GABS Brewer: Stu McKinlay from Yeastie Boys in New Zealand

What beer are you making for GABS?
A smoky dark mild ale with chipotle and a hint of fruity NZ hops. All these ingredients scream ‘‘over the top’’ (which is what craft beer is often about) but we’re sticking to the mild ale ideals by brewing a light-flavored, malt-accented wee ale that is probably more suited to pints rather than tasters.

Does it have a name yet?
The Paw Paw Negro Blowtorch.

Where did the inspiration come from?
I’d originally planned on a gluten-free (or gluten-reduced) beer inspired by a friend of mine who penned a beautiful short story on his life since having to give up beer. But I was led astray by a case of blending a smoked amber ale and a chilli porter, and listening to Brian Eno’s tune of the same name, just moments before the organisers asked what our beer would be this year! My friend will just have to wait…

Do you think it’ll be a one-off or are you considering adding it to the range after GABS?
We’re certainly only planning for this to be a one-off … but we thought Gunnamatta would be too and it is now our biggest selling beer!

What do you think of the concept of GABS?
GABS is pretty much the ultimate melting pot of beer. It has something for everyone, from the most ardent beer geek to the total newcomer wondering what this beer buzz is all about. It’s a great display of what beer is (an incredibly varied beverage made by a diverse bunch of really interesting people) and, even more importantly, a showcase of what beer is most certainly not (that is, whatever you had it pigeon-holed as before!). Best of all, GABS is right there in the thick of Good Beer Week – the most important week of beer in the southern hemisphere.

The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular (aka GABS) is on in Melbourne on May 23-25, 2014.