Today is also the 53rd birthday of Luke Nicholas, founder/brewer of Epic Brewing in New Zealand. Luke brewed for many years in New Zealand before striking out on his own, and also lived in the States for a spell working for RealBeer.com and became fond of hoppy beers. As a result, his beers are some of the hoppiest in New Zealand. He also started a real beer website just for New Zealand, RealBeer.co.nz and was instrumental in starting a Brewers Guild of NZ. Luke was kind enough to show me around the beer scene in Auckland when I was there with my family a few years ago, and we run into one another at beer events surprisingly often. He’s a great beer ambassador not just for his native country, but for great beer everywhere. You can also read about his exploits online at Luke’s Beer. Join me in wishing Luke a very happy birthday.
Me and Luke outside 21st Amendment during a visit to our shores.
And at the 2010 Craft Brewers Conference in Chicago.
With Stephen Beaumont at CBC in Washington, DC a few years back.
Luke in New Zealand at Hallertau Brewbar & Restaurant with owner/brewer Stephen Plowman.
You have managed to capture two rare photos of Luke wearing an Epic t-shirt!
I had the pleasure of meeting Luke a couple months back. His beers were amazing and he was a really nice guy. Happy birthday Luke!
Cheers Jay, for the Birthday wishes.
Will in see you in San Francisco the week before WBC/CBC in San Diego
As for you Neil, not a surprising comment. You know I only have two Tshirts, and they both feature in the above pictures.
Thanks AJ.
I just can’t believe was described as a great ambassador!