Brewing expertise rises to top again

The beer brewing expertise at Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga has spilled over once again, with Otago Brew School gaining a place in the prestigious 2023 New World Beer and Cider Awards Top 30.

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Otago Brew School’s “Klassenbester” Dunkelweizen, which won a silver medal at the Brewers Guild of New Zealand Beer Awards 2022, has again tickled the tastebuds of judges.

The New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30, announced on Monday 22 May, comprises a prestigious list featuring some of the country’s biggest names.

More than 700 beers, ciders and other fermented delights from all around Aotearoa and the world entered the competition, and it took an independent panel of 29 expert judges two days to whittle the field down to the very best brews.

Alongside global brands like Asahi and Tiger, homegrown names like Mac’s, Monteith’s and Steinlager, the 2023 Top 30 includes a host of legendary local craft brewers and first-time winners.

Otago Brew School made the grade with their classic dark wheat beer.

“Our Klassenbester Dunkelweizen has been brewed for the last four years, and has always proved popular with people at beer festivals,” says Geoff Collie, Otago Brew School Lecturer.

“The banana fruit esters typical of the style are mainly due to the yeast type used, as well as the wheat content of the beer.

“I think this latest acknowledgment highlights our programme, as well as our philosophy of teaching students how to brew beers that are true to style. 

“The recipes and ingredients are what would usually be expected for each style. We then apply good brewing practice and processes to make the best beer we can. 

“Students are involved as ‘understudies’ to our brewing staff in making these commercial beers,” Geoff explains.

“Students assist in brewing as part of their practical learning, but are overseen by our tutors to ensure the brewing and fermenting is completed correctly.”

Published on 30 May 2023