Gadoochi co-owner Nicola McGilvary said the Black Doctor Porter brew stepped up from the bronze it won last year to take a silver medal, and its Johnny Spanners Pilsner and Seagull Cider each won bronze medals.
The brewery’s products are heavily influenced by Southland history, family stories and local ingredients. The Black Doctor Porter was named after Antonio Williams, believed to be one of Invercargill’s first pākehā residents, who camped on the banks of the Otepuni Stream.
Johnny Spanners Pilsner is named after Ms McGilvary’s late brother Johnny, a well-known figure in Invercargill’s hot rod community.
Seagull Cider, the company’s very first brew, is made from plums grown in the Roxburgh orchard Ms McGilvary and partner Chris Elleden bought in 2014, and came about as a way to use the excess fruit.
Brewer Damon Milne keeps each of their 17 finely tuned brews a close secret. He described his recipe development as a process of making small adjustments to ingredients, timing and production methods.
The Gadoochi team said they were thrilled by the results and were excited to be among a small group of New Zealand brewers recognised at the international competition.
Altitude Brewery, from Queenstown, and Wellington-based Garage Project also won awards.
By Toni McDonald
