Zeelandt launches Cyclone Gabrielle fundraiser beer
Zeelandt Brewery has launched a community fundraising beer as it rebuilds its business after the devastation wrought in Hawke’s Bay by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Chris Barber, Managing Director and Head Brewer at Zeelandt Brewery, says Zeelandt is moving to contract brewing after floodwaters destroyed the Eskdale brewery, all its stock and equipment. “We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how we rebuild, and what the future looks like. We love what we do and are committed to our business and our customers.
“Over the short term we are contract brewing in Auckland so we can continue getting Zeelandt beer to customers, with the first batches of beer being available towards the end of April.
Barber says they have released a new fundraising beer called “Back on the Horse”, with all proceeds (after excise tax and freight) going to local organisations involved in the emergency response. He says the generosity of their suppliers has made the special release beer possible.
All funds raised from the sale of the beer will go towards Bay View Volunteer Fire Brigade, Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter, and Bay View Community Charitable Trust.
“Back on the Horse” is a New Zealand IPA inspired by a small wooden horse (built by Barber’s father in the vege garden for his grandchildren to play on) that remained standing on Chris and wife Luciana’s property, despite floodwaters taking away the sheds and cars that surrounded it. For the Barbers, this was a sign that the only way for the community to move on from this event was to “get back on the horse”.
“Back on the Horse” is available in 440ml cans and 30L kegs. It is available for trade customers through The Bottle O Onekawa, Invisible Agency, and Zeelandt Brewery.
“Back on the Horse” was made possible with support from: Tried & True (label design), Craft Brewing Co (brewing), Gladfield Malt (barley), NZ Hops (hops and yeast), Crafty Canners (packaging), Label & Litho (label printing), Beer Fridge (cold storage), Invisible Agency (distribution and sales), and Keg Star (keg supply).
