Beer and cider ready for judging
New World
More than 4000 bottles and cans of beer and cider have
been transported, stacked and packed into Wellington's Westpac
Stadium, in preparation for the second New World Beer & Cider
Awards judging on 23-24 February.
A panel of 15 independent experts will swirl, sniff and taste to
decide the very best beers and ciders in the country, during the
robust two-day blind judging process. Each of the 464 entries
across 13 categories will be judged individually on its merits
using a collaborative method which evaluates the brew's qualities,
balance and drinkability. With a 40 per cent
increase in entries from 2014's inaugural awards, the
judges will face some tough decisions.
Two categories in particular are already looking to be the most
hotly contested in this year's awards. The popular Pale Ale
category has an outstanding 64 entries this year, and is followed
closely by the IPA (India Pale Ale) at 56 entries; results will be
eagerly anticipated in the next few months.
New World Beer & Cider
Awards is the only competition to feature a
low-alcohol and session beer category, recognising excellent
options on the market which are one standard drink or less per
bottle or can. This is great news for consumers who are looking for
good beers with lower alcohol content.
Chair of the independent judges, beer writer and
author Michael Donaldson, said the New World
awards are a celebration of beer and cider.
"The awards have been created to bring together some of New
Zealand's foremost beer and cider experts. Their expertise will
give New World consumers access to some of the world's best brews,
along with the confidence to discover new styles and brands," he
says.
"This competition is unique in New Zealand for the sheer number
of entries combined with the fact beer and cider is being judged
with the consumer in mind," Donaldson said.
"We are looking for quality, technical excellence and above all
drinkability. The number of entries shows how competitive the beer
market has become. Our job is to put the spotlight on the very best
beers available in New Zealand, to make it easier for the shopper
to purchase with confidence. It's like making a recommendation to a
mate about what to buy."
Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded to suitably
worthy entries, with a "Best in Class" awarded to
the top entry in each category. Consumers will be able to discover
the Best in Class winners of the 2016 awards in 137 New World
stores nationwide after Easter.
Steve Anderson, Managing Director, Foodstuffs New Zealand says,
"The independent panel of judges represents some of the best in the
industry. We will be using their expertise to bring New World
consumers an outstanding selection of award-winning beer and
ciders."
"We expect stock to be limited as some of the Best in Class
winners may be from small breweries with limited brewing capacity.
We know from previous experience there is always a huge demand for
winning beers and ciders, so customers will need to be quick to
enjoy these fantastic brews."
Entries have been received from breweries large and small
throughout New Zealand with the only criteria being that the beer
is available in cans or bottles, and brewers can deliver the volume
required to satisfy the thirst of New World shoppers
nationwide.
Visit www.newworld.co.nz for
more information about the awards.
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