Summer is here and that means barbecues season is around the corner. When you have friends and family over to enjoy a delicious barbecue, having the right beer is essential. That’s why we decided to take a look at what New Zealand has to offer in terms of the best beer for barbecues. Read on to find out which beers are the perfect accompaniment for your summer barbecue.
IPAs
IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are a type of beer with a higher hop content than traditional ales. They offer a unique balance of bitterness and aroma that is great for pairing with a summer barbecue. New Zealand has some fantastic IPAs to choose from, with several breweries creating their own unique takes on the style. Here are some of the best IPAs for your next barbecue:
- Sauvinista by 8 Wired Brewing Co. – This is a classic New Zealand IPA, brewed with the iconic Motueka hop. It offers a distinct citrus and tropical fruit flavor with plenty of bitterness to balance the sweetness.
- Fiji Bitter by Epic Brewing Co. – This IPA is brewed with a blend of New Zealand and Australian hops, including Galaxy and Nelson Sauvin. It has a smooth, bitter finish with subtle hints of tropical fruit and citrus.
- G-Force by Yeastie Boys – This is an American-style IPA, brewed with a blend of New Zealand and American hops. It has a strong hop aroma with a balanced bitterness and a pleasant malty finish.
Pilsners
Pilsners are a light, crisp lager style of beer that is perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day. They are well-balanced, with a light body and a subtle hop character. New Zealand has some excellent pilsners to choose from, so here are some of our favorites:
- Gibbston Valley Pilsner by Gibbston Valley – This is a classic Czech-style pilsner, brewed with 100% New Zealand-grown malt. It has a delicate floral aroma and a crisp, dry finish with a hint of citrus.
- Hallertau Pilsner by Hallertau Brewery – This pilsner is brewed with all-natural ingredients, including the iconic Hallertau hop. It has a light body and a subtle bitterness, perfect for a refreshing summer sip.
- Kereru Pilsner by Kereru Brewing Co. – This pilsner is brewed with entirely New Zealand-grown hops, offering a unique and complex flavor with notes of tropical fruit and a dry, floral finish.
Lagers
Lagers are a crisp, refreshing beer style that is perfect for hot summer days. They are light, crisp and easy to drink, making them the perfect accompaniment for a barbecue. Here are some of New Zealand’s best lagers to enjoy at your next summer barbecue:
- Monteith’s Original by Monteith’s Brewing Co. – This is a classic New Zealand lager, brewed for over 100 years. It’s light and refreshing with a crisp, clean finish.
- Sawmill Pilsner by Sawmill Brewery – This is a classic German-style pilsner, brewed with New Zealand-grown hops and malt. It has a light body and a subtle hop bitterness balanced with a refreshing malt sweetness.
- Harrington’s Lager by Harrington’s Brewery – This is a New Zealand-style lager, brewed with local hops and malts. It has a light body with a subtle hop bitterness and a smooth, crisp finish.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the perfect beer for your barbecue, New Zealand has plenty to offer. From IPAs to pilsners and lagers, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your taste. So be sure to stock up on some of these delicious beers and get the party started this summer.