The New Zealand Beer Collective is back hosting New Zealand Beer Month (NZBM) this February — a month-long Kiwi beer extravaganza.
After taking lockdown in its stride and hosting a successful ‘online edition’ in 2021, the celebration is back this year for a mix of virtual and in-person events across the UK, with more beer and more events in more locations.
The fourth NZBM will feature more than 130 beers, ciders, and mead. Venues across the UK have signed up to be involved, showcasing fan favourite breweries like 8 Wired, as well as several newcomers, including Boneface and
Duncan’s Brewery, and launching innovative products such as the Crystal IPA from Urbanaut.
This year, there are more than 40 events across the country, showcasing 12 NZ producers and a host of UK breweries. In addition to this, there’s a host of independent retailers across the UK, or NZ Embassies, as NZBC calls them, also stocking Kiwi beer.
Todd Nicolson, director of New Zealand Beer Collective (NZBC), said: “Hosting NZBM in February is our highlight of the year, even if we get a little greyer after each time! We will be showcasing the amazing producers we work with and partnering with other fantastic NZ and UK businesses in the food and beverage sector.
“We’re extremely proud and happy to be back again collaborating with some of the hottest NZ and UK breweries and working with venues who have supported us from the start, as well as exciting new venues across the UK. The range of events is incredible, from our online Women In Booze panel, to Paint & Pint with PaintVine, beer and food degustation menus and, of course, amazing brewery launches and tap takeovers.”
Jake Doherty, manager of Bath Road Beers and an avid supporter of New Zealand Beer Month, added: “Not only does NZBC supply some of the finest beers in the world, they’re also awesome people! Over the years we have hosted a variety of events, from virtual tastings to tap takeovers, during New Zealand Beer Month, and they never fail to deliver the goods. It’s a pleasure to work with such an ethical and socially conscious bunch!”
Kiwiana
It’s not only about the beer, it’s also about bringing the New Zealand spirit and culture to the UK. For kiwis, Kiwiana means those “kitchy quirky things they love in their country”, and that’s what the NZBC Crew will be bringing to their events during the month.
As Ben, general manager at The Exchange Craft Beer House, in Bradford, says: “Having spent five years in the industry in Wellington, I jumped at the chance to be able to work with the NZ Beer Collective here in the UK.
“New Zealand Beer Month is a fantastic celebration of some sensational breweries and I’m absolutely buzzing to have the chance of pouring these delights here in Bradford! We’ll be wrapping up NZBM with a wicked Kiwi party, with some classic Kiwi treats, including pies from Pie Hard and tunes from Kiwi record label, Flying Nun.”
