GABS Brewer: Steve Nally, Head Brewer, Invercargill Brewery in New Zealand

What beer are you making for GABS?
Orange stout.

Does it have a name yet?
Pitch Black Orange Stout.

Where did the inspiration come from?
It’s a tribute to an iconic NZ lolly – the orange covered chocolate Jaffas that rolled the floor of Kiwi cinemas for generations. We’ve taken our chocolate accented Pitch Black stout, and swapped out the yeast and added orange peel aiming for a rich mouthfeel with a dry finish to mimic the crisp outer shell of the original movie treat.

Do you think it’ll be a one-off or are you considering adding it to the range after GABS?
That’s one for the GABS public to decide.

What do you think of the concept of GABS?
Love it. Brewing is about conviviality and bringing people together so it’s what the drinking people think that counts most. Festivals like GABS give us all a chance to have fun with new brews and get immediate feedback from an engaged, industry-savvy audience – and that helps us create the beers our customers want, it gives retailers an indication of where the market is heading, and it gives craft beer fans a chance to shape the industry.
The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular (aka GABS) is on in Melbourne on May 23-25, 2014.