Zealong and Good George brew up a treat

A novel tea-infused beer was unleashed to an appreciative gathering at the Zealong Tea Estate yesterday. 

High Tea Amber Ale is a collaboration between Zealong and Good George Brewing, who have pooled their talent to bring the beer to market.

There were a number of trials before the recipe for the ale was decided on, says Zealong marketing manager Sen Kong.

“We settled on using the combination of Zealong Black and Zealong Dark Oolong teas, to add a roasted char flavour which pairs nicely with the sweet rich malt profile of the brown ale and gives the brew a mild tea sweetness.”

Good George’s brew enjoyment coordinator Daniel McGregor said they were not afraid to challenge customers’ taste buds now and then.

“We think our beer and cider range has something to appeal to everyone’s taste, but collaborations like this are a chance to introduce new, interesting flavours.”

As the label on the new 440ml can says – “We used to say we were Hamilton’s most hard-core brewers.  Then one day we got a knock on the door from Zealong, a local tea plantation where they do some pretty mean brewing themselves.  Rather than settle things with a to-the-death-brew off, we instead took the Sesame St approach and co-operated.  The result is a fragrant, oolong-infused ale”.

The beer was awarded a bronze medal earlier this month by judges at the New Zealand Brewers’ Guild Awards but was launched officially at a beer-inspired High Tea event at Zealong – which joy of joys, included Number 8 Network – on Wednesday 18 October.

 

 

 

 

Good George High Tea Amber Ale is available at both the Good George Dining Hall and Zealong, and will be on sale in 440ml cans at all good liquor stores and supermarkets.