Whether you’re looking for a light summer brew or a dark wintery stout, New Zealand has something to suit every sailor’s taste. Whether you’re a seasoned beer-drinking sailor or just out on a leisurely sail, there’s a beer for every occasion. Here are some of the best beers for a sailing trip in New Zealand.
Light Beers for a Refreshing Sip
Sailing is a great way to spend the day out in the sun, and a light beer can provide the perfect refreshment. There are several light beers produced by New Zealand brewers that will hit the spot after a day out on the high seas.
Emerson’s Bookbinder – This classic New Zealand pale ale has a light body that is perfect for a day out on the water. It has an easy-drinking flavour, with a hint of bitterness and a light hop aroma.
Epic Pale Ale – Another popular light beer, Epic Pale Ale is a well-balanced beer with a light body and a floral aroma. Its fruity sweetness is complemented by a subtle bitterness and a dry finish.
Tuatara Pale Ale – Tuatara Pale Ale is a bold and full-flavoured beer that features a distinctive hop character. It’s light in colour and body but packs a punch with its fresh and fruity flavours.
- Emerson’s Bookbinder
- Epic Pale Ale
- Tuatara Pale Ale
Amber and Dark Beers for a Hearty Drink
For those looking for something a little heartier, amber and dark beers can provide the perfect accompaniment to a sailing trip. These beers, which tend to be maltier and caramel in flavour, can be a great way to cap off a day of sailing.
Garage Project Kingtide Amber Ale – This amber ale is full-bodied and has a roasted malt aroma. It’s full of flavour, with hints of caramel, toffee and dark fruits.
Hallertau Imperial Stout – This Imperial Stout is a full-bodied beer with a deep, dark colour. It’s full of roasted malt flavours, with hints of chocolate and coffee.
Moa Imperial Stout – Moa’s Imperial Stout is a full-bodied and intense beer with a complex flavour. It has notes of roasted malt, dark chocolate and coffee, as well as hints of smoke and spice.
- Garage Project Kingtide Amber Ale
- Hallertau Imperial Stout
- Moa Imperial Stout
Specialty Beers for a Memorable Experience
New Zealand is also home to several craft breweries that are producing unique and interesting beers. For those looking for something a little different to enjoy while out on a sailing trip, these specialty beers can be a great option.
Libertine Black Tiki Porter – This porter has a subtle smokiness, with hints of chocolate and coffee. It’s balanced by a light sweetness and an earthy hop character.
McLeod’s Tora Bora – This unique beer is an imperial porter that is brewed with smoked malt, juniper berries and spices. It has notes of coffee, chocolate and smoke, as well as hints of fruit and spice.
Sawmill Imperial Pilsner – This Imperial Pilsner is a full-bodied beer that combines the strength of an imperial pilsner with the smooth flavour of a lager. It has a mild bitterness and a sweet malt backbone.
- Libertine Black Tiki Porter
- McLeod’s Tora Bora
- Sawmill Imperial Pilsner
No matter what type of beer you prefer, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste in New Zealand. Whether you’re looking for a light beer to quench your thirst after a long day of sailing or a dark, malty beer to enjoy as the sun sets, New Zealand’s craft beer scene has something for you. So grab a six-pack and enjoy the best beers for your sailing trip in New Zealand.