Cask beers in NZ

[Simon David kelly]

Hi All,

I was going to post this in the pro brewing section but I think most people will have an opinion.

Why do beers only go in casks as a special rather than the norm?

I remember when I started drinking there were still quite a few brewers in the UK who's flagship (read big) beers were mainly in casks. Not so anymore, but why?

I always preferred the cask served beers.

Si

[Martin Bridges]

I'm not 100% sure I understand your question, but I'll have a go at understanding it anyway.

In NZ I'm sure it's a combination of lack of knowledge amongst the drinking public (who don't know what to expect from a cask-conditioned beer and therefore would shun it) and a lack of knowledge amongst pub owners, who don't know how to look after it and serve it. Cask-conditioned beer needs a little more effort in the cellar than a standard keg. Couple this with its shorter shelf-life and it's a hard ask for most pub owners. The only places in NZ that sell cask beer on a regular basis have a reputation for selling it and therefore can be sure of turning it over fast enough. They also have a reputation for serving it in good condition due to well-educated cellar and bar staff. SOBA is working on the education aspect, but it's a slow process.

In the UK cask-conditioning is the norm for craft beer (i.e. beer not from the mega-breweries). Even some of the mega-breweries still produce a significant amount of cask conditioned beer. The drinking public are (mostly) well-educated about it (thanks in large part to CAMRA) and there are many well-trained cellarmen.

[Simon David kelly]

Yep, I did not make myself very clear did I :o)

However, you gave me the answers I was looking for. Thanks.

[kier]

Good answer Martin - got it in one post.

I'm pleased to say though that given the chance a significant number of NZers (as opposed to expats) do enjoy cask ale once they have a chance to try it.

[Christian]

Hi Kier,

Can riggers be filled by handpump? I'm having a party on Saturday, will be stopping at the Moutere for a pint and I fancy some Old House ESB for later on.

Cheers.

[kier]

Yes - no problem......except the ESB may not be on. We've got a batch of Townshend Dinner Ale on at the moment. Basically it's ESB's little brother 4.8% rather than 5.3%,

[Christian]

oh well, I've actually been meaning to try Dinner Ale anyway and the lower alcohol could be good the next day. Though, I may end up going for the Fair Maiden for my rigger if you still have that - the party is going to be a bit a a Pale Ale fest.