Society of Beer Advocates City of Ales Festival – 12 July 2014
Hundreds of beer lovers are set to celebrate the third anniversary of the Society of Beer Advocates’ (SOBA) City of Ales
Festival, at The Floating Pavilion in Auckland.
Started in 2012, the festival will once again be taking over the Floating Pavilion on Auckland's Viaduct Harbour for a
celebration of North Island beers. The festival will be very similar in size & format to last year's sold-out success - two sessions, about 30 beers from breweries across the North Island and a
plate of delicious food included in your ticket price.
Festival organiser Martin Bridges says the festival has focused on creating a smaller intimate feel, with an emphasis on
sampling and food-matching rather than over-consumption.
“Feedback from attendees at last year's festival was that they liked the relaxed and intimate feel of the festival, so
we've kept everything basically the same. Obviously there will be lots of new beers and we're working hard to make sure
there will be some surprising and exciting beers that you haven't tried before.
“Auckland has long been referred to as the sleeping giant in craft beer circles, often playing second fiddle to
Wellington. The explosion of craft beer availability across the city suggests the giant is beginning to stir and
Auckland beer drinkers are developing a thirst for interesting and flavoursome beers. The City of Ales festival is a
great opportunity for beer lovers to be able to sample a great variety of beer all in one location.”
Dozens of breweries beer will be represented at the festival including local favourites such as Epic & Schippers, as well as Hamilton brewers Brewaucracy & Wellington breweries such as Garage Project & North End Brewing. Several beers will make their Auckland debut at the festival.
The festival provides an opportunity to chat with New Zealand brewers and a range of beer enthusiasts who all share a
passion for quality beer. This is one of the many reasons the festival is so much fun.
When: Saturday 12 July 2013; Two sessions 1) 12pm- 3pm 2) 4pm-7pm
Where: The Floating Pavillion, Gate 1, Hobson West Marina, 220 Quay St, Auckland
How much: $35 per person
What: 2 complimentary sample glasses of beer and a plate of food, with the option to purchase more beer
About the Society of Beer Advocates
The Society of Beer Advocates was formed in 2006. It is a consumer-based organisation with a mission to educate,
promote, and advocate for the appreciation of, and access to, a diverse range of quality beer.
ENDS