Invercargill Brewery launches Pru’s brew
She’s only been studying the art of fermenting beer at Invercargill Brewery for eight months, but apprentice Pru Bishop already has her own full malt lager.
Bestowed the moniker Smokin’ Bishop, the beer is a smoked bock made from manuka-smoked malt and has an alcohol content of 6.5 percent.
“The smokey taste hits you in the first couple of mouthfuls then the malt flavour comes through,” Pru said.
The first commercially available smoked beer in New Zealand, Smokin’ Bishop is not for your average beer guzzler who fails to appreciate the merging of flavours.
“You have to want to broaden your horizons when it comes to beer,” Pru said.
“The beer geeks in Wellington loved it.”
In fact, it’s proved such a hit with beer connoisseurs around the country, master brewer Steve Nally has added it to the on-tap range at the company’s Wood Street base in Invercargill.
When it comes to beer, Pru knows exactly what quenches her thirst.
“I like big beers with lots of alcohol and lots of flavour and this really hits the mark,” she said.
“It’s yummy.”
However, as a limited edition, Smokin’ Bishop will only be available until the tap runs dry.
While her experience in the industry is limited, being involved in the entire process to produce her first beer had proved extremely satisfying, Pru said.
“It’s really inspired me to develop some of my other ideas further and keep learning more about the actual science of brewing.”
Her efforts have certainly impressed the boss.
“Smokin’ Bishop is a truly distinctive beer,” Steve said.
“People like it because it’s a rich beer and the taste is like nothing they’ve ever experienced before.
“It’s the perfect winter beer to accompany good hearty food.”
A brewer of award-winning boutique beers, Invercargill Brewery’s selection features five beers – Pitch Black, Wasp, Biman, and Alpine – along with Nally’s Cider.