City of Ales

Overview

The time of year has come for beer lovers from the nation over to unite under one roof and do what they do best: drink. Unlike other successful festivals, the City of Ales craft beer festival has not grown exponentially since its launch in 2012. The event has been lauded and loved each year, although a large part of the attraction of the festival is the intimate and friendly atmosphere, hence the organiser Martin Bridge's reluctance to expand the event further.

Unlike other beer festivals, this one promises a relaxed vibe and kicked-back conversation between like-minded beer gurus. Although whilst Bridge refuses to expand the festival guest list past the 250 mark, he promises that the event has certainly expanded beer-wise. With two sessions of over 30 beer tastings from breweries across the North Island, including local favourites: Epic & Schippers, Hamilton brewers Brewaucracy, and Wellington brewery Garage Project as well as numerous brewery debuts, as well as a meal included in your ticket price, the event is certainly good value for money.

The explosion of craft beer in Auckland is a reasonably recent one, and up until lately Wellington has been the city called to mind when contemplating craft beer in New Zealand. However with multiple events dedicated to the craft beer cause this year alone, it seems Auckland's beer drinkers are becoming thirsty for more interesting boutique beers. City of Ales provides an opportunity for these beer progressives to chat with local New Zealand brewers and other beer enthusiasts who all share a passion for great craft beer.