SOBA Summary - October 27 - November 9

News time, SOBA types!

*STOP PRESS*

This just in from Stu in Wellington:

"Lion-Nathan have successfully thwarted an attempt by DB to prevent the use of "Summer Ale" in the name of their latest Mac's seasonal (Mac's Sun Dance Summer Ale). It's a big result for the general brewing industry, and for all small manufacturers alike. Mac's result should have set a precedent that attempting to own a recognised beer-style is not legal.

A good win here for SOBA, whose members and supporters have been actively involved in Mac's defence. Some people have asked me - 'Isn't this a case of two evils?' This is not a case of good or evil but of right and wrong. Judge the beers for yourself but rest assured that brewers can continue to describe their products with generic styles.

some quick facts:

• 4 beers in NZ have, or had, "summer ale" in their name (Galbraith's Sirocco Summer Ale, Harringtons First of the Summer Ale, Mac's Sun Dance Summer Ale and Monteith's Summer Ale).
• Hundreds, if not thousands, of beers worldwide use the 'summer ale' descriptor in their name.
• Summer ale is recognised by BJCP and the World Beer Cup as a stylistic name."

I hope you managed to survive last week's lack of a news post. My workload and I thank you for your patience. I was in Wellington all last week enjoying the hospitality of some of the Wellington SOBA members. I'd like to put in two little plugs here, the first for the wonderful Malthouse and it's ever-cheery proprietor, Mr. Colin Mallon. I managed to attend for at least one beer each night I was there, and it was great to be served by smiling, beer-knowledgeable staff with a great range of beers. The second shout-out goes to Neil Miller, and his excellent Cellar Vate tasting at the Back Bencher. I'm told they're not all as rowdy as this one was, but I had a fantastic time. I should also thank Brendon Mackenzie for securing me a spot at the last minute. It was great to see all you Wellingtonians.

Right, enough of my editorial. On with the news.

First up, the big one...

More details to follow, as to what is available. Watch this space.

Staying with Wellington, SOBA stalwart Stu Mckinlay has the following to say:

"Time for another SOBA catch up. This time it's Bar Edward (167 Riddiford Street, Newtown), the third of
Wellington's beer bar trinity. Again, it's the usual parent friendly time of 7.30pm on Tuesday 13th November. 
  
I'm planning to unveil a special Bar Edward surprise to existing members, and those joining on the night, 
sometime after 8pm. 
  
I popped into Bar Edward today and James is contemplating a SOBA discount.  Come along and help us hassle 
him into one. 
  
Also - I know it's not a beer but it's worth noting - Nally's Cider is tasting bl**dy superb."

Response to Ian's letter in the CAMRA What's Brewing paper has been positive. We've had many UK CAMRA members emailing congratulations on our intentions and asking for advice on local beer. Work is progressing on compiling some kind of reference to point them at. We'll see what that evolves into!

Auckland members might like to note that the 14th of December is the birthday of Epic Pale Ale, and a little bird tells me (well, a little brewer) that there may be a celebration of "Epic" proportions to celebrate. Again, details are vague, so watch this space.

For the SOBA South Island members near Christchurch, there is a new pub with a good selection of kiwi craft beer. The name of the pub is Zymergy (yes, that is the spelling), and as yet there is no word on SOBA discounts, but our sponsorship coordinator is following up this lead. In the meantime, get in there and tell them about SOBA, and show them the colour of your beer-buying money!

Response to the request for volunteers has been disappointing. Not a single person has volunteered to help out at any upcoming festival or event. Please consider making yourselves known. There's no immediate work yet, we just need to know that if we wish to have a presence at a given event, that it won't be down to the same few committee members to make it happen. SOBA needs you!

Don't forget to email orders@soba.org.nz if you're keen on taking up the special SOBA subscription to Beer and Brewer magazine. We need to know numbers so we can proceed with arranging the deal.

Finally, from the "end of an era" department, SOBA would like to congratulate Fraser McInnes on the sale of the iconic Bar Bodega in Wellington. I know I've had many a great pint there in years past. Thanks for the memories, and all the best to the new owner. SOBA will be keeping an eye on said owner, and will have a word in his ear to encourage the hand pulled ale to keep flowing.

As always, if you have anything for this weekly news post, please send it to secretary@soba.org.nz and I'll get it out that week.

Stay SOBA!

--
Greig McGill
Secretary
Society of Beer Advocates (SOBA) Inc.