beer goes back to 1995 when it was originally released as “Winter Warmer” and renamed the following year as “Forty Winks”. Whilst my father, George Emerson, was in the Otago Hospice, we revamped the recipe, increased the alcohol with a higher original gravity and bottle conditioned the beer for flavour development and longevity. George was able to sample the revised brew and gave his approval.

The concept of the present name did not appear until George’s funeral wake when one of our staff, was reading the description on George’s Certification of Appreciation from the Dunedin City Council for contribution to the Taieri Gorge Railway and Railway Archaeology.

We were bemused to see that the railway name was referred to as the “Taieri George Railway” instead of ‘Gorge’. We all agreed it was a great name for the beer and had a fantastic story behind it. Subsequently we found out it wasn’t the first time the mistake had been made!”

Taieri George is released on George’s birthday, March 6th to commemorate his contribution to the local railway scene and his involvement in the Emerson’s Brewery. The beer has an alcohol content of 6.8% with rich flavours that develop over time - if you have the self control to cellar some for later tasting.

Success at 2008 Australian International Beer Awards

Fri, 02 May 2008 10:12:00 +1200

The Emerson Brewing Company has once again had success at the Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA). The Dunedin based brewery has won two gold awards, one silver and three bronzes for a range of their products.

Head Brewer and Managing Director, Richard Emerson says “We have been exhibiting and entering the AIBA for eleven years now and it is a valuable gauge of the international market and how our beers are perceived by the market and international peers. The team here are thrilled with these awards. I am particularly pleased that Taieri George has been awarded gold as it is a brew that honours my late father and is currently on seasonal release”.

The Micro Brewery categories had a total of nine gold awards and two of them were presented to The Emerson Brewing Company.

The Australian International Beer Awards are held in Melbourne annually and this year attracted 1084 entries from 42 countries.

The awards are the second largest beer awards held in the world – the largest is the World Beer Cup held in the United States.

Emerson Brewing Company winners:

Taieri George: Gold: Best in Class
Weissbier: Gold: Best in Class
London Porter: Silver
Oatmeal Stout: Bronze
APA: Bronze
Old 95: Bronze

Food Science Student Scholarship

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +1200

The Emerson Brewing Company Limited announces the establishment of a Food Science Student Scholarship as a tribute to the late Professor Jean-Pierre Dufour, formerly Dean of Food Sciences at the University of Otago.

Belgium born Jean-Pierre, affectionately know as JP, was an icon in the international brewing industry. Educated at the Catholic University in Louvain, Belgium; with post graduate and teaching positions at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA and the University of Senghor, Egypt, followed by directing the UN brewing programmes in Ghana prior to New Zealand residency in 1995. Recognised for his academic achievements and applied expertise, JP’s enthusiasm and goodwill to all was complemented with a pleasing measure of humility which made him a man of the people.

An Emerson’s commemorative JP Belgian Ale will be produced annually and released in June. Vintages will vary in beer style, flavour and aroma–each brew will reflect one of the many beer styles for which Belgium is renowned. JP sales will assist with funding the student scholarship.

Australian International Beer Awards 2007

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 09:36:00 +1200

All Silvers this year

Organic Pilsner Australian International Beer Awards
American Pale Ale
Old 95
Oatmeal Stout
Weissbier

Thank you to all the Staff, yet again making sure we keep a high consistent standard

Professor Jean-Pierre Dufour Has Sadly Passed Away

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 09:35:00 +1300

Emerson’s Brewery would like to extend its sympathy to the family of Jean Pierre Dufour in his passing. His passing is also a huge loss to the burgeoning Microbrewery industry in New Zealand.For those who did not know Professor Jean Pierre Dufour he was the Head of the Food Science Department at the University of Otago since 1995. He had a great passion for beer. Jean-Pierrre was born in Tournai, Belgium, he studied at the Catholic University of Louvain between 1970 and 1975. He focused on food science, then later yeast. He has worked at Johns Hopkins University and back at his old university in Louvian where he established a Master in Brewing Science and Technology degree. I could go on with the many academic accolades, all hard worked for and well deserved.

To Emerson’s we remember him for all the advise he gave us. Passing on not only his knowledge but also his passion for the brewing process and industry. We thank him for all the hours he spent tasting and judging beers at BrewNZ, where in 2006 he recieved the life time Achievement Award. The hours he spent in our brewery tasting our beers and giving advice.

Jean-Pierre we already miss you.

2006 Westpac Otago Chamber of Commerce

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 09:34:00 +1300

Business Excellence Awards

This was the first year we entered the Awards. We entered in two Categories; Business Skill Awards, Manufacturing/Primary and Business Attributes Awards, Innovation. We were finalists in both categories and won the Business Skills award. We were also a finalist in the Supreme award that went deservedly went to Presbyterian Support Otago.

