Arthurs Point-based brewery The Cargo Collective’s launching Cargo Eco Mode 3.5% AVB this Saturday, a bespoke ‘trail ale’ made in collaboration with the trust, with a percentage of each keg sold into local operators going towards supporting its ongoing work.
The Cargo Collective managing director Malcolm Blakey says the trail network, now amassing more than 200km, is the "backbone" of Queenstown’s outdoor lifestyle.
"Those early-morning rides, the weekend missions and the chance to explore this region’s landscape from an entirely different angle ... starts with great trails.
"The trust does outstanding work creating and caring for the trails ... it’s a privilege for us to support a team that brings so much energy, opportunity and enjoyment to this place we call home.".
After Blakey got in contact with the Queenstown Trails team, the concept of a meaningful collaboration started to brew, which has resulted in a "very palatable" beer, with a hint of Radler character, featuring lemonade lemons and a smooth grain bill of pilsner, gladiator, wheat and oats.
Trails trust partnerships manager Emily O’Leary says they’re thrilled to have Cargo on board as a partner, and have loved working with Cargo’s head brewer Andrew Boulton on the flavour profile — even rolling up their sleeves to peel the lemons.
QTT chief executive Mark ‘Willy’ Williams says it’s exciting to see collaborations like this bring people together and contribute to the future of the trails.
Not to mention, it’s a "very satisfying" way to toast a great day out.
To mark the launch, Cargo Collective and Queenstown Trails are holding an open function at Arthurs Point’s Cargo Brew Hall, behind Gantley’s, from 5.30pm till 7.30pm on Saturday.
Punters will be among the first to sample Eco Mode and see the premiere screening of a short doco film showcasing the construction of the Wharehuanui Trail, which opened last October and links Arrowtown and Arthurs Point, and the Shotover Gorge Trail, which opened in April, linking Arthurs Point with Tucker Beach.
