Comments on: New Zealand Ginger Beer Tasting

By: Abraham

Abraham — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:23:39 +0000

@Steve, Thanks for the update on the Kiwi ginger beer landscape. Happy to hear Gladstones is getting more exposure outside of Gisborne. I’d love to return to NZ for a number of reasons – one being to sample Hakanoa.

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:12:34 +0000

Gladstones now seems to be available in Auckland from The Warehouse, of all places! I’ve been stocking up.

Hakanoa I discovered in Howick market a few weeks back – I think it is relatively new on the scene and is very tasty, although a bit pricy. The person selling it was the actual maker herself, so its not produced in large quantities I think. They also do a ginger concentrate which is rather nice mixed with hot milk…

I’d send you a bottle but shipping would be prohibitive.

By: Abraham

Abraham — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:21:51 +0000

@Roger, I would love to try Hakanoa Handmade. Unfortunately I didn’t come across it on my trip to NZ. If you want to ship a sample to the states I’d be happy to do a tasting.

By: Roger King

Roger King — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:38:56 +0000

You also missed Hakanoa Handmade Ginger Beers in Auckland.

By: John Hudson

John Hudson — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 07:45:28 +0000

I have just found Gladstones Ginger Beer. It is now owned by Bulmers Harvest Ltd in Gisborne. Chapel Bar in Ponsonby sell it. One of the best Ginger Beers out there.

By: Abraham

Abraham — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:00:45 +0000

@Regan, a bit of Googling led me to the story behind Hardieboys Ginger Beer. I'm disappointed I missed it. Guess it's as good an excuse as any to get back to NZ.

By: Regan Hawea

Regan Hawea — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:56:41 +0000

Bro?! No Hardieboys? You will have to return, this is the best Aotearoa has to offer and when in Hawkes Bay Roosters or the Bug will suffice. Bring plenty of Ron Zacapa 23, 10 Cane White, Green Island Light and some Wray & Nephew just for fun.

By: Abraham

Abraham — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 05:12:52 +0000

@Steve, thanks for the comments. I tried Mac’s and remember it being good. Unfortunately I lost my tasting notes so I could not include it in my write up.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:37:01 +0000

I agree that Gladstones is the best out here – better than Mac’s (my second favourite) and Bundaberg. Sadly it is getting hard to find, and I can no longer locate any in the Auckland area.
Phoenix is good and in most cafes, Schweppes is in all supermarkets but a waste of time…
I have yet to see any Frank or Bickfords anywhere.

By: Ilya Snowdon

Ilya Snowdon — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 11:06:05 +0000

Hey, you didn’t try my Ginger beer in New Zealand.
It is a real ginger Beer, no carbonated water.
naturally Brewed and bottle conditioned
My Brand is Smokey Thunder.

If you email me I could send you a sample

Smokey Thunder
PO Box 199 88
Woolston Ch Ch 8241
New Zealand