Beer #233 - W/C 5 August 2019
BREWERY // We can't believe it's been 3 years since we've featured a Brave brew as beer of the week because we are huge fans of the Hawke's Bay brewery. Matt and his wife Gemma launched Brave in 2014 shortly after Matt won the Champion Brewer award at the 2013 SOBA New Zealand National Homebrew Competition. They started out (literally) as a backyard operation in the shed behind their house brewing beers to sell at the local farmer's market and some local bars and restaurants. Demand grew exponentially and they quickly outgrew the tiny 300L brewery and decuded to move to central Hastings. The bigger brew house also hosts a cellar door, bar and eatery and the neighbourhood brewery quickly won over locals and visitors to the region. Matt continues to steadily crank out beautifully crafted beers inspired by old and new world traditions and awards keep heading his way. When you're next in Hastings, pop in for a beer.
BEER // If there is a beer style that has it all, New World Red Ales could be the one - bitterness, aromatic hops and malty caramel sweetness. Clifford is definitely a Red Ale but the hop profile veers it close to being a Red IPA. The big rounded malts make it a great Winter beer to savour - it is rich, biscuity and toasty with a little toffee sweetness. The fresh bitterness of the hops compliments the malt backbone with and the complexity of the citrus and pine flavours make this a beer that you won't tire from drinking. It's no wonder it won Best US Style Ale at the Brewer's Guild Awards.
We look forward to seeing your reviews, photographs and food pairings in the Beer Jerk Members Facebook Group and on Untappd!
BREWERY // Brave
BEER // Clifford
STYLE // Hoppy Red Ale
ORIGIN // Hastings
ABV // 6.7%
TEMPERATURE // Cool - 7-10C
FOOD MATCH // Blue cheese burger. Salt & vinegar crisps. Black Bean Soup. Oatmeal Cookies.
GLASS // Shaker or Tulip Pint Glass