I won't be buying Mac's beers anymore

[Bren]

well, once again a big company takes over a small company, then absolutely stuffs it up!

I feel that they should keep the roots of the company (macs) alive...but the corporate world is about money and nothing else...


Mac's Brewery to close

9:56AM Saturday May 17, 2008



Lion Nathan will close the original Mac's Brewery in Stoke this month.

Mac's Brewery in Stoke, the small beer maker which sparked a craft brewing revolution is to close at the end of May.
Production will be transferred to parent company Lion Nathan's plants in Christchurch and Wellington.
Terry McCashin opened the brewery in 1981, when the New Zealand beer industry was dominated by brewing giants DB and Lion. Mac's Brewery sparked a craft brewing revolution, and continued to make innovative beers after being sold to Lion Nathan in 1999.
Lion Nathan corporate affairs director Liz Read told the Nelson Mail the Main Rd Stoke brewery was closing because it was too small to keep up with the demand for Mac's beers.
Three production staff would be offered employment elsewhere in the company, and sales representatives at Stoke would be relocated to other premises in Nelson before the lease on the building expired in July 2009.
Ms Read said 93 per cent of Mac's beer was already brewed in bigger plants in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland to meet the demand, which had increased 7 per cent annually over the past four years.

<script type="text/javascript" defer="true">document.getElementById('adSpace3').innerHTML = document.getElementById('INVadSpace3').innerHTML;d ocument.getElementById('INVadSpace3').innerHTML = '';</script>

- NZPA

[AllanB]

I can remember a friend of mine heading up to Nelson from Christchurch with a trailer to fill it up with Macs beer 20 plus years ago.

A sad day fro Nelson.

[Ms Piggy]

Boooo! Hisssss!!! That sucks!

[MisterD]

well, once again a big company takes over a small company, then absolutely stuffs it up!

I feel that they should keep the roots of the company (macs) alive...but the corporate world is about money and nothing else...

In defence, I'd say that the likes of Brewjolais shows that the spirit of Mac's is still alive within the bigger company...what's the alternative anyway - DB? (Shudder)

[jrandom]

Why does this matter?

They're giving the brewers jobs elsewhere, 93% of Mac's beer is already brewed elsewhere... who cares where it's made? It's the recipe and quality control that counts.

[Headbanger]

Well, I care.

Sad day indeed.

Even if they just had kept it open as a demonstration brewery, and served it up locally.

Bastards.

[Steam]

macs

You shouldn't be drinking Macs anyway South3rn Rid3r, surely it's one of NZ's most hippy beers?

[Naki Rat]

Why does this matter?

They're giving the brewers jobs elsewhere, 93% of Mac's beer is already brewed elsewhere... who cares where it's made? It's the recipe and quality control that counts.

It matters because it is yet another case of the big boys buying up their competition and then after a suitably acceptable period of time tossing out the spent leftovers of their corporate philanderings. :bash:

The 93% of Macs beers already brewed elsewhere is Macs in name but not quality and is catering to the Macs Gold cafe' crowd for the most part 'cos that's where the money is. The fine boutique style beers that were their crowning glory are now a thing of the past and they, like their partners in crime DB, are aiming for the lowest common denominator. Ramsack the MacCashin Brewery, pick the eyes out of it and give the brewers Hobson's choice of "work for us elsewhere or take your chances for work in Nelson". Sounds fair? NOT :beer:

If you live in Nelson you are spoilt for choice in terms of great local beers. If not give Craig Harrington a call at Tasman Brewing Company http://sprigandfern.co.nz/thebrewery.aspx (originally Harringtons Brewery and still in Nelson) on 0800 FLAGON and he'll freight you some of New Zealand's finest beers to wherever in the country you are. Cheers :drinkup:

[Skyryder]

Macs beer?? Made in China.................by Soon Go Now Imperial Brewers to the Politburo.


Skyryder

[Skyryder]

It matters because it is yet another case of the big boys buying up their competition and then after a suitably acceptable period of time tossing out the spent leftovers of their corporate philanderings. :bash:

The 93% of Macs beers already brewed elsewhere is Macs in name but not quality and is catering to the Macs Gold cafe' crowd for the most part 'cos that's where the money is. The fine boutique style beers that were their crowning glory are now a thing of the past and they, like their partners in crime DB, are aiming for the lowest common denominator. Ramsack the MacCashin Brewery, pick the eyes out of it and give the brewers Hobson's choice of "work for us elsewhere or take your chances for work in Nelson". Sounds fair? NOT :beer:

If you live in Nelson you are spoilt for choice in terms of great local beers. If not give Craig Harrington a call at 0800 FLAGON and he'll freight you some of New Zealand's finest beers to wherever in the country you are. Cheers :drinkup:

I stopped drinking Macs beer years back for exactly the reason you have given.

