The "Bitter" ales of New Zealand have a long history closely in tune with England. Filtered ales became the "norm" during the 1950's and solid acceptance of "bitter" ales continued.
The 1990's saw an increase in the availability of N.Z. "bitter" ales and also an increase in their range of flavour attributes - with a growing tendency towards even "bigger" hop notes.
The general "norm" of draught beers being ~ 4 % alc./vol. was also disturbed by the broader range of beer offerings becoming available by the year 2000.
This "strong bitter" ale is brewed with a fairly traditional range of fine malts and is surmounted by the mouthfeel and aroma of a very unique hop.
This style of "strong bitter" with a very tart citric hop is one of the pleasing alternatives emerging from brewers large and small in New Zealand today.
