United Nations of Beer

Waiheke Island Brewery Baroona Original

by Fez Broadbent
(Beer Delegate, New Zealand)

Baroona Original
Waiheke Island Brewery, New Zealand

Bottled in the most attractive beer bottle I have ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on. The first of the Waiheke Island Brewery Taster set did not disappoint in terms of high expectations. When faced with a bottle shaped like something straight out of the Pirates of The Caribbean, you tend to assume the brew will follow through with an original taste to match.

The first sip was, strangely enough, exactly what I was expecting. Rich, yet smooth and with an envious honey finish that begs your taste buds to have just one more.

Billed as a German style beer with a firm, dry malt palate, the imagery created by my tastebuds first impression was anything but German. Perhaps it was the New Zealand grown Saaz hops or the pure Waiheke water, but there is a definite feel of home and the islands about this drop. Recommended to accompany spicy food or as a session beer, I can confidently state that it will go down well with pretty much anything including your grandpa's flour-based pancakes.

I know that if I were a millionaire and had a private beach I'd be downing these by the dozen while laying on a recliner underneath a palm tree taking in the peace and tranquility of the islands. Fuck, this winter must be getting to me.