Award-winning Tuatara Brewing Company has been sold to DB Breweries, but its founders Carl and Simone Vasta says they continue to be passionate about New Zealand craft beer and will be directly involved with the company’s future growth. Carl Vasta – who established Tuatara in 2000 from his Kapiti Coast home – says the shareholding is changing, but not the recipe. “Brewing beer and talking about beer is my passion,” he says. “With the support of my family, we have been able to grow Tuatara into a successful business. In order to take things to the next level, we need assistance. That’s why we’ve teamed up with DB. Now, I intend to get back to the brewing and step out of the business end.” Tuatara is now one of the largest craft breweries in New Zealand, producing more than two million litres last year, and recently clinched the supreme award at the Brewers Guild of New Zealand 2016 Beer Awards. DB Breweries managing director Andy Routley says craft beer is an exciting segment of the Kiwi beer market. “We are excited by Tuatara for three reasons. Firstly, Carl and his team are passionate about making great beer and their customers are equally passionate about enjoying it. Secondly, they have a focus on quality and innovation. And thirdly, we believe that the beers they produce have all the characteristics for their continued success in the wider local and global marketplace. We’re not going to mess with a winning formula.” Simone Vasta will continue in her role as logistics manager, and son Adam will oversee continuity and quality. www.facebook.com/TuataraBrewing www.foodtechnology.co.nz 37 THREE FROM THREE: Wellington’s Garage Project has, for the third year running, taken out the best brewery for 2016 in the Society of Beer Advocates Awards. The brewers topped a plethora of Wellington breweries that have dominated the awards, although organiser and SOBA president Maree Shaw says New Zealand is witnessing a continuing nationwide surge in appreciation for good beer. Designed to recognise, reward and encourage those who are providing excellent products and services to the beer community and industry, the awards are nominated and voted on by the SOBA membership in each region. Upper Hutt’s Panhead Supercharger APA won the coveted best beer award for the second time. Long-time stalwarts of the beer scene like Vulture’s Lane (Auckland), Hashigo Zake (Wellington), and Pomeroy’s (Christchurch) were honoured, Shaw says, but this year also saw first time winners in smaller regions like the Bay of Plenty, Whanganui and Manawatu. Shaw says it was great to see more bars, restaurants, off licences and events recognised in the regions compared to previous years. “More and more people are realising just how diverse and exciting beer can be,” she says, “and it’s fantastic to see more establishments embracing good beer.” The awards also recognise festivals and events in each region, from Wellington’s massive Beervana to a cosy Meet the Brewer tasting in the Bay of Plenty. “The SOBA members are some of the most knowledgeable beer drinkers in New Zealand,” Shaw says. “All of the winners should be proud of their commitment to good quality and service.” www.soba.org.nz/2016-soba-award BEER YOGA: If you’re into beer but can’t seem to get rid of that ever-increasing ‘muffin top’ around your middle, here’s some very good news for you. The new craze for fitness enthusiasts with the yearning for a brewski is Beer Yoga and, as strange as it sounds, the practice is a unique health and fitness regime that actually allows you to grab a frothy drink and lose the extra flab at the same time. Originating from Germany, ‘Bier Yoga’ dubs itself as the marriage of two great loves – beer and yoga – and has made its way across the world to Australia after enthralling beer drinkers in Berlin. So how does it work? Simply take a sip from your beer bottle and turn your body into diverse postures in an hour-long session…subscribers say the bliss of tasting beer and the peace of performing asanas can peel away the pounds. Held mainly in bars, lounges, parties, indoor events and festivals, Beer Yoga was invented by two certified yoga instructors and ardent beer drinkers for the Burning Man Festival, and is termed “fun” and “no joke.” Will we see it in New Zealand? No doubt about it! http://bieryoga.de/english LEGENDARY BEER SOLD TO DB BREWERIES
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