New Beer Festival for Nelson
28 Feb 2008
Nelson might be better known for wine production but a new festival is about to put the region on the map for another popular tipple.
'Marchfest', loosely based on Munich's popular OktoberFest, will celebrate Nelson's local craft beers, highlighting traditional brewing methods with a day of tasting, food, music and fun. The region's sunny climate, pure water and world -class hops apparently make for a great brew and organisers hope the festival will become a global event.
Connoisseurs will be able to sample totally unique beers using locally grown hops and created especially for the festival. Four local boutique breweries were invited to participate and given firm guidelines by festival organiser Mic Dover - a former West Londoner now living in Nelson. "The mission was to create a beer previously unavailable anywhere in the world, using only locally grown hops," says Dover.
What the local brewers came up with makes tantalising reading :
Straw Beery Blonde
"It will be a New World lager with an alcoholic strength of around 4.5%," says Founders brewer John Duncan. "We’ll do some tasting notes once it has been brewed!"
Henley's Revenge
Brakspears Brewery in Henley-on-Thames closed down in 2002 having opened in 1711," says brewer Martin Townshend. "Henley’s Revenge is my tribute to their fine beermaking traditions. It's also a nod in the direction of Mic Dover's efforts in raising awareness of Nelson's craft beers - he was a Brakspears fan when he lived in the UK."
Easter Ale
"It’s full name is Long Hop and Two Smoking Barrels Easter Ale," says Tasman Brewery's Dave Barrett. "You can call it Easter Ale for short!"
March Hare "It’s a unique manuka beer," says Mussel Inn brewer Andrew Dixon, "using local sauvin hops. Manuka is becoming quite iconic in the area - which will help to reinforce the regionality of MarchFest."
With more than 2500 people expected for the festival on Saturday March 29, Dover has high hopes for the future.
"We’re aiming to become the southern hemisphere’s foremost beer festival attracting beer lovers from around the world to taste unique Kiwi craft beers in this world-class setting of sunny Nelson," he says.
Marchfest is on Saturday March 29 from 11am - 9pm at Founders Heritage Park, Nelson.
See www.marchfest.com
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