We would like thank the sponsor, Anderson Lloyd Caudwell, who in the great surprise and emotion we forgot to thank on the night. Also all the staff at Emerson Brewing Co Ltd, who work with great enthusiasm and creativity to achieve the standards that is expected in Emerson’s Beer.

Lastly thank you to Westpac and the Otago Chamber of Commerce for providing these awards and putting together a great panel of Judges.

Tonic Bar

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 09:27:00 +1300

The old Travel Bar has been revived and given new lease of life as Tonic Bar, 138 Princes Street, Dunedin. Focusing on the more interesting premium beers and good food, it has five Emerson beers on tap. The usual selection is Bookbinder, Organic Pilsner, 1812 Indian Pale Ale, London Porter and Maris Gold. When Emerson’s has special releases such as Bock, Tonic will have these on tap. Also available is a great range of New Zealand Boutique Beers and selected beers from overseas. Complementing this is a great range of tapas food.

Open hours:

Tues-Thurs 4pm - Late
Friday 2pm - Late
Saturday 5pm - Late

Look at their website www.tonicbar.co.nz

So go meet Dave, Fitz and Viv at Tonic. They will be open New Year’s Eve.

BrewNZ 2006

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 09:25:00 +1300

Another great event, thank you Kerry Tyack and Diane Falconer for all your hard work. The setting this year was Bellamy’s at the Beehive. Yet again proving it is the show case event for beer awards in New Zealand.

We entered this years events with some trepidation as we had moved to our new site and all the beers would be from our new brew house. We secured a great brand headquarters at Scopa Caffe Cucina, Cnr of Ghuznee and Cuba St. Thank you Lorenzo, your pizza’s are fantastic! Our Anniversary Pale Ale went down well, especially on the beer engine.

We receivied 12 medals and 3 best of class:

Best of Class

Taieri George
Oatmeal Stout
Dunkelweiss

Gold Medals

Taieri George

Silver Medals

Oatmeal Stout
Dunkelweiss
Heffe Wiessbier
Old 95
Bourbon Porter
Anniversary Pale Ale
Pandora’s Bock

Bronze Medals

Organic Pilsner
Ancell Bock
Bookbinder
London Porter

So we would like to thank all those people whom over the last 12 months have allowed us to keep our quality high. Both suppliers and customers, and especially the dedicated hard working staff at Emerson Brewery: Richard Emerson, Shaun Ancell, James Falconer, Robyn Marr, Chris Scott, Clayton Barker and Stephen Moore.

Emerson’s Bourbon Porter

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 09:25:00 +1200

It has been three years since we brewed Whisky Porter. The last batch was number 547 and since then its been very difficult to source quality barrels. We thought this was the last time that we could produce Whiskey Porter. A chance conversation with a friend in the liquor industry lead us to purchase 12 almost new bourbon casks just freshly emptied. This was a rare opportunity we couldn’t beer to miss!

The London Porter brew was decanted into the barrels at the old Grange Street Brewery on the 14th of July 2005 and trucked over to our new site for what was meant to be four months maturation. But now, nine months later, in May 2006, we have managed to find the time to rack the beer out of the barrels into the “marrying tank” to blend the individual barrel flavours. After our previous experience, we’ve got to know that checking the quality of each barrel before decanting into the tank was pretty darn hard work but oh, the flavours! The differences between each cask! The oakiness, charcoal, the bourbon - the tasting check certainly was a sensory experience.

Because we have only twelve casks left, we are researching extending the life of those barrels for a possible further batch of Bourbon Porter. In the meantime, do try and obtain some bottles of this limited edition rare breed. The Bourbon Porter will be released in July.

First Annual Emerson’s Brewery Queens Birthday Pie Off

Sat, 10 Jun 2006 09:23:00 +1200

Well what an event. What started off as a small idea to create a bit of staff morale and some fun for friends and local clients expanded quickly into a full-blown competition, over 40 pies in two categories; Amateur and Professional. People were very secretive about their pies, one person even importing ingredients.

The idea was that people made pies and each pie needed to include an Emerson beer, which was or had been commercially available. We had pies of many descriptions; Fish Pie with Maris Gold, Steak and Mussel Pie with London Porter, Apple Pie with Whiskey Porter. Every beer had a pie made for it, but the Old 95 and Taieri George seem to be the most popular.

Judging was done by the contestants, the Professionals judged the Amateurs and the Amateurs judged the Professionals. It was a bracing -1 degrees but we all wrapped up warm and got on with eating pies and drinking beer.

Winners:

Amateur Division: Our own James Falconer with a Venison and Kidney pie made with an Old 95, a mash potato top garnished with parsley. He is already planning his defence. A clear winner.
Professional Division: Adrian Woodhouse, Levito Bakery won with an Almond Tart using Taieri George.

