An unexpected gem at a roadside brewery/ taproom that we almost did not bother with until another local highly recommended them. Afterall, even though they advertise as a taproom, they are operating off license and are therefore unable to serve full-sized pints. However, they do offer a tasting free of charge with no pressure to purchase any of the numerous cans or riggers in the fridges afterward. We were offered small tastes and WOW it was mind blowing! Most offerings were pale "unfiltered" pales and NZ-hopped pilsners but they were tasting FRESH, crisp and bright. The Green Mountain IPA with Nelson sauvin, Mosaic and Pacifica hops was especially sticky with some ripe, lemony notes. The wife-husband duo, Jason Bathgate (previous head brewer of award winning McLeod Brewery in Wellington) and Monica Mead, are previously from Vermont, USA, so this style made sense. The other favorite was the Bathgate Pale with ultra bright citrusy notes, its pale format making for an absolutely crushable beer. Safe to say, we purchased many a can for takeaway, even taking a chance on 2 DIPA's that weren't on tap anymore, the Chuck and Pitter Patter DIPA. Crazed craft beer nerds we may be, but enthusiastic ones at that, having returned from the land of hops with HIGH praise for this little brewery in Riwaka/ Motueka. read more

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