B.Effect comes from the concept of "The Butterfly Effect", in such that represents how small changes can cause great effects. B.Effect is a range of craft beers and liquor that was started by James Hay at the beginning of 2015.
What is your company background, how did you start the business? Who are the owners?
"I moved to Wanaka from Christchurch almost 3 years ago to be closer to the outdoors and things I love doing - skiing, mountain biking, boating, etc. Having Co-Founded a brewing company in Christchurch, Hop Baron - brewing was part of what I loved doing. Hop Baron was a Christchurch brand and so I started B.Effect while working full time Building for two years until the start of this year while running B.Effect. We've had a great start and Wanaka is a great town to be making beer in."
What is the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
"We have a great core range of sessionable beers which include:
Pop'n Pils Pilsner 5.0% 500ml & 330ml bottles
Cut Cat Session IPA 3.8% 330ml bottle
Pool Fire Pale Ale 5.0% 500ml & 330ml bottles
Wanaka Lager 4.43% (out in July) 330ml Can
Hop'n Roll APA 5.9% 500ml bottle
C-Bomb Black IPA 6.3% 500ml bottle
Mojo Pin Belgian Ale 4.8% Made with our unique blend of Red Wine and Ale Yeast. 330ml bottle
We have another range we have just launched this year called the Wine & Ale Series where we are making a range of Central Otago IPA's using our unique blend of Wine and Ale Yeast. The wine yeasts we select give unique fruity flavours and spicy aromas to the beers that we're really excited about.
This first of this range 'Blazing Hops 8.0%' is out now, and the second release 'Secret Garden 6.8%' is out at the end of June, and being launched at the Smiths Queenstown NZIPA Challenge. "
Has there been any recent company news?
"We're releasing the 'Wanaka Lager' in July, and this will be available in 330ml Cans as well. We believe this beer and the introduction of cans will be a game changer. It's a refreshing easy drinking Vienna Lager designed to be taken skiing, hiking, and up the rivers & lakes where ever your adventure might be taking you.
Also the second release of our Wine & Ale Series 'Secret Garden' will be available in 500ml bottles from good bottle stores, and on Tap at select outlets. We also picked up a Silver Medal for our Cut Cat Session IPA at the Australian Beer Awards last month."
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
"Our own brewery is on the cards, we currently contract brew our beers with some great partners out of Christchurch and Dunedin but are looking for a suitable space in Wanaka. Putting our 330ml range into Cans is the logical next step which we're super excited about."
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability? If so, where would you like to see the product situated?
"Good bottle stores and supermarkets in Wanaka, Queenstown, Dunedin and Christchurch. Also some specialty bottle stores like Fine Wine Delivery Co in Auckland, and our beer is also available on tap around the country at good Free House's."
