People are blogging about Epic Armageddon IPA - already!

Does My Bum Look Big in this Barrel? by Melissa Cole

To set the scene for you, a couple of months ago Luke Nicholas from Epic brewery was over here brewing for Wetherspoon's and I met up with him and his mate Colin Mallon (a Scotsman who runs a great-sounding pub called the Malthouse ) had some beers, a bite to eat and an all-round good laugh.

They went back to New Zealand, we did the Facebook thing to stay in contact and I didn't think much more about it - until a tagged photo of a barrel appeared with my name on it on Colin's page, which I found a little odd/slightly insulting!

Basically, inspired by Pete Brown's new book Hops & Glory (which I've mentioned previously), Luke & Colin cooked up the idea to put two wooden casks of beer onto the New Zealand Interislander Ferry for six weeks to see what effect it has - the decided that the barrels should be named after Pete and myself, which is sweet... I think!

from the blog Taking the beard out of beer! - A Girl's Guide to Beer

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Whatcha gonna do, Brother?

Whatcha gonna do, brother, when the hoppiest beers in the country run wild on you?

The Second Annual West Coast IPA Challenge: Battle of Champions has rightly been likened to a huge title bout with two cocky contenders out to win the spoils of victory and, perhaps more importantly, bragging rights over the other for a whole year.

This year, the Challenge kicks off on July 17 at Malthouse with Hallertau’s specially brewed Maximus Humulus Lupulus squaring off on tap against Epic’s brilliantly named Armageddon.

from The Malthouse blog

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An these have been re-blogged here The Epic Journey Has Begun

Craft Beer Surge - Sunday Star Times - 12 July 2009

Letters To The Business Editor - Page D7

Dear Tim

Re: Recession Bites Grog Sales – Sunday Star Times 28th June, 2009

I was surprised to read this article which does give the point of view
of the large brewers in this country and the commodity they sell
called beer. It is easy for consumers of this type of product to trade
down in tough economic times due to the fact that the flavour difference between the so called "premium" international style lagers and the budget NZ draught styles (which evolved during tough economic times during WWII) is minimal.

There is a segment of the New Zealand beer market that is still experiencing growth, the craft beers. Last week I was in Christchurch for a meeting of NZ craft brewers looking at setting up an export cooperative for the Australian market. We all talked about the growth rate were are all experiencing, even now, of 50% - 100%, across the
brewers at the table. We also discussed the issues we are currently having getting funding to expand capacity in our breweries. This is definitely something that the current economic situation if effecting the 50 craft breweries of New Zealand

As a brewer myself of craft beer, I would be surprised to see my customers trading down, as there is no comparative products that are cheaper. As a craft brewer I am making beers full of flavour, and don't compromise of ingredients, as a result my beer cost significantly more. But there is a growing market for these beers.

This month I am releasing a beer that could arguably be most flavourful beer in New Zealand, Epic Armageddon IPA. This beer will be selling in supermarkets for around $10 per 500ml bottle and I expect to sell out within a few weeks.

Cheers
Luke Nicholas
General Manager - Flying Brewer ;-)
EPIC Brewing Company

Epic Beer - Profile Video

This is an Epic Beer profile video thanks to the guys at Made From New Zealand

Australian International Beer Awards 2007

Last night our samples of Epic Pale Ale flew out on Air New Zealand to Melbourne for the Australian International Beer Awards. Judging starts Monday 19th March.

Awards will be announced at the Beer Awards Presentation Dinner,Thursday 19th April Sofitel Melbourne, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia.

[UPDATE: San Fran six pack to DIGGNation. It was picked up from the pilot at the Hilton SF, and is now waiting for delivery to the Digg HQ]