BREWERY // Yeastie Boys will always have a special place in our hearts. Their marvellous Gunnamatta was our first ever Beer Of The week way back in March 2015 when we had 6 members and stuffed boxes with real estate agent newspapers. Since they launched in Wellington in 2008, the Boys - Stu McKinlay & Sam Possenniskie - have done things their way with possibly the most eclectic core range (beers made with Earl Grey tea, coconut and 100% peat smoked malt) in the country. They raised half a million dollars in 30 minutes in 2015 which led to intercontinental expansion and the contract brewery now simultaneously makes beer in Australia, England and Auckland. Despite not having a brewery, last year they bought on James Kemp - formerly of Marble, Buxton & Thornbridge - as head brewer who meticulously crafts each recipe.
BEER // Kveik yeast is on the lips (and in the fermenters) of experimental brewers all over the World right now. A few years ago a Norwegian beer blogger, Lars Marius Garshol, started investigating the farmhouse yeast strains that have been used for many centuries by homebrewers in the Norwegian countryside leading to its 'discovery' worldwide. Over countless generations, the yeast strains became truly domesticated to suit harsh environments. When dried out, Kveik can lie dormant for decades. Kveik ferments far faster than conventional brewers yeast. It will ferment beer at very high or low temperatures without creating any off flavours. Some kveik strains can result in bold citrus peel esters which is certainly the case in Irascible The Flamingo. The hops were carefully selected to amplify the orange-y notes too with all 5 varieties bringing different citrus notes to the orange orchard melody. The yeast has also done a marvellous job chomping though the sugars in the wort creating a dry light bodied beer with a slightly surprising 7%. All in all, it's a very clever and very delicious beer.
We look forward to seeing what you all think in the Beer Jerk Members Facebook Group, on Untappd, Instagram & Twitter. Don't forget to #BeerJerkNZ so we can see what you think.
BREWERY // Yeastie Boys
BEER // Irascible The Flamingo
STYLE // IPA
ORIGIN // Concepted in London. Brewed in Auckland
ABV // 7%
TEMPERATURE // Cool. 10mins out of the fridge
FOOD MATCH // Dim sum. Fish Tacos. Omelette with Sharp Apple & Goats Cheese.
GLASS // IPA Glass, Tulip