Wellington Craft Breweries

Well following along from my amateur review of the Nelson/Golden Bay/Marlborough brewies earlier in the year I though I would report on my Wellington Experience last week. 

First off I have to cough to total incompetence in the planning department as I went right past the front door of "Mikes" and "Tuatara" on the road trip.

It is really a mini review as I only managed to fit in the Fork and Brewer along with Parrot Dog. But both experiences were worth reporting. The Fork and Brewer was a logical choice with 90 minutes to kill while waiting for The Hobbit red carpet to roll out, what a fine choice it was too.

  The staff were helpful in serving up a few pilsners to help the selection process on what was a hot Wellington day. I couldn't go past the house brewed pilsner which I found much to my liking. Given the pending job interview I also had to finish the better halfs' Epic Lager, both mighty fine brews enjoyed in equal measure. One drop the mighty helpful Irish barman poured to try was the Three Boys Wit, wow I will definitely be ordering some of that one! Only reason I didn't order that was because the lovely day suited a pilsner.

The best bit of the Fork and Brewer is the eye candy for brewers, the plant is all on display for all to see. In fact you have to pass the mass of stainless vessels to get to the rest rooms, so it is one of those rare occasions where you don't mind having a Woolworths bladder. Well not quite the best bit actually, the best bit was the Chief Brewer, Lester, having the time to sit down and talk to me for a bit. What a hell of a nice guy, thanks Lester my life is richer for having met you.

A few days later with another hour to kill found me in the company of the crew at Parrot Dog Brewery. While set up for riggers the lads were happy to oblige my interest in trying their range. Being in Vivian Street they are a right in town and not far from the main action. If I worked in the area I could imagine grabbing a few riggers to take down to the harbour front to swig on before hitting the bars on a Friday night.

  All ales for now but it looks like the brewers have room to expand and they are thinking about lagers. I have to say I was compelled by the beer range, I could session on any of their beers! A couple were close to my own favourite brews so I guess that helped. Between both breweries I was impressed by the balanced beers, well away from the typical sweet swill from the main breweries(main reason for the visit was a 40th and I had to suffer a keg of the stuff, ugh). Again my life is better for the visit to Parrot Dog, thanks guys and I wish you success in bringing good beer to New Zealanders.