The Trophies, two 7-litre stock pots where engraved and given to the winners with the hope they will be well used before handing back next year. We felt this competition was a great success, and with a bit of tweaking will be even better. Thank you to all who participated and all the willing helpers who came to make sure all the pies were eaten. So roll on next Queens Birthday for the second annual Queens Birthday Pie off.

First Million Litres

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 09:23:00 +1200

One of our Company Directors, Graeme Berry, pointed out in February that we were just about to reach our first million litres during the Month of March. This little bit of information took us by surprise so we decided to dust off the pilot plant brewery to brew a small celebratory batch of American Brown Ale for Eureka Bar. This Beer was a ‘one-off batch’ with hoppy characters balanced by nutty malt sweetness and complemented by the way it was served creamy from the Beer Engine.

The celebration night on 30 March 2006 was a gastronomic delight. The resident chef, Andrew King whipped up some savoury dishes. One of those, Roast Duck on polenta dribbled with fruit marinated in beer. Richard found it hard to believe that there were no spices in the fruit and was pleasantly surprised to find that the beer, Maris Gold, was the secret ingredient. Another chef, Steve Hotton, a former Otago Rugby player, displayed his skills with a Chicken stuffing pie and a Beef Mushroom pie with our beer as part of the ingredients. Those pies were a real work of art. Thanks Steve!

With the new plant, we reckon it won’t be long before we have the excuse to party again for the next million litres!

The First Brews

Sun, 15 Jan 2006 09:17:00 +1300

Only seven days had elapsed before we could commence brewing again. Unfortunately the new mill systems were not quite ready so we had to drag out the old Grange Street malt mill. This took fours hours to crush a tonne of malt for the usual 5000 litre batch on the previous day. Then the bags had to be carried up the stairs to the mash mixer on brewing morning. This went on for six more brews… phew!

We were pleased with the performance of the new Brew house built by the Dunedin Firm, Farra Stainless. Usually we start the brewing day at 6am, firing up the boiler with a pint of freshly brewed coffee in hand. At 7am the milling starts crushing the malt directly into the Mash mixer where it sat for an hour with the malt enzymes converting the malt starch into malt sugars, about 9am, it was pumped over to the Launter.
The Launter is basically a strainer, separating the sweet wort from the grain with some additional spraying of hot water to rinse off the adhering malt sugars. By 12:30pm the kettle would be full, with steam on raising the temperature to a 60-minute rolling boil. The hops are added in several stages depending on the recipe. Usually with Pilsner a large quantity is dropped in at the end of the boil for maximum. By 2pm, we’d be pumping the hot hopped wort from the kettle through the Heat Exchanger. This cooled down to 20 degrees on the way to the 5500 litre Fermenter, which already contained yeast, really to chew down the malt sugars to Carbon Dioxide and alcohol.

By 4:30pm everything is all cleaned up… Aha… it’s Beer O’clock, just enough time to check the previous batches of beers… mmm quality control sure is hard work…

The Opening of the Brewery

Tue, 27 Dec 2005 09:11:00 +1300

When we invited Peter Chin, the Mayor of Dunedin to the Opening on the 7th of December 2005, he rang to say that he was a little worried about being late from a prior function. He wanted to be present, as he knew some of our shareholders from school days. Not a problem!

Richard was certainly chuffed to hear Peter Chin talk about the Brewery and what it has achieved for Dunedin. The feeling was great after all the months of hard work and planning. Our elation called for a few celebratory beers.

The next day was a larger event involving seven local Dunedin bands, which played into the early hours of Sunday to a crowd of some 200 Emerson’s fans. Celebrating the new brewery site required 13 kegs of beer and plenty of food cooked on the barbeque by our local Deli Butcher Micco Meats (Thanks Mike, for the delicious meat - sorry your wife had to take you home!)

Most of those bands had solid connections with Richard Emerson. He went to the same Logan Park High School with Martin Phillips from the Chills www.softbomb.com and former classmates played in several bands that night. It was certainly a night to celebrate all these things: Dunedin, the beer, the music and the locals.

The Band list is below. They are a fantastic lot and we would like to support them in the near future…

By Pass - A winning band of the Smoke Free Rock Quest. Well Done.
The Fifth Wheel - New group based around five music teachers.
In a Circle - First reunion after a hiatus of twenty years, great to see you guys play again! Thanks Phillip Hurring and David and Darren Stedman.
Luxury Ocean Liner - Original Dunedin Sound Founders (Stephen Stedman, David Stedman, Jeff Harford and Shane Gilchrist) in a new band.
The Tomahawks - Mix of experience and youth influenced by Neil Young and Velvet Underground Operation Rolling Thunder - A loud band with little to say… a Bnet finalist.

Darren Stedman ended up drumming for three bands; In a Circle, Luxury Ocean Liner and The Tomahawks. We’re pretty sure he was upbeat for a few beers afterwards.