This week's offering comes from the deep south where the sky is grey, the wind cuts through four layers of clothing and the brewers are, well, slightly mad.
The Invercargill Brewery has established itself as one of the most respected names in craft brewing under the watchful eye of ownerand head brewer Steve Nally.
Nally wanted to make brews for fellow beer geeks to savour, hence the strong flavour and a higher alcohol content. This is high-quality, full-bodied brewing at its best.
Enter the Smokin' Bishop. Released in 2007, it has gained accolades for its unique Kiwi flavour, which has been described as bacon in a glass. The brewery acknowledges it isn't for everyone, and after tasting this beast myself, I have to agree.
But, then, what do I know? The beer was one of only 15 New Zealand beers profiled in 1001 Beers You Must Try Before You Die.
Men'N Skurrts is a nod to the southern city's Scottish forebears. This dark ale combines full malt with a dram of peat smoke.
Five years in the conceptual stage and six months in the brewing - there's certainly been no rushing the brewery's Imperial stout.
Pitch Black Imperial is its award-winning stout. Nally believes the key to a successful stout is malt, so he decided to see what happened if he doubled the recipe.
I took the brewer's advice that it was designed to be sipped and savoured, and found myself doing just that. It was smooth with rich malt flavours and hints of coffee and caramel. The brewery also offers a range of fine-tasting beers, including Stanley Green, Wasp, B.Man and Nally's Cider, which tastes like a crisp green apple.
