Frisky Frogs & Men in Kilts
The day/night of 3 October was spent at a miniature Munich Oktoberfest at White Cliffs Organic Brewery in Urenui, Taranaki – all of the fun with a fraction of the people (about 450). With a free stein on entry, songbook for the Oompah Band (New Plymouth Brass Band) and a full Bavarian meal, these country folk sure do know how to throw a decent festival. I guess the one benefit of drinking from a stein (not The Lady Glass’ usual choice of vessel) is the ability to slam your glass into someone else’s without fear of breakage in an over the top “cheers” – and the clinking happened at regular occurrences throughout the day & night. There were prizes for best Bavarian costume, however I struggled to understand how a kilt (and no, he didn’t wear anything underneath) or a full-on frog outfit matched the criteria – but I guess it was all in the name of good fun.
The beer on offer was Mike’s Organic selection of a Lager, Pilsner, Strawberry Blonde, Premium Cider or Mild Ale. Having never tasted the Strawberry Blonde (and knowing the effort White Cliffs had put into producing it) I felt it was worthy of trying. The aroma hit hard, smelling so good I thought it was a dessert of strawberries and cream, however the first few sips were somewhat disappointing and lacking in flavour to back the bouquet. That said, several mouthfuls later (after my palate adjusted from the earlier Pilsner), I found the scent and taste combined well, transforming the beer to a smooth and easy to drink drop.
Knowing the brewer has its advantages, and I was fortunate enough to pay a visit to the brewery and sample Mike’s Whiskey Porter. Not a major fan of the darker beers, this one was very much to my liking – pouring almost black (although the lighting was poor) - and smelling more of a fine port than whiskey without too strong a malty flavour. It warmed me from the inside out and I could easily partake of this brew on a winter’s evening following a hearty meal.
An awesome night followed, with a band (the Boardy Boyz) playing pub-like music that had everyone dancing. The atmosphere was relaxed, the crowd humming and I didn’t witness a single incident of overly drunken debauchery or crazy shenanigans. Well done White Cliffs, I have eradicated the term “hick” from my vocabulary. I’m almost converted to country living (or should I say “celebration”) – that is, if I had cellphone reception..
http://theladyglass.blogspot.com/2009/10/frisky-frogs-men-in-kilts....
The beer on offer was Mike’s Organic selection of a Lager, Pilsner, Strawberry Blonde, Premium Cider or Mild Ale. Having never tasted the Strawberry Blonde (and knowing the effort White Cliffs had put into producing it) I felt it was worthy of trying. The aroma hit hard, smelling so good I thought it was a dessert of strawberries and cream, however the first few sips were somewhat disappointing and lacking in flavour to back the bouquet. That said, several mouthfuls later (after my palate adjusted from the earlier Pilsner), I found the scent and taste combined well, transforming the beer to a smooth and easy to drink drop.
Knowing the brewer has its advantages, and I was fortunate enough to pay a visit to the brewery and sample Mike’s Whiskey Porter. Not a major fan of the darker beers, this one was very much to my liking – pouring almost black (although the lighting was poor) - and smelling more of a fine port than whiskey without too strong a malty flavour. It warmed me from the inside out and I could easily partake of this brew on a winter’s evening following a hearty meal.
An awesome night followed, with a band (the Boardy Boyz) playing pub-like music that had everyone dancing. The atmosphere was relaxed, the crowd humming and I didn’t witness a single incident of overly drunken debauchery or crazy shenanigans. Well done White Cliffs, I have eradicated the term “hick” from my vocabulary. I’m almost converted to country living (or should I say “celebration”) – that is, if I had cellphone reception..
http://theladyglass.blogspot.com/2009/10/frisky-frogs-men-in-kilts....
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