Beervana put on quite a show this year. From educational seminars and master classes, to beer tastings and food matching, last weekend’s festival was one of the best yet.

There were quizzes, blind tastings, cheese talks, American brewers and more. However, if you didn’t manage to make it, we’ve rounded up the best brews – check them out below. 

Emersons 

Emersons have done it again. Their limited edition beers – Gladiator Bock, Tribulation Imperial Stout and Dinner Bell – were a hit at Beervana, with two of them made with a funky yeast known as “Brett”.

While these brews won’t be available in Liquorland stores, Emersons range is all top-notch. Pick their beers up here. 

Epic 

Epic is exactly what Epic Brewing Company’s beers are. Big on flavour, taste and aroma, Epic had two beers at Beervana this year – Barrel Aged Imperium and A New Trick Pony.

The latter was described as “super secret and super rare,” and predicted to run out quickly, which it did. Fear not, however, the rest of the Epic range is available at Liquorland. 

Tuatara

Last but not least is another Kiwi favourite. Tuatara also set up camp at Beervana with three special brews. Their Coq Stock was brewed in the depth of winter using goose stock, fruits and spices, and then fortified with cherry.

Lapsurg Souchong was also made with winter in mind. Toasted malt stout aged in pinot noir barrels and infused with smoky Lapsang Souchong (a type of tea), gave beer a complex character.

Paua To The People, on the other hand, was a nod to the locals with delicate lemon notes and a hint of paua.