The New Zealand Beer Collective (NZBC) will be hosting its third New Zealand Beer Month (NZBM) in February, across the UK and Europe.

Venues across the UK have already signed up to be involved, showcasing fan favourites 8 Wired, Urbanaut, and Deep Creek, as well as several new breweries, cider, and mead producers, including New Zealand’s recent champion small brewery, Kereru Brewing.

Jake Doherty, manager of Bath Road Beers, said: “Working with NZBC for the last three years has been an absolute pleasure. Not only have they supplied some genuinely world class beers, they have also organised one of our favourite beery celebrations — New Zealand Beer Month!

“We have hosted some incredible events, allowing our customers to taste and learn and laugh alongside some brewing legends, becoming loyal fans of NZ beer.”

Innovation and creativity are at the heart of the New Zealand beer industry, which extends to NZBC’s work with local UK breweries. You can expect to see global collaborations as well as stand-alone beers from breweries giving their own spin on New Zealand beer.

NZBM 2021 will also focus on independent Kiwi producers, showcasing outstanding food and drink. Watch out for the the official NZBM beer, Very Big Kiwi, produced using AllPress Espresso and Crosstown Doughnuts. The beer, brewed in partnership with Fierce Beer, in Aberdeen, aims to be the ultimate breakfast pastry stout, with a real Kiwi attitude.

‘You’ll see a lot of venues shift to digital events’

Toni Skinner, managing director of distributor Pig’s Ears Beer Ltd feels NZBM21 is the perfect opportunity to try the myriad NZ beers on offer. “New Zealand beers capture the zeitgeist of a time of appreciation, understanding, and respect for the art of elegant brewing,” said Toni.

“Why not blend the fun flavours of Urbanaut, entertain the idea of some 8 Wired, and dive headfirst into Deep Creek? I’ll bet my Flight of The Conchords DVD boxset you won’t be disappointed.”

As well as a nationwide event schedule, there will be competitions and prizes throughout the month, as well as online and in-store specials from participating stockists, for those drinking at home.

Event organiser, Todd Nicolson, of the NZBC, said: “With tiering and restrictions varying across the UK, it makes it more difficult to make bricks and mortar plans, so you’ll see a lot of venues shift to digital events. But we guarantee we’re bringing the same energy and excitement as we have in previous years.

“We’ll be hosting everything from beer and music pairings to beer blending, the UK’s biggest meat raffle, and beer and art, just to name a few.”