Much the same thing happened when Hogs Head moved from Christchurch to Auckland.
The tast changed. You can do evertyhing the same but it's the water that can not be changed.

Try the difference with NZ made Heiniken and the imported beer. Mind you ya going to have to buy those kegy things as they are not made in NZ.


Skyryder

[Swoop]

A few years ago, I had a student who lived in a flat across the road from the brewery.
He said their back door area was stacked full of empties and occasionally they would fill up the wheelbarrow and make multiple trips across the road to return their empties. When done, they would fill the wheelbarrow with a new supply and take it across the road to the flat, to commence "sampling" the product.

He seemed quite impressed with the arrangement.:yes::rockon:

[Flatcap]

The fine boutique style beers that were their crowning glory are now a thing of the past and they, like their partners in crime DB, are aiming for the lowest common denominator. Ramsack the MacCashin Brewery, pick the eyes out of it and give the brewers Hobson's choice of "work for us elsewhere or take your chances for work in Nelson". Sounds fair? NOT :beer:


Utter bollocks

Colin Paige, the chief brewer is still on the case in his mad scientists lab in Wellington. Craft brews of note:
Sassy Red - originally a seasonal brew now produced year round
Brewjolaise - get it at your nearest Mac's bar
Hop Rocker
Sun Dance
The list goes on

As for aiming for the lowest common denominator - it is all very well to have lofty ideals regarding true ales and such, the simple fact is that those who enjoy a more challenging brew (like myself) are dying off and so is the volume sold.

Nowadays beer has to compete against god-awful RTDs or become irrelevent.

As to "ramshacking the macCashin brewery" lion has owned the Mac's brand for around 9 years, brewing at that site, so a "ramshack" it is not..

[ynot slow]

Same when DB took brewing Montieths to Dorkland,big outcry but sales go on.

My brother was a member of the macs club years ago,visited the brewery back in 1996,his comment to Mr.Mac was it's hard to know when the bottle is empty,you need a little clear strip between the label as a site glass,they took that on board and the new labels didn't wrap right around the glass,imagine saying that to the fishheads at Lion Nathan.

For those interested try the beers from Whitecliff brewery in Urenui just north of New Plymouth,used to be Mikes Mild Ale,and was given many awards,some say still tastes good others say tastes crap.

[young1]

I am with you, I liked drinking it knowing I was supporting a Nelson brewery.

You used to be able to buy cheaper beer at the brewery (in stubbies) where the labels had not stuck on straight!

Only thing I don't like is the bottles, bloody horrible little things.

[ajturbo]

Why does this matter?

They're giving the brewers jobs elsewhere, 93% of Mac's beer is already brewed elsewhere... who cares where it's made? It's the recipe and quality control that counts.
as usall your full of shit......hahahahah
when loin took over "MAC"S"... everything changed.. even the recipe!!!!

we use to drink the original stuff by the flagon, yes we get it from the brewery...( back door lol)

then next thing you know loin took over and guess what... yep it changed...!..

we stopped buying it...

[inlinefour]

Why does this matter?

They're giving the brewers jobs elsewhere, 93% of Mac's beer is already brewed elsewhere... who cares where it's made? It's the recipe and quality control that counts.

Agreed and anyone who drinks that Lion shit needs their head read (or is that red?)!!!:jerry:

[MyGSXF]

Yep.. sadly.. another Nelson icon is packing up & moving out.. following in the footsteps of WOW.. :bye:

[jrandom]

as usall your full of shit......hahahahah
when loin took over "MAC"S"... everything changed.. even the recipe!!!!

My point is that that's already happened.

Whether or not the original brewery stays open is moot.

[Hitcher]

Posted by some mummy's boy who has never supped Brewjolais. Any corporate who can brew stuff that good gets my vote, whether they're brewing in Stoke or downtown Wellington. I'm more than willing to sup people's share if they're going to spit the dummy.

[Bren]

Posted by some mummy's boy who has never supped Brewjolais. Any corporate who can brew stuff that good gets my vote, whether they're brewing in Stoke or downtown Wellington. I'm more than willing to sup people's share if they're going to spit the dummy.

ya rekon mate? Mummys boy eh? Ya got that wrong indeed!
Nah what I get pissed off about is the big guys knocking off the little guys. For your information I lived in Nelson when Macs actually tasted dammned good...now its just a bit better than most of the crap that the big breweries brew, that generic pisswater that they call beer...It has totally lost its appeal to me...You can have my share of that pisswater...drink away, make yerself sick!

