There can be no doubt that New Zealand is one nation under Beer. Since its very beginnings as a settled colony, Beer has been an essential part of our culture and history – indeed one of the first things that Captain Cook did upon landing in our beautiful country … was to make a fresh batch of beer. So it’s little wonder that more than a few books have been written on the subject.
However, there’s always room for a fresh approach, and I was delighted when Michael Donaldson offered to send a review copy of the appropriately titled “Beer Nation: The Art and Heart of Kiwi beer”.
Right from the outset, the book has an air of quality to it, but the temptation to make a “coffee table” book too bulky to read has been tactfully avoided. Beer Nation is a book that looks great in a way that invites you to pick it up and start reading.
Michael’s warm and flowing narrative immediately draws you in with a very personal story of his relationship with beer, and carries on to cover a broad range of topics; from the ancient origins of our favourite fermented beverage to a “who’s who” of New Zealand’s vibrant beer community. A lot of ground is covered without becoming dry or boring. Backing up the enjoyable narrative, there are enough tables of facts and figures to satisfy the geekiest of beer geeks, and the rich imagery throughout makes Beer Nation a great visual experience too.
I can’t recommend this book enough for anyone interested in Beer, or just New Zealand history; and with its wonderful presentation it would make a great gift for most any Kiwi Dad on Father’s Day. The history of boutique beer in New Zealand is a real rollercoaster, and I can think of no better way to ride than to grab yourself a great Kiwi beer or three and plonk yourself in a comfy armchair with a copy of this book.
And if it’s not enough to cover history, Beer Nation may well be making history – as the first book being launched along with a companion beer, Message in a Bottle, a brew which pays homage to the early New Zealand IPAs inspired by those from the Motherland. If you happen to be in the City of Sails (that’s Auckland, by the way) on Wednesday the 1st of August, be sure to drop in at O’Carrolls Freehouse, 6pm onwards, for the grand launch of these two fine commentaries on New Zealand beer history.
BEER NATION: The Art and Heart of Kiwi Beer by Michael Donaldson / Penguin Books / Available from 27th July 2012 / RRP $44.99 (NZD)
Message in a Bottle / Epic Brewing Company / English-style IPA / 7.5abv / Available from the 1st August 2012 / $TBA
Attend a Beer Tasting + Book Launch near you:
O’Carrolls Irish Bar, 10 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD / 6pm onwards, 1st August 2012 / Free admission
The Malthouse, 48 Courtenay Place, Wellington / 8pm onwards, 2nd August 2012 / Free admission
Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn, 292 Kilmore St, Christchurch City / 7pm onwards, 6th August 2012 / $55 with book, $30 without, call +64 3 365 1523 for more information
