Waiheke Island’s Alibi Brewing Co. washed ashore its Sea Salted Oyster Pilsner just intime for summer. Launched today, the new beer marks a collaboration between Bernard Neate of Alibi Brewing Co. and Steve Russell from Blasta Brewing in Western Australia.
The beer has notes of windswept beaches, seafoam, Ice from the oyster bar, driftwood and Rock Samphire. It is dry, crisp, and minerally with a round sea saltiness.
The two brewers were introduced by Konvoy Kegs’ Tom Madams. Both brewers gained his attention when they each received national acclaim in their respective countries in 2021. Alibi Brewing Co. won the New Zealand Brewer’s Guild Champion Exhibitor Award, and Blasta Brewing won the Champion Beer at the Australian Indie Awards. From the outset, the two brewers wanted to make a Waiheke Pilsner that would be light, zippy, and highly drinkable for the long hot summer ahead.
Alibi Brewing Co. Sea Salted Oyster Pilsner
“The idea is that the shell would add some hardness to the brew which will help accentuate the hoppiness, dryness and overall minerality of the beer,” said Neate.
“The base of the beer is German malt and hops that were fermented with our house lager strain from the NZ yeast wranglers at Froth Technologies. The yeast really completes this beer. It’s like the stitching that holds it all together whilst adding just the most subtle flavour.”
Following the release on October 28, the Sea Salted Oyster Pilsner will be one of six beers available on tap at the Alibi Brewing Co. stand at the Beer Spot Beer Festival at The Cloud in November.
