Derelict Brewing Company is only a few years old, but already its raft of beers are sitting in prime position as the top rated brewery in New Zealand on the hugely popular beer rating app, Untappd. And it’s not just the consumers who are stoked with the range of beers that Sam and wife Natalie are churning out: in addition to the many homebrewing medals that Sam won when he was first starting out, Derelict has gained multiple accolades at a national level, including many coveted People’s Choice awards. “We don’t enter many competitions these days,” explains Sam, “but People’s Choice awards are meaningful – it’s your customers telling you that what you’re doing is good.”

It’s the full-flavoured, ‘boundary-pushing’ nature of Derelict’s beers that are hitting a chord with consumers. With almost 100 batches of beers being produced per year to date, Sam and Natalie don’t have a base range like many breweries, preferring instead to turn out limited releases of unexpected, out of the box brews. Hoppy and juicy beers are the brews that pay the bills but flavours like pineapple, cherry, marshmallow, maple syrup, coconut and vanilla are common features in Derelict’s limited release beers, expertly blended, brewed and conditioned into a selection of India pale ales, sour beers and stouts. They source ingredients locally where possible and are committed to using real, quality ingredients.

Despite everything being done on site – including bottling, label design and labelling – the couple are adding another string to their bow with the creation of their web store. Derelict’s range is currently stocked in retail outlets throughout the country, but they hope that the ability to buy online will ensure those in the furthest reaches will be able to purchase and enjoy a Derelict brew or two at home.

Discover Sam’s business, Derelict, here. 

Derelict is a MADE NORTH CANTERBURY member. MADE NORTH CANTERBURY is our region’s provenance brand that certifies everything authentically grown, made, caught and reared in our region. This story was originally published on madenorthcanterbury.co.nz. Visit MADE NORTH CANTERBURY to learn more about our region’s bountiful food and beverage industry.

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