You. Drink. This. #2 - Women in Beer
The last blog we wrote for You. Drink. This. also happened to be for International Women’s Day. Then 2020 happened. So why not try this all over again and get us in the mood for 2021 with a You. Drink. This. celebrating International Women’s Day? We chat to three women in the New Zealand beer industry about themselves, what they’re drinking and whatever the hell is on their minds at this point in time.
Jess Herman, Co-owner and Head Brewer at Rhyme X Reason Brewery, Wanaka
YOU.
Hi, I'm Jess, co-owner and head brewer of Rhyme x Reason Brewery, Wanaka, NZ. I hail from a small coastal suburb on the east coast of Australia. I grew up surfing, bike riding and camping and found myself chasing snow at the age of 17, professionally brewing by the age of 24, and owning my own brewery by the age of 33.
DRINK.
Our Limoncello Beer blew my mind last year. That was a recipe I had been designing for over five years. I just slowly ticked away at it. I had to pressure myself into pulling the trigger and actually brewing it by offering it as an option for a special beer event. Thank you, New New New, for that pressure! Some of my most memorable dining experiences have ended with a wee glass of Limoncello. Now if I could create a beer that tastes like that, but is more balanced with higher drinkability, I could enjoy a full pint of it... It had to be done. But I wasn't sure if it would actually work out. I had plenty of last-minute help. Literally on brew day, I was calling some of my go-to brewers for answers. Thank you to Brendan Bransgrove, George Duncan and Dave Nicholls for helping bring this beer to life!
THIS.
Hannibal, Hannibal, Hannibal. I am a fan-ibal. Please, can a TV network say yes to a fourth season? I am so into murder this year. My Favourite Murder podcast is just the best thing to listen to on a road. I hadn't been into thriller or suspense until I gave myself a pretty good knock on the head late last year. Since then I cannot get enough murder!
Hannah White, Sales & Events at 8 Wired Brewery, Warkworth
YOU.
I look after all things sales and events for 8 Wired. You can usually find me zooming around the country visiting bars and restaurants or slinging pints at most beer festivals. I was born and bred in the Highlands of Scotland in a wee village called Tongue where I spent most of my time climbing trees and exploring the wilderness before jetting off to Glasgow to become hardened up by city life and partying. I’ve spent the last ten years in New Zealand, most of it in Wellington. Although I always had a love for beer it really became a passion over here.
DRINK.
This may shock you but I actually really like to drink beer. I drink most styles but I do tend to lean towards malt-focused brews. I spent many years in Glasgow where I drank a lot of German beers, with the odd pint of Tennants thrown in for good measure. Not to mention a wee dram (half bottle) of Buckfast on occasion because, well, I am Scottish, after all. I have been blasting to the past lately and enjoying some Weihenstephaner and Erdinger Dunkel which were my go-to back in the day.
THIS.
I grew up in the middle of nowhere, so nature has always been in me. I am in my happy place when out foraging. I enjoy fishing and scouring beaches and rocks for shellfish and seaweed. My latest foraging adventures have piqued my interest in fungi/mushroom hunting, so I love a walk in the woods, looking down to see what treats I can find. I also love fermenting foods and I have a dedicated fermentation station in my kitchen with various experiments on the go.
Kerry Consedine, Co-owner of Mean Doses, Wellington
YOU.
Hey, people! My name is Kerry and I’m co-owner of Mean Doses Brewery and Fillery (a.k.a The Boss). I'm born and raised in the magnificent city of Wellington (#Newtown4life) and juggle a day job alongside a family as well as Mean Doses, so life is pretty busy. In my spare time (what the hell is that?!) I try and squeeze in a gym sesh to balance out the beer-drinking, walk my doggie and am currently rewatching The Wire because it is simply the best TV show ever. Starting Mean Doses has been a massive learning curve - both on the business front as well as learning about the complex world of beer. I am so grateful for the amazing beer family that we have gained since we joined the industry - it really is a friendly and supportive community. I love meeting other people who love craft beer too, so come and say hi the next time you’re in Tory Street.
DRINK.
Over summer I went crazy over Duncan’s ice cream sours - I could not get enough of them! I’m also a sucker for a super juicy hazy and love the Garage Project Fresh range (who doesn’t?), and can’t walk past a Baylands Offshore Bandit. There’s also the McLeod’s 802 Series - arrrggghh, I could go on! There are so many damn fine beers out there. Right now I’m totally digging our Mean Lashings Sticky Pecan Bun Cream Ale - if you haven’t tried it, you haven’t lived! Also, I sometimes cheat on craft beer and have a sly G&T. My go-to is Southward Mountain Gin, made in Welly - sooooo good!
THIS.
I am completely obsessed with my Miniature Pinscher, Sergeant Pepper. She is pretty much the love of my life (I think Dean knows this). You should see the smile on her face and hear the squeals of delight every time I come home. No one else is that pleased to see me - ever. No one. If I’ve had a rough day or crap things are happening in the world around me, it all seems to be OK when I have snuggles with Peps. I just wish she could be with me always.