[Clockwork]

In defence, I'd say that the likes of Brewjolais shows that the spirit of Mac's is still alive within the bigger company...what's the alternative anyway - DB? (Shudder)

Brewjolais is good, shame its only available part of the year. Sassy Red is another fine drop but the altenatives??

Emersons, Tuatara, Epic, Moa. Still working on this list but each of these breweries is turning out fantastic beers, IMHO even better than those Mac's beers listed. (I'm pretty sure they're all NZ made too.)

[jim.cox]

when Macs actually tasted dammned good...now its just a bit better than most of the crap that the big breweries brew, that generic pisswater that they call beer...It has totally lost its appeal to me...

Have to agree :(

We were discussing this very matter over the weekend.

The consensus was that...

Macs has gone badly downhill

Their current rating is "disappointing" aroud here

And whats worse, I see no reason to expect any improvement

Thank goodness for Green Man, Emersons, Tuatara, Epic, Monteiths and those breweries who still know how to make great beer

[MisterD]

Emersons, Tuatara, Epic, Moa. Still working on this list but each of these breweries is turning out fantastic beers, IMHO even better than those Mac's beers listed. (I'm pretty sure they're all NZ made too.)

Epic's Pale Ale is a hop explosion, but not exactly widely available. Moa, I found to be a bit of a disappointment, it didn't live up to the promise of the packaging and presentation (I'm not a fan of old man Scott's wines either really).

[MisterD]

Monteiths

Roflmao....DB rubbish, with token production in the original brewery. I reckon if you asked any Coaster, they'd give exactly the same opinion as some of the Nelson locals have in this thread.

[jim.cox]

Moa, I found to be a bit of a disappointment, it didn't live up to the promise of the packaging and presentation (I'm not a fan of old man Scott's wines either really).


Tried my first Moa this weekend, having seen it on the shelves for a while.

What a weird beer. Most unusual, but hard to describe. Had to work hard to finish my glass.

Won't be buying that one again

[jim.cox]

Roflmao....DB rubbish, with token production in the original brewery. I reckon if you asked any Coaster, they'd give exactly the same opinion as some of the Nelson locals have in this thread.

Yeah maybe - but their lager tastes better than Mac's Gold...

[HenryDorsetCase]

Brewjolais is good, shame its only available part of the year. Sassy Red is another fine drop but the altenatives??

Emersons, Tuatara, Epic, Moa. Still working on this list but each of these breweries is turning out fantastic beers, IMHO even better than those Mac's beers listed. (I'm pretty sure they're all NZ made too.)


Concur. I actually like Mac's Hop Rocker, but I like stuff like Wanaka Beerworks, Green Fern, MOa better. Sure its more expensive but it tastes better.

SOmeone up above was saying about the lowest common denominator? Its a market, and marketing: How the hell else would sewer swill like DB, Lion brown or (ecccccch) Tui sell otherwise?

you get exactly what you pay for in this life. There are no free rides.

But winter is for wine, anyway. red wine.... mmmmmmm Pinot. or Italian.

[Whynot]

Why does this matter?

They're giving the brewers jobs elsewhere, 93% of Mac's beer is already brewed elsewhere... who cares where it's made? It's the recipe and quality control that counts.

ditto 10 chars

[Lias]

For those interested try the beers from Whitecliff brewery in Urenui just north of New Plymouth,used to be Mikes Mild Ale,and was given many awards,some say still tastes good others say tastes crap.

I mentioned that in the beer thread.. Damn good little brewery imho.

[vifferman]

Epic's Pale Ale is a hop explosion, but not exactly widely available. Moa, I found to be a bit of a disappointment, it didn't live up to the promise of the packaging and presentation (I'm not a fan of old man Scott's wines either really).
I wasn't too impressed with the Epic - I think the Hop Rocker is better, if you want a hoppy beer.
Alan Scott's wines are OK, but his best was the "Joshua" pinot noir (no longer available), named in honour of the same Joshua that makes the Moa. (I too found that disappointing).
Our local New World has been selling all sorts of interesting ales (like the Epic, La Trappe, etc.) and just this weekend I bought some Mata, which was quite palatable. Made in Kawerau of all places. I also bought some Leffe which was nearly as good as the La Trappe, but cheaper.

[Skyryder]

Hereford Bitter at the Dux is one of my favourite beers. They make something with ginger in it too. Not bad on a hot day. Not too sure if is a beer???????????


Skyryder

[MisterD]

I wasn't too impressed with the Epic - I think the Hop Rocker is better, if you want a hoppy beer.

