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New Zealand Hops Limited
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A Brewer's "Testimonial" on New Zealand Hops
As a brewer, I find that the high quality consistency of New Zealand hops is a key ingredient supporting the success of the many superb beers of New Zealand - and an ever increasing number of fine beers worldwide.
Throughout the 1990's, I have been personally involved in the brewing, production and development of dozens of fine New Zealand beers.
During this time, I have happily seen these beers rewarded by the acceptance of New Zealand consumers, by the praise of overseas visitors and by the acclaim of judges of top international beer competitions (in Europe and the U.S.A., as well as nearer to home in Australia and here in New Zealand at the annual New Zealand Brewing Awards).
This degree of success in the world of brewing relates to the smooth bittering qualities, to the fine aromatic essences and to the good variety of hops styles and hop characteristics available from New Zealand grown hops.
New Zealand brewing tradition stretches back to the gold rush days of the mid-1800's in New Zealand, although the "history" of NZ brewing actually stretches back into the 1700's when that famous sailor and advancer of science, Captain James Cook, first brewed ship's beers while revictualing in a New Zealand fiord.
The mid-1800's was a most advantageous time for brewing as the marvels of styles such as India Pale ales, Porters and Stouts abounded; and the world was about to see the bright light of Pilsner style lagers emerge in the years to come.
Thus, the first decades of brewing in New Zealand saw all of these ideas mingle in the imaginations of brewers. These years also saw fine hops brought with great care from England and "the continent" for nurturing in the rich soil and clear southern skies of New Zealand.
These early brewers were soon to be very pleasantly surprised at the generous yield and the development of fine quality from these hops grown under the New Zealand summer sun.
Long isolated between the tropical South Pacific waters and the Antarctic dominated waters of the great southern ocean, New Zealand is at least 1,500 km. from any other significant land mass - yes, the Tasman Sea is not a puddle to jump!
150 million years of isolation can be a gift and the result is hop gardens located under unbelievably clear skies and at the perfect latitude for growing great hops.
The rich porous soils of volcanic New Zealand help to complete this picture of a natural hop growing island paradise.
New Zealanders have long been known for their "Kiwi ingenuity" and for the high quality of a wide variety of their produce (whether it's lamb, apples, cheeses or kiwifruit - even fine wines).
When New Zealand hop growers and brewers decided to put some real concentrated focus into hop breeding (especially after WW II), the result has been the steady arrival of several marvellous hybirds unique to New Zealand and very well suited to the great hop growing potential of this beautiful place.
So, it is not only by accident that this unique island nation is a producer of such fine hops, and truly a great find for all brewers interested in what great hops can do for great beers.
If you don't believe me, you'll always find a warm welcome in New Zealand when you visit to find out for yourself!
Cheers
Keith Armstrong
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