Breweries on the move

Hop Federation, Renaissance get new homes. Good George back away from "Up The Wahs" trademark application. Weight-loss drugs a threat to beverage industry. Worst beer opinions on Reddit.

Welcome to Friday Night Beers,

As you read this, I will undoubtedly be drinking one of Sunshine Brewing’s top drops on a rare getaway to the East Cape for Sunshine’s annual Long Lunch, with delicious food served up by celeb chef Rex Morgan. I shall report back next week.

In the meantime. big news out of the top of the South Island with two major breweries on the move.

In the Tasman region, Hop Federation have officially moved from the side of the road in Riwaka into a new purpose-built brewery that makes Motueka even more of a beer destination.

And Renaissance is moving from Blenheim to Christchurch, where they will set up within Wigram Brewing, ending 18 years at Blenheim.

The first Hop Fed beer out of the new Motueka brewery will be released on Monday —a Hazy Pale Ale called First Drop which is packed with Motueka (seems fitting!) and Amarillo hops. 

Head brewer Simon Nicholas is also revamping the current range.

While the move means the closure of the much-loved Riwaka taproom, Hop Federation beer will be available at Motueka’s Toad Hall and the Riwaka Hotel.

Hop Federation beers are currently on tap at both venues, but in October, you’ll also be able to purchase riggers, 6-packs, 440ml cans, and merch at each place. Toad Hall will continue to serve up Townshend beer as well, with that brewery just behind the popular cafe.

And the brewery has plans to team up with local restaurant Burger Culture for Feast Whakatū on November 25.

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Renaissance renewal

After 18 years in Blenheim, Renaissance Brewing is moving to Christchurch and will be joined there by other Brandhouse-owned brands 1Up and Funk Estate.

The brands will all be produced at Wigram Brewing in Christchurch but will be packaged 200m down the road at a Brandhouse distribution centre and distillery.

Jason Dellaca of Brandhouse confirmed the move to Pursuit of Hoppiness, saying there were multiple reasons for the decision including:

• The brewing operation had outgrown the space;

• The cost of freight in and out of Blenheim had become too expensive; and

• The lease on the Dodson St, Blenheim, facility was up for renewal in March.

Dellaca said head brewer Sean Moss would relocate to Christchurch but other staff had decided not to move.

Renaissance Relocating To Christchurch — Pursuit of Hoppiness

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Beer of the week No 1

I can see why Beer Baroness Little Mighty won a trophy at the New Zealand Beer Awards in the low and no-alcohol class. It’s the single best 2.5% beer I’ve consumed. And the quality of it makes it very hard for a non-alcoholic beer to ever win a trophy in this class in the future — we’re talking different leagues. It’s full-bodied, hoppy, thirst-quenching … it literally ticks all the boxes. This “small beer” market has been under threat from non-alcoholic options but when you get this much flavour with only a skirmish of alcohol, you’re on to a winner.

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Good George back away from potential trademark war

You maybe read the story of how both Good George and The Warriors rugby league team both applied to trademark the name “Up The Wahs”.