HR is a lager, and the only thing hoppy about it (compared with full-on IPA's like Epic and Brewjolais or Bitters like Sassy Red) is it's name. Compared with the "Reserve" that it replaced in the Mac's line up it's quite one dimensional - good post lawnmowing beer though.

[tribsanor]

beer drinkers ! You all sound like wine sippers:argh:

[Clockwork]

Epic's Pale Ale is a hop explosion, but not exactly widely available. Moa, I found to be a bit of a disappointment, it didn't live up to the promise of the packaging and presentation (I'm not a fan of old man Scott's wines either really).

Unfortunatly I can't recall which particlular variety of Moa I sampled but it pleased me. Of course the surroundings may have helped too, on the jetty at Punga Cove in brilliant sunshine.

Epic's APA is a real treat... way more flavour than Hop Rocker IMHO.

[peasea]

beer drinkers ! You all sound like wine sippers:argh:

Reckon.

Give me bourbon.........or anything else, especially if you're buying.

[HungusMaximist]

If you live in Nelson you are spoilt for choice in terms of great local beers. If not give Craig Harrington a call at Tasman Brewing Company http://sprigandfern.co.nz/thebrewery.aspx (originally Harringtons Brewery and still in Nelson) on 0800 FLAGON and he'll freight you some of New Zealand's finest beers to wherever in the country you are. Cheers :drinkup:

I am a big sucker for boutique styled beers. Actually, I don't even know why the fuck it's called boutique, beers in general needs all be made like Mac's or Monteiths.

Hey aye Naki Rat thanks for that link, I might actually order some of those beers.

As for my recommendation, while I was living in Australia all I use to drink was Coppers Sparkling Ale, it's bottle fermented so it's pretty much like Bundaberg Ginger Beer where if you hold it to the light you see nice goody specks of yeast or whatever is. But ah the tap version was like liquid gold, you get them
in jugs/pints at this pub on special in North Melbourne, oh god the memories...:gob:

Apparently, the longer you store it the better it tastes but it's never lasted so...

Good thing is I manage to score some in New World when it was on special for $14.00 bux for a 6 pack in 375ml and it's a good hefty 5.8% and farrrrr, it goes down sooo well.... :yes:

Pity you can't get them in long necks like in Australia...

[Hitcher]

Coopers Sparkling is a pleasant enough drop. It should be for the prices they charge for it. But the best beer I found in Victoria last year was a drop called Blue Tongue. Exquisite it was.

[Skyryder]

I am a big sucker for boutique styled beers. Actually, I don't even know why the fuck it's called boutique, beers in general needs all be made like Mac's or Monteiths.



The boutique style of beers got their name from the fact that they had bars attached to the brewery They did not have the distribution networks or the manufacturing base for national sales and sold on the premises. There are exceptions but in the main they sold the product in the brewery.

I've always thought 'boutique' for a brewery is a bit poofy for what was once, essentialy a man's drink, but such is the modern nomenclature.

Skyryder

[idb]

T.....
I've always thought 'boutique' for a brewery is a bit poofy for what was once, essentialy a man's drink, but such is the modern nomenclature.

Skyryder

That sounds a bit of a poofy way of saying "the way they talk these days"!!!

[buellbabe]

I'm a Monteiths girl anyway... but I reckon it is a bloody shame... and yep DB may own Monteiths now but when they tried to shut down the Brewery in Greymouth there was such an uproar that they BACKED DOWN. Proof that the little guy can still win against the big bully!

If Macs drinkers are so offended by the prospect of the Stoke Brewery being closed then they need to protest!

Power to the People!

[Skyryder]

I'm a Monteiths girl anyway... but I reckon it is a bloody shame... and yep DB may own Monteiths now but when they tried to shut down the Brewery in Greymouth there was such an uproar that they BACKED DOWN. Proof that the little guy can still win against the big bully!

If Macs drinkers are so offended by the prospect of the Stoke Brewery being closed then they need to protest!

Power to the People!


Yep agreed.

I bought my two girls up on Monteiths. But hubby's got her on Stella Artois, Heinikien and the mexican beers. That's what happens to dad's when hubbys take over.:no:


Skyryder

[jim.cox]

If Macs drinkers are so offended by the prospect of the Stoke Brewery being closed then they need to protest

I'm not fussed on where the beer is made - just so long as it is good beer

And I am protesting - just quietly - by not buying Mac's current disappointing product.

Will they notice - and will it make any difference - I doubt it. There are too many sheeple that get taken in by the advertising and who can't think for themselves for it to count. But Lion's sales and profits will be down

And I will notice - 'cos I'll be drinking the good stuff.

Cheers :)