Mermaid's Mirth is a bit of a local legend in Mt Maunganui. Generously packed with American hops where Citra, Simcoe, and Chinook deliver a citrusy flavour and aroma, supported by a clean and crispy body. Exceptionally easy drinking for 6% she may be legendary but comes with a cautionary tale...

NZ Lager is New Zealand's original premium quality beer. Made with NZ ingredients it is a great value New Zealand beer.

NZ Lager is New Zealand's original premium quality beer. Made with NZ ingredients it is a great value New Zealand beer.

NZ Lager is New Zealand's original premium quality beer. Made with NZ ingredients it is a great value New Zealand beer.

Making fruit more useful since 1947, Old Mout (rhymes with fruit) makes cider for cider lovers.

Making fruit more useful since 1947, Old Mout (rhymes with fruit) makes cider for cider lovers.

Making fruit more useful since 1947, Old Mout (rhymes with fruit) Cider makes cider for cider lovers.

Making fruit more useful since 1947, Old Mout (rhymes with fruit) makes cider for cider lovers.

Making fruit more useful since 1947, Old Mout (rhymes with fruit) makes cider for cider lovers.

The first alcoholic Ginger Beer kicked off back in the 18th century by a couple of old codgers patiently fermenting ginger. Good Ginger Beer isn't about rushing, it's about letting the ginger do its thing. When Orchard Storm Ginger Beer is made, the team let it brew proper, then sling in a squeeze of Lime Juice to create a zesty wee taste.

As self-confessed bogans we have an attraction to black. The key to creating a silky death metal monster like Blacktop is the caramelised Golden naked Oats we've built it around. Sophisticates will detect the chocolate and coffee notes of creamy tiramisu. The rest of us will note that it matches our jeans.

This pickup is loaded with notes of papaya, nectarines, citrus and melon, with some bitterness in the backend for a full and balanced ride.