Bar review: Emersons Brewery, Dunedin

The taproom at Emersons Brewery. Photo / Supplied

I admit it, as much as I love a cold beer, I had no idea what went on in order to make this bottled deliciousness. The terminologies were wasted on me, I didn't know what a hop was, or even the difference between a pilsner and an IPA. I'm sure there are others like me, but as far as I knew beer was born and raised in a supermarket. So, on this journey of discovery I went, to Dunedin where, nestled away metres from the Forsyth Barr Stadium, sits the proud Emerson's Craft Brewery.

Although only 20 years in the game, Emerson's is already saturated in history. Even as you walk in you're greeted with how it all started, a postcard from founder Richard Emerson, inspired by his journey from Edinburgh to start his own brew pub and restaurant.

As I walk down the hall, his creation comes to light. Distilleries, fermentation tanks and brewers on one side and on the other sits the newest addition: The Emerson's Taproom and Restaurant.

Emerson's Restaurant and Brewery in Dunedin.

After recognising the quickly growing demand for craft beer, Lion pounced in 2012 pounced, buying Emerson's under one condition from Richard: Dunedin remains the brewery's home. True to the founder's wish, four years later the new Emerson's Brewery officially opened right on Dunedin soil. Although a Lion product, Emerson's remains a standalone company, having creative control over its brand and brews. Over a few ales, I had a chat with venue manager Charlotte Jansenn about the future of Emersons, and the importance of staying true to the brand and their loyal customer base.

"If we're going to make a decision, we need to make sure we don't lose the magic that is Emerson's, " she said. And that's the magic I felt walking through the door: ingenuity, creativity and innocence. Fan service is another plus: They named a New Zealand IPA "A Beer Called Gary" — after an Emerson's regular.

If you're feeling the call for knowledge, answer it with one of their brewery tours.

It can be adapted to your knowledge of beer, whether you're a beer rookie (like me) or a seasoned brewing pro, you can still walk away a bit smarter than you were walking in.

This is all thanks to the guides. These are all employees who've all put their mark on the Emerson's brand, from chefs to brewers and even managers — who better to tell the story of Emerson's than someone who lives and breathes it? The tour gives a refreshing insight into the brewmaking process. The malt room, the fermentation tanks, even the bottling process, everything from start to finish is operated right under one roof.

And if the tour experience isn't enough, each tour ends with a tasting session, six of Emerson's finest brews, all of varying shade and texture, all for your eagerly awaiting palate. Tours last just under an hour, accommodating up to 12 people, and for just $28 per person, it's music to the ears of all beer nuts.

If you prefer quail over ale, pay a visit to the newly opened Emersons Restaurant for a beautiful meal, prepared by dedicated and dhpassionate chefs. Each dish is designed to be perfectly paired with one of the Emerson's fine signature brews. I jumped right into the tender beef linguine, paired with the London Porter, Emerson's very first beer.

Brewer Richard Emerson. Photo / Supplied

If you're as sceptical as I was about pairing beer and food, take your taste buds on a journey and give it a go. I found the malty flavour of the porter complemented the smokiness of the beef really well. And if you're after a whole new ball game, Emerson's beers can also be paired with their selection of whisky.

Aside from the beer and food, it really is a fantastic area where you can witness magic being created in front of your eyes, I encourage anyone who loves beer and food as much as I do to see the magic for yourself. And if you become a regular, they may even name a beer after you.

CHECKLIST

Getting there
Jetstar flies daily from Auckland to Dunedin, withreturn fares starting from $158.
Details
For information on brewery tours and tastings, go to emersons.co.nz.