Wellingtonians love local books. They also love local beer. When you combine the two, it’s a surefire success. So we were delighted to host an event for Brewed: A Guide to the Craft Beer of New Zealand by Jules van Cruysen on Tuesday 22 September.
Jules talked about the impetus for creating Brewed, having noticed a gap in the market for this particular breed of beer book. ‘After talking to brewers and drinkers, I decided that I needed to make it happen.’ But initially, his discussions with publishers weren’t as positive as he’d hoped – with people struggling to see the market potential. So Jules took matters into his own hands, and crowdfunded over $20 000.
With funds and obvious proof of interest obtained, after a few discussions with newly interested companies, he decided to work with Potton & Burton. ‘They wanted to book to be a success, to be a project with integrity – they weren’t going to take control like others would have.’ They also understood and worked with Jules’ strong feelings on the matter of not making is a ‘blokey’ book – and the end result was that ‘what would have been really good is now excellent.’
He talked about dealing with the costs of research ending up much higher than anticipated – ‘but it was fine, because it needed to be done’. There are over 400 tasting notes in the book – as well as sections on all kinds of people working in the craft beer world – part of ‘what makes the New Zealand beer scene particularly special… hopefully we managed to convey the essence of each brewery’.
At this point, Jules decided it was time to get pouring, and all interested attendees were handed a cup of I AM – a new collaboration between Jules and Yeastie Boys to celebrate the launch of Brewed. Jules described the beer as halfway between a pilsner and a pale ale, and told us ‘it turned out exactly as it should have’.
He talked about the different things achieved by different sized breweries, pointing out that all ventures have the place (and their market), from Lion and DB through to small-scale commercial brewers creating batched not much larger than home brewers. ‘Personalities and philosophies range very dramatically.’ He did point out the benefits and his own preference for supporting local businesses – ‘regardless of whether it’s beer, food, or bookshops, it’s a good thing.’
We wrapped things up with a Q&A, with several interesting topics being raised – from the contentious area of favourites, to questions about the beer making process, to the ways in which becoming a ‘connoisseur’ of beer differs from similarly dedicating yourself to wine.
Cups were drained, books were purchased and signed, and Jules went on his way to continue touring around the country to celebrate the book. Between book, beer and the words about both, it made for a most excellent lunchtime.
Brewed: A Guide to the Craft Beer of New Zealand (Potton & Burton) is $40 and available in store now or from our online shop HERE.
Photos by Matt Bialostocki and words by Briar Lawry
