BREWERY // In 2010 ex-Yorkshireman David Gaughan launched Golden Eagle brewery in his Christchurch garage. He'd started homebrewing a few years earlier as a way to recreate the beloved dark beers of his homeland. In the past decade the brewery has dropped the 'golden', relocated a couple of times, endured repeated earthquakes, ran a successful crowdfunding campaign and collected no small number of awards. It's a true family business with Dave's partner Marilyn managing their venue and stepdaughter Shermane looking after administration and sales. Last year they opened the doors of their beautiful brewpub the Port & Eagle on the banks on the Kaiapoi River a short drive north of the city which is a must visit for any beer fan.
BEER // This years sees Eagle celebrate their 10th birthday. Naturally Dave chose to mark the occasion by releasing a commemorative 10% Belgian Strong Ale inspired by the Quadrupels traditionally brewed by monks in Flanders. Quads are big, boozy dark beers perfectly suited to celebrating. Packed with toffee and dried fruitcake flavours alongside the high abv, I often think of Quads as the most festive of styles. Eagle10 is beautifully authentic and would happily sit alongside those hallowed Trappist beers. It is a triumph of sweet warming malt loaf and dark fruit flavours best drunk after dark. We'd heartily recommend grabbing a few bottles for the cellar to enjoy it as it improves with ageing and also to drink alongside some of the Belgian beers that inspired it. Happy Birthday Eagle!
BREWERY // Eagle
BEER // Eagle 10
STYLE // Quadrupel
ORIGIN // Christchurch
ABV // 10%
TEMPERATURE // Cellar Temp. 10-12C
FOOD MATCH // Fries & Mayo. Fancy Dark Chocolate. Pancetta Wrapped Dates. Washed Rind Cheese.
VESSEL // Goblet. Wine Glass