Brewery for sale

[Cascade]

Frings brewpub for sale. Only just stumbled across this, so don't know how long it has been on the market for:

http://www.buybusiness.com/Businesses/15184/Award-Winning-BrewpubMi...

 

[Dai]

Wow- this seems to good to be true; I wish I had the cash! I am originally from Whangarei and have frequented Frings on numerous occasions (still do too as my folks live there). The beer is not too challenging, but the brewer makes no apology about making products that will be bought by many people, and anyway, it is pretty session-able. It has obviously struck a chord with many up there, as Dennis has been in business for around a decade. Plus, who wouldn't mind moving to Whangarei, Gateway to the (winterless) North!

[martin w]

and do not intend to participate anymore in NZ beer competitions. We have been surprised by the amateur behaviour of judges and we seriously doubt their qualification (most of them would not even have the equivalent of a brewer degree, not to mention the experience and qualification of a brewmaster).

any idea what he means by this?

 

anyone want to go halfs?;)

[JoKing]

I'd say that they aren't very happy with some of the feedback on comments that they received during one of the annual BrewNZ competitions... which is fair enough.

[JR]

It doesn't come across that well though, smells a bit like sour grapes... If I was their marketing man I would have left that comment off the website and just not mentioned brewing awards.

[Reviled]

"smells a bit like sour grapes"

 

I agree!! Also seems strange that alot of us have never heard of the place, hes not exactly using his best networks to get the name out there.

[Dai]

"Also seems strange that alot of us have never heard of the place...."

 

Not true- he is on Real Beer: http://www.realbeer.co.nz/northland-brauhaus-frings/

[Reviled]

I stand corrected Dai, but still would have thought I would have heard of them I guess lol

[Dai]

Too true!  A little more advertising would not hurt.  Even in the 'Rei you would not know it was there unless you drove passed it!

[Barry]

At first I thought you were saying that the equipment wasn't up to scratch Peter :) Now I see what you were getting at.

I've felt the same way for a long time about the Shakespeare, that it needed an injection of energy and enthusiasm, embracing a modern and adventurous brewing direction.

Gee, same for Leigh Sawmill too.

No disrespect for anyone - Barry at the Shakespeare is (was?) a damn good brewer, the people who have just sold the Leigh Sawmill were lovely people. But I have heard both of them trot out that same basic excuse - that they have to cater for mainstream palettes. Bollocks.

[Dai]

From an outsider's view, I think this may be also a bit accurate for Frings.  We used to go there religiously for a handle when visiting the folks, but it slowly took on the feel of a booze barn.  Sure- quite a few punters, but not my bag (I can get that feel from most of the pubs in the 'Tron!).  A bit of a shame though, as there is heaps of potential up there. 

Still, I always get a few takeaway riggers from Frings though, as they are reasonably priced, nicer than mainstream beer, and reminds me of being at home!

[Dave]

I have to go up to Whangarei soon does anyone know what's happened to this place? By the sounds of some of the comments on here I'm hoping for sold and now making awesome beer.

[Dai]

Not sure if it is sold, but it is exactly the same as it always has been so I assume not (?).  I am up in the 'Rei at the moment supporting Canada in their bid for Rugby World Cup domination.  The Old Als is tasting pretty good too, well worth a visit :)