‘Absolutely bangin’ beer’ takes top prize at this year’s Rare Beer Challenge

New Plymouth-based Shining Peak’s debut entry to the Rare Beer Challenge wowed the judges so much that one judge gave this beer a perfect score, and most others just dropped a point or two, which is pretty unheard of according to head judge and certified Cicerone, Steph Coutts from Craft Beer College.

Shining Peak’s ‘meaty’ “Medium Rare”, an 11 percent Imperial Stout infused with rosemary, thyme, peppercorns and porcini mushrooms, impressed the judges with not only how smooth and full-flavoured it was, but also the effort they put into the promotion with shout outs for rare disorders

Second place went to Fork & Brewer for their Crustacean Congress Jambalaya stout, and third place went to Heyday Beer Co for their eisbock-inspired jasmine green tea kolsch, Cryo-Reserve.

The People’s Choice Award went to Three Sisters for their ice cream smoothie sour Drink Kinda, made with vegan cauliflower ice cream.

Overall, the quality of entries to the challenge wowed the judges.

“The scoring this year was probably the most impressive we’ve had. Lots of really great beer, lots of really creative ideas, lots of rare and unusual ideas, and a high level of drinkability… There was amazing promotion for the event this year and that is how you win this competition,” said Coutts to the crowd before the announcements.

The Rare Beer Challenge is a truly unique beer competition and fundraiser for Rare Disorders NZ, run by Wellington-based Fortune Favours, and now in its fifth year. Satellite events were held in both Auckland at 16 Tun and in the South Island at Smoke Ashburton.

Rare Disorders NZ was blown away as always by the effort put into this event by Fortune Favours, and also by each participating craft brewery. Not only does the event raise a significant amount of funds for Rare Disorders NZ - this year over $8,000, but it also helps to raise awareness of rare disorders through each brewery’s quirky and creative promotional campaigns on social media.

Rare Disorders NZ would like to thank: Fortune Favours for all their work making this event an annual success, the judges for generously donating their time, the sponsors Kegstar, Cryer Malt, NZHops, 16Tun and Smoke Ashburton, and all the participating breweries: