As exciting a 2023 as you may have had, I’d wager you didn’t reach the heights or excitement of the Pūteketeke. The year saw the humble, great crested grebe become a global sensation thanks to comedian John Oliver’s decision to back the bird in New Zealand’s Bird of the Century poll. If there’s one thing Brits and Americans love doing, it’s interfering in other country’s and Oliver’s campaign saw it eclipse all rivals, top the list and break the website of Forest & Bird (the conservation group that runs the poll). It was a moment Bright Brewery have decided to mark for their first release of 2024, with the brewery creating Pūteketeke Pils with Nectaron, Nelson Sauvin and Kohatu hops. Just a the bird has a figure of New Zealand, the lager perfectly encapsulates the best of the country’s hops, with the aromatics and flavours rolling between strone fruit, tropical lollies, pear and further white wine tones. But playing the balancing roll is the beer's crispness, lean body and bitter finish.
Then back for another summer is Bright’s Yuzu Sweetart Sour, the brewery’s most popular limited sour and one that’s made with whole citrus from Mountain Yuzu in nearby Eurobin. As a result, you’ll find plenty of those distinct hits from the fruit which I always find somehow combines the best of lime, citrus and orange juice against a tart backdrop.
Will Ziebell
Published January 22, 2024 2024-01-22 00:00:00
