The Cargo Collective’s ‘Summer Haze’ hazy beer festival in Arthurs Point today will be a double celebration.
As well as an opportunity to enjoy some of the country’s best hazy beers, it marks Cargo’s 10th anniversary.
The second annual Summer Haze will run from noon till 8pm at the brewery’s Brew Hall venue behind Gantley’s.
Managing director Malcolm Blakey says it’s been quite the journey for him and partner Meron since they started out with a mobile brewing and food stand in an old Bedford truck.
Next came their old church venue in Gibbston, then managing Gantley’s pub before moving to the Brew Hall in 2024.
Blakey says this year’s festival will feature eight hazy beers from around the country, live music, food and lawn games.
As well as serving their classic ‘Kiss the Sky’ hazy, Cargo will be launching a special ‘Birthday Beer’ hazy specially brewed for the occasion.
‘‘It has more hops, more flavour, a lot more juiciness and a bit more of a punch with a higher alcohol percentage.’’
Also on tap will be hazy beers from Garage Project, Behemoth, Hop Federation, Duncan’s Brewing Co, Beer Baroness, Epic Beer and 8 Wired.
The festival’s hazy beer theme is a reflection of the national ‘‘haze craze’’ of the past five years or so, he says.
‘‘It’s the beer we get asked for most at events.
‘‘It’s really popular just now and the breweries from around New Zealand are producing some great hazies, so there’s always a good variety for us to choose from.’’
After getting a good turnout at last year’s inaugural Summer Haze, they decided to keep ‘‘growing it each year’’.
‘‘We’ve got plenty of space, and want to keep developing it as time goes on.’’
