Our panel of 6 judges tasted 37 craft beers from New Zealand breweries. We included a mix of wheat beers, lagers and pale ales – lighter and refreshing styles you’re likely to drink in spring and summer. Among the 37 beers, we included 3 from New Zealand’s biggest breweries.
Our tastings differ from industry tastings. We buy our beer from shops just like consumers do – most other tastings use beer chosen by the brewery. And our judges are a mix of professionals and experienced amateurs.
See Our top picks for the favourites from our judges, and Tasting results for the full results for all 37 beers.
Our panel
- Geoff Griggs
Independent beer writer and commentator. - Stu McKinlay
Beer enthusiast, home-brewer, beer award steward and owner of Yeastie Boys. - Trasy Fahle
Beer, wine and cheese enthusiast. - Kieran Haslett-Moore
Beer specialist at Regional Wines and Spirits in Wellington. Beer judge, beer columnist and founding member of SOBA (Society of Beer Advocates). - Alasdair Clem
Head brewer at Wellington’s Mac’s Brewery. Originally from whisky country in the north of Scotland but much prefers a pint after work to a dram! - Grant Pearson
Brewer at DB Breweries in Auckland.
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