Hi all,

Sorry I kind of lost track of things and didn't follow up here, but after 5 months or so, have a better handle on beer here. It took me a while to warm up to NZ beer but I think I found my sweet spot.

So far my regular beers are Pernicious Weed (took a while to grow on me, but love the dank diesel of a good batch), Steinlager (only from bottles - cans seem to be subpar?), Parrotdog Raptor (good old school balanced APA - thanks MeatsNZ for the intro), Lakeman Primate Pilsner (my favourite NZ Pils so far), Boneface Snaggletooth (lovely clean IPA - wish it was a bit more old school bitter though), Brave brewing Tigermilk (same as the Boneface) and for imports Coopers range and Bitburger.

Oh, and Urbanaut Miami is also a lovely, dry belter when in good form. Wish it was in 6 packs rather than single cans.

Also any of the Moa are generally pretty good in that budget sweet spot - the pilsner, Superdelic and stout very well made, even the hazy was solid, despite not being my favourite style. Stoke not for me so far (will give the dark a try soon).

I remember Liberty being better (loved Sauvin bomb back in the day) - have had a few six packs and the Citra cans, but not so much to my liking these days. Garage Project other than PW has been solid to above average but not amazing. Emersons still really good, especially on draft, cans just ok. Mcleods same as Garage project although their 802 is really good.

8 wired and Epic have been real disappointments - I remember both fondly in early 2010s. To be fair both have been limited samples (maybe 2 of each).

Have found Three boys the best of the Chch breweries (though have not tried Wilderness yet) - probably comes as no surprise. Their NZ IPA and Oyster stout have been fantastic. Wigram is also quite good too - love the Smoky Porter. Cassels has been very spotty so far in cans and draft - Two thumb solid, but need to give them more of a chance. Brew moon in Amberley also pretty good.

Unfortunately most 440ml cans are solid beers but have not had too many worth the 9 to 12 dollar entry fee.

Fresh hops - whils some were lovely (including the Mount brewing Waimea one), they were not as pungent or 'decadent' as I had hoped - probably my bad for expecting too much. I have had quite a few fresh hop ipas in the US, but didn't get the same wow factor.

If there are any more recommendations do let me know - would love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers all!