Lakeman Puts Taupo on the Medal Board at NZ Craft Beer Awards

2024 continues to be a year of celebration for the Lakeman Brewing team. After having three of our core beers make the top 30 in the New World Beer Awards, we are thrilled to announce another impressive lineup of medals at the 2024 New Zealand Beer Awards. This time, our seasonal beers have received high accolades, showcasing our passion for experimenting with new hops and a diverse range of flavours in our limited releases.

Living up to its name, Black Jack Gold won a Gold medal in the Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer category. The judges praised its soft rum, clove and nutmeg spice, rich fruit aroma, and chocolate flavours. They described it as a great beer with complex attributes that holds its alcohol well. This big stout remains a crowd favourite, with the latest batch on shelves now and selling quickly.

Taking home our second Gold medal was Mastermind, one of our latest creations. The brewers delved into research to craft a cutting-edge malt base with a grand symphony of tropical juiciness, coconut, tangerine, and a hint of Sauvignon Blanc. The judges appreciated its good appearance and drinkability, highlighting the tropical and fruity hops aroma and flavour. Now available in stores with its gold medal, there’s no better time to try this latest masterpiece from our team.

Three more of our seasonals earned Silver medals at the 2024 NZ Beer Awards. First up is Hairy’s Comet West Coast IPA, which launched just last month and has quickly gained popularity with its radiant tropical, citrus, and pine flavours and a deliciously dank finish. The judges noted its great appearance, golden colour, good clarity, and dry body with lingering bitterness, ensuring its continued success.

Done and Dusted, a refreshing and vibrant Hazy IPA, also claimed Silver. This beer is recognized for its tropical hop flavours, and sweet barley sugar-like malt. At 6% ABV, it’s a light and moreish choice that’s sure to please.

Our popular Stout, previously released as a seasonal brew, is now available year-round after becoming a favourite among stout drinkers and at a great price point. It earned a Silver medal for its toasted malt and chocolate aroma, full sweet flavours of caramel and chocolate malt, and smooth finish. It’s a great choice for both first-time stout drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts.

Backing up their top 30 placement saw Primate Pilsner, Taupo Thunder, and Big Hairy, alongside seven other core beers, earn Bronze medals, further showcasing the consistent quality the team is delivering.

A huge thanks to our brewers. Their dedication over the past year has resulted in achievements we are immensely proud of.

Thank you to the Brewers Guild and all the sponsors for a great evening.

Lakeman Brewing puts Taupo on the map with multiple award-winning craft beers at the 2024 NZ Beer Awards. Discover our celebrated brews and their medals!