Since returning to New Zealand I have always noticed beers on sale from Renaissance Brewery, but for some reason I have never gotten around to trying them. A follow on my Tweeter account from Renaissance reminded me that I shouldn't be missing out, so I decided it was time to take the plunge. Renaissance is based in Blenheim, the heart of Marlborough wine country. It was founded by a couple of Californians who decided that beer needed the same dedication that wine does. You can tell that these guys are serious about their craft. Their bottles are not the usual longneck you get from a New Zealand brewery, but rather have the curved shape you see with many English beers. Nice touch.My first Renaissance brew is the Stonecutter Scotch Ale. It already has a few rewards under its belt so someone likes it. They have used nine malts in brewing the ale and it shows. It is very smooth with a strong caramel taste. It is rich and sweet. With the sweet flavours and 7% alcohol I think I might see how it goes down during winter.
