You. Drink. This. #5

Jesse Sigurdsson, Head Brewer and Skipper of Shining Peak Brewing New Plymouth

YOU.

Kia Ora, I'm Jesse, Head Brewer and Skipper of Shining Peak Brewing in New Plymouth, Taranaki. Born and bred on a Dairy Farm outside of Inglewood, I ventured into the world of brewing after a less than fruitful dabble at university. After a six year stint at Whitecliffs Brewery in Urenui, I had the opportunity to start Shining Peak in New Plymouth with some good friends. Three years later, and we've firmly established ourselves on the local brewing scene, picking up several awards along the way.

I was drawn to beer because of the creativity that comes with brewing, alongside the great sense of community within our industry.

DRINK.

Currently my fridge contains some Peckham's Ciders, some Steinlagers and a few of our own concoctions. But the beer I've been most chuffed with lately is North End's 'Bones of the Land' Saison. Thankfully, it took out a Top 30 honour at the NW Beer & Cider Awards, meaning it's now gracing the shelves at our local Supermarket. We don't see much Saison on our shelves here (only room for hazy IPA these days it seems) so this is a welcome change. From our range, I'm loving the Fanny Fantham's Lager at the moment - super crisp and clean with a nice hint of hop resin from the Loral hops.

THIS.

Golf

Belinda Gould, Brew Moon's Founder & Brewer, Canterbury

YOU.

I’ve been making booze for most of my working life. First as a winemaker then as a brewer. My winemaking career took our family to California back in the last century. It was there that my love of craft beer began. When we returned we started the Brew Moon with some old winemaking gear.  That was 20 years ago back in 2002!

DRINK.

Right now I’m in Dunedin and I just had a First Lady APA from Beer Baroness, one of my favs, on hand-pump at Al Bar. Those dudes will put anything on the handpump! The haze craze hasn’t really ticked my boxes, too sweet and filling, it’s a bit like having an “Up and Go” (drinkable breakfast)! I love a good pale ale or APA – especially a tasty, hoppy one. But with a meal, wine is the go and I’m lucky to live in sunny North Canterbury surrounded by delicious wines. Give me an old dry Riesling and some local crayfish and I’m in heaven.

THIS.

I love being on the water. As part of my retirement plan, I recently bought an old kauri yacht which I plan to live on (as soon as I’m allowed to retire) and explore NZs amazing coastline. Sailing brings you really close to nature, the wind, (the rain), the tides, the sun and the moon – so relaxing. A quiet bay in the evening, listening to the birds and enjoying an APA as the sun goes down. 

Joe Emans, Owner of Three Sisters Brewery, New Plymouth

YOU.

Three Sisters Brewery started life in Joe and Sarah's basement back in 2017.  After a run of medal winning beers and significant public demand we moved into the historic New Plymouth Savings Bank in late 2020 with the help of a successful crowdfund campaign.  2021 was a great year with success in the Australian International Beer Awards and being crowned Champion Micro Brewery at the Brewers Guild of New Zealand awards. Then in April 2022 we opened the business up to shareholders in another successful crowdfund, and are in the process of increasing capacity by about 4 times, and adding a canning line.

DRINK.

We're drinking Czech pilsners!

THIS.

We're currently obsessed with botanicals, experimental mixed styles and trying to perfect our Czech Pilsner.