Hopping mad about beer

Glass bottles and mug of beer with cap of foam and hops on table at dark rustic background, front view, Still life , close up

Gisborne Beer Festival creator and director Ricky Boyd talks to Gisborne Herald reporter Kim Parkinson about the first festival at The Jolly Stockman next month.

It’s a time of firsts for Gisborne Beer Festival creator and director Ricky Boyd — not only is it the first time he has run a craft beer festival, it is also the first time commercially-grown Gisborne hops will be made into a beer by Sunshine Brewery’s Dave Huff and homebrewer Mike Lewins from Stockroute Brewing Co.

There will be 14 breweries taking part in the festival at The Jolly Stockman on April 20. They are from around the country, each bringing the first batches of brews of the season to test out on the willing beer connoisseurs, says Ricky.

It will also be the first time he uses the portable blow-up stage he has just purchased.

“It’s 12 metres by six by five and we’re giving it a test run this weekend.”

That’s a lot of firsts and it doesn’t stop there . . .

Hop growing workshop — the potential of a hop-growing industry in Tairawhiti

This will be the first time local hop growers have come together to formally discuss the obstacles and potential of a multi-million dollar industry which could grow from the region, says Ricky.

We hope it will shed a light on some of the obstacles currently in the way that not many people are familiar with he said.

Starting an hour before the event begins, it is a discussion with Dr Susan Wheeler, founder of Hop Revolution, who has been collaborating with Spade Oak’s Steve Voysey to grow commercial hops in Gisborne.

Sunshine Brewery’s Dave Huff and homebrewer Mike Lewin from Stockroute Brewing Co. will make a beer from these hops on the day for all to see with two Grainfathers.

“It takes about six hours to brew a beer from scratch,” says Ricky.

Speakers at the workshop

Labour MP Kiri Allan is the first keynote speaker at the workshop and will be discussing the government’s role and viewpoint on the hop growing industry.

She has a focus on the primary industries, as she believes enhancing the primary sector in the East Coast region is vital to regional development.

Brewers Abe Guyer and Jase Duncan from Bassline Brewery, Wellington will bring a specially-hopped beer for the occasion, and talk about it.

Homebrew competition

As part of the Gisborne Beer Festival there will be a brewing competition giving up-and-coming brewers the opportunity to have their creations tasted. Feedback will be given by a panel of specially chosen judges.

The ‘Best Beer in Show’ will get to brew their beer at Sunshine Brewery with costs covered.

Sunshine will sell the beer at the taproom to cover costs, and bragging rights for eternity.

The judging panel

Steve Voysey and Kiri Allan.

Dave Huff from Sunshine Brewery.

Hannah White from Garage Project and NZ BEER BABE.

Phoenix Foundation members Samuel Scott and Lukasz Buda, both previous Beervana judges.

Sam Millton from Millton Winery.

Drop-off Points

Ezi-made, Sunshine Brewery, Raglan Roast and Stockroute Brewing.co from March 20th.

• See the website for entry details and further information. Go to Gisbornebeerfestival.nz