25/10/2011
For those who enjoy wine and/or beer, New Zealand has a lot to offer. I will do my best, a little at a time, to experience the local offerings and share them- virtually of course.
Drinking age is eighteen. Younger folk may accompany family to a pub. In some communities, including Invercargill, wine is available in liquor stores, but not grocery stores.
I tried two brews on the night of the Rugby World Cup- DB Draught and Speight's (Gold Medal Ale I believe). Both brands had additional varieties available on tap, which I have yet to try. The two beers were each amber in color. Of the two, I preferred the DB, which seemed a bit smoother. Both had good flavour.
A glass of Origins Chardonnay, 2009, from Matua Valley, NZ went well with pork roast for supper. The wine is crisp and dry with a bit of an apple and oak taste. I will confess up front that I do not do wine reviews officially or otherwise, but this was an enjoyable part of dinner. Perhaps we will have the opportunity to visit some wineries during our stay.
27/10/11
The Little Penguin is a very drinkable red blended table wine.
It appears there are no open container laws for walking down the street with a beer or at least such laws are not always enforced. I will not personally test these inferences based on a solitary observation.
4/11/11
Tara and I went out to dinner two nights ago. The house Shiraz was Curious from Australia. It was a bit less dry than some and quite good. I had venison, which was excellent. Before supper I had some fermented cider- not something I regularly consume, but it was tasty and refreshing.
Fun alcohol "fact" for New Zealand. I have been told it is legal to distill spirits here. No, I have not assembled a still.
