Western Brewers Conference. Just a few brewing mates from Auckland get together every 3 months and enter a brew (this quater is Pils) for $10. We get a judge in (last time it was peer) and the winner takes all. Steve has judged all of the last ones - with a few guest judges sometimes. The loser picks the next style. You are more than welcome to join in Barry - Tyler is keen too. I have tasted some pretty good pilseners brewed with US05 - no I'm not kidding - I could have sworn they used lager yeast. But I guess the adage is true: its not what you use, it is how you use it, 1 month from grain to brain!!
ooh, that would be great! I can't profess to being a pils expert but I can identify a good beer, judge to a style, and identify most faults. sounds awesome. and a good excuse for a trip to hallertau to boot.
Talking Pils. Tuatara Pilsner is tasting more like a traditional Pilsner than I've ever tasted it. there's still a flourish of fruit in the hops but it is quite subdued and fairly herbal/spicy.