Monteith’s celebrates 140 years with 1860s-inspired brew

Monteith’s has been crafting fine beers for 140 years. And to celebrate the milestone, the iconic West Coast brewer is releasing a special brew in a style that was popular way back in the 1860s.

In 1868, Greymouth and the West Coast were in the grip of a gold rush. When the prospectors returned to camp after a hard day’s panning in the cold streams of the region, they yearned for an ale or two. To meet the demand for quality brews, the Monteith family - father Stewart and son William - produced fine beers at their Phoenix Brewery, including the traditional pale ale. From these humble origins, the Phoenix Brewery soon became the West Coast’s most popular brewer for its strong tasting, full flavoured ales.

Now in 2008, in a fitting tribute to the brewery that lives by its reputation of heritage and innovation, Monteith’s is resurrecting the timeless beer style to craft Monteith’s 140 West Coast Pale Ale. This strictly limited release equates to just 2,900 cases of 4 packs and 300 x 30 litre kegs, brewed exclusively at the Monteith’s Brewery Company in Greymouth, West Coast.

From Stewart and William Monteith’s era to today, 140 years later, Monteith’s has stayed true to the batch brewing philosophy. “Monteith’s 140 West Coast Pale Ale is a true New Zealand premium ale,” says brewer Barrie Calder. “It’s brewed with New Zealand-grown Cascade hops giving it a striking citrus-pine hop aroma. “To help replicate the flavour of an 1860s Pale Ale we’ve mixed in a generous serving of malts to impart a full-bodied flavour with a hint of caramel.” He says Monteith’s 140 West Coast Pale Ale is best matched with a traditional working man’s ploughman’s lunch. “Carve off a selection of cold meats and accompany with chunks of cheddar, throw in a couple of pickled onions and a generous helping of chutney. Combine all ingredients with freshly cut rye bread – It’s a good nod towards the Monteith’s heritage,” Barrie says.

Monteith’s 140 West Coast Pale Ale is available in 4 packs at selected supermarkets from September 1 and exclusively on tap at Monteith’s concept bars and selected West Coast bars from August 18. “Because of the limited run, it won’t be around for long so people better get in quick to taste a drop of Monteith’s history,” says Barrie.

It has an alcohol content of 5.2 per cent. Recommended retail price for a 4 pack is $13.99.