By George, That’s Some Good Brewing
No-one ever sits down with a good brew in hand without the intention of either relaxing, improving their mood, or getting a bit rowdy. Unless of course you live somewhere like Louisiana, in which case your intention may be to make your sister or cousin more attractive. Whatever your plans for the evening I think I’ve found my new favourite brewery which ticks all those boxes. Apart from inbreeding, which I don’t recommend. It’s just a bad idea that anyone who’s visited Gibraltar can attest to. They don’t have chins or foreheads so much as an obtuse angle punctuated by a nose acting as an apex tying the hairline to the neck when viewed in profile. It’s not a good look.
Good George Brewery is located in Hamilton and has really taken off since its inception in 2011 when they moved into the St George Church, which provided the unique setting they were after, to set-up not just a brewery, but a full restaurant open seven days catering to foodies, beer and cider lovers. I like how they put beer afficionados and cider drinkers on the same level. I usually only drink cider as a detox alternative when I’m hungover, but cider has as hardcore a following as those seeking a dry-hopped double IPA. Their Doris Plum Cider sounds very intriguing and could be a rival for some offerings from Recorderlig. I think a side-by-side test may be in order.
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest I’m partial to an IPA. I do like a savagely hopped-up bevvie from time to time but much prefer something sessionable; a brew that is balanced with just enough of what you’re after without unscrewing your head after one pint. It has to make you happy to go back for seconds, thirds and fourths. And that is what Good George is all about. Happiness. One sip of their IPA just puts a smile on your face. It can’t be helped. One sip and you think, damn, life IS good right now. I think I’m right in saying every style of beer comes with a predictable feeling. A stout or porter on a cold day with a bowl of chilli or chowder makes you want to cozy up. A light pils for those blistering Central Otago summers to be had with mates after a good pedal, or a heady, hoppy, happy IPA for anytime in between.
Don’t take my word for it though, try a drop for yourself. Try some after a really rough one though and revel in the novelty of your cheeks tensing into an uncontrollable ear to ear grin which draws you back to the fridge for another, and another. You don’t even need to leave your house to try it either as they’ll ship some to your door.
Good George believe that drinking beer or cider (or probably drinking in general) should be enjoyable, simple, rewarding and I couldn’t agree with them more.
Life is hard man. It’s fraught with difficult decisions and stress every day. So the next bottle you wrap your lips around should now be the easiest decision all year. Cheers to ya, and Good George to all.
