A Captain's brew

Kieran Haslett-Moore

17/02/2010 11:04:00 a.m.

TUCKED away in the rural hinterland of Golden Bay, the Mussel Inn has been providing old fashioned country hospitality and some of the most idiosyncratic brews in the country since 1992.
Captain Cooker Manuka Beer is the most famous of those brews. Inspired by the first beer brewed in Aotearoa by Captain Cook in 1773 and named after the breed of pigs that Captain Cook released in the Marlborough Sounds, Captain Cooker is spiced with the tips of the Manuka tree.
As the tips are harvested throughout the year for each brew the character they impart varies in intensity depending on the season. The fame of the beer is such that it is now brewed under contract in Belgium for the European market, in Utah for the American market and in Invercargill for the New Zealand market beyond Golden Bay, with the Mussel Inn exporting the harvested Manuka tips to each brewery.
Pouring mid amber, Captain Cooker displays a striking intense aroma with hints of resinous fresh Manuka, spicy ginger, warm malt and a hint of tropical fruit. In the mouth the beer has plenty of sweet biscuity malt, a light resinous spice character and a smooth gentle finish. Captain Cooker is available on tap from time to time at Hashigo Zake and Bar Edward or in the bottle at Regional Wines and Spirits.
Cheers

Cover Story

Best of Wellington 2011

Fringe Festival

Briefs

From police to employers chamber
JOHN Wills has been appointed as interim chief executive of the Employers Chamber of Commerce (ECCC), effective immediately.
Save the Rhino
A concert this weekend features local performers including Jomba, Skapiti, and Siggy. It is part of an international awareness day to support the petition to the South African government to stop rhino poaching. The Waterfront, Marine Parade, Raumati Beach, 11 February.
Jazzy clouds
The first performance of jazz musician Mike Nock’s choral work Land of the Long White Cloud will be sung by the Orpheus Choir at Soundings Theatre, Te Papa, 18 February. It’s a free concert and only expected to last about 10minutes.
On board
CONRAD Smith, the new Hurricanes captain has rejoined the team after an extended RWC break, in time for the sellout pre-season game at Managatainoka this Saturday.
Share the vision, free
SIR Paul Callaghan a trustee of Zealandia, formerly the Karori bird sanctuary will give a talk about the vision and importance of the sanctuary for New Zealand. Rutherford House lecture theatre1, 5.40pm, February 13.
Indian art money
MORE than a dozen locals are showing and selling their art, at that well known art space, Betty’s Bar on Blair St, to fundraise for the Karunai Dhan primary school in India. From 5pm, February 10.
Star signs
INTERNATIONAL astrologer Faye Cossar, a former Wellingtonian is visiting the city to conduct workshops and a public talk. Cossar is unusual in that she holds a Masters degree in astrology. February 14.
The Great Outdoors
GREATER Wellington’s Great Outdoors summer events programme continues this week with a daughter, mother, grandmother mountain bike ride at Belmont Regional Park on February 12 and an evening guided walk from East Harbour Regional Park on February 8.
Swimming challenge
SWIMMERS looking for a challenge can take up the long-distance summer swim challenge at Wellington City Council pools.
Participants have until April 30 to swim or aquajog 53 kilometres, the distance equivalent to doing a circuit of Lake Mead in Nevada.
The distance covered is recorded by pool staff and there are spot prizes along the way.
On your skates
SOME of the world’s best skaters are in town for Bowl-a-Rama 2012, a week long celebration of skateboard culture.
The competition is at Waitangi Skate Park on February 11, but there are additional events throughout from February 8 to 12, including an art exhibition by local and international skateboarders at 15 Courtenay Place.
Safer outdoors
A new website has been created to make planning for safe outdoor activities easier.
AdventureSmart,org.nz provides safety information and support for those planning land, snow, water, boating and air activities.
Sommerfest
SOMMERFEST, Wellington’s family-friendly food and beer festival, takes place in the Worser Bay Boating Club on February 26.
The annual festival offers a range of boutique beers matched with great food tastes.
Breaking with tradition this year there will also be margaritas from 5pm.

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