B.man
BrewNZ Gold Medal and Best in Class 2008, Bronze Medal 2006
Characteristics: A smooth all-malt strong New Zealand Pilsner with an enticing hop aroma of tropical fruits, styled to compliment authentic Indian cuisine. The perfect accompaniment to curry.
Color: Golden
IBU: 42
Hops: Cascade, Riwaka
Malt: Gladfield Lager, Caramalt, Carapils
Yeast: House Lager
Alcohol: 5.2% by volume
Availability: Year round on tap and in 330ml bottles
Tasting Notes: One of this country’s finest aromatic Pilsners and a showcase for New Zealand’s uniquely herbaceous hop varieties, B.Man pours an attractive bright gold beneath a lingering fluffy white head. In both the aroma and palate biscuity sweet malt provides the luscious canvas on which the hops play and their citrusy and tropical (passion) fruit flavours lead into an emphatic, resiny, dry finish. Lip-smackingly good and the perfect match for a hot Thai curry!
History:
Like all Invercargill Brewery beers, B.man was made to drink – specifically, in this case, with with spicy food.
Approached by the owner of the Bombay Palace in Invercargill, Steve set about making a beer to suit – naming the final brew after the restaurant manager’s father – Biman (which is repeated in Sanskrit on the label.)
Using a blend of distinctive New Zealand hops, B.man (pronounced Bee-man) was among a growing list of classic New Zealand beers that fell outside the traditional pilsner classes.
Finally, in 2008 New Zealand Brewers Guild successfully petitioned the World Beer Cup for a new beer style that would encompass the new world flavours – and called it strong New Zealand style pilsner.
B.man finally won gold, and went on to win best in class – a great achievement.
In 2009, in an attempt to clarify pronunciation, the beer was rebranded, B.man.