#8 - Harrington's Kiwi Draught - 4% ABV

The name suggests something nasty. Tasteless. Musty. Something insipid and tepid on the palate.

But how can it be? It's from Harrington's in Christchurch - home to some of my favourite Kiwi brews, so it must be so good it has the gumption to name itself after those run of the mill beers the big breweries have been convincing us to drink for decades and show 'em how it's done.

The pour reveals a medium/pale amber with a nice carbonation and thin head. It's nose is vaguely malty with a touch of....oh no! cardboard.

There's a crisp light body and a little maltiness on the palate with a hint of burnt caramel but other than that, it is devoid of any of the interesting characteristics and twists I've come to love from Harrington's. Although the label describes it as "barley from their paddocks, hops from just up the road and good old alpine water" it's proof that just because your neighbour supplies the ingredients, doesn't mean it'll result in a good beer. I expected more.

But it is named suitably.