We are often complimented about our rather cool brewery name and asked why we picked it ahead of other native New Zealand animals such as the Grand Skink, Kauri Snail or Long-Tailed Bat. Frankly, we just liked the Tuatara’s attitude.
Two hundred million years they were the little guys scuttling through the undergrowth while the big old Thunder Lizards (aka Dinosaurs) stomped around the planet. Now, the Tuatara is still scuttling around the undergrowth but the dinosaurs are in museum exhibits or in our oil.
We simply identify with the scrappy little chap. Contrary to a popular rumour, the Tuatara team doesn’t actually look like real Tuataras (well, not after a couple of cups of coffee in the morning anyhow).
That is why we have been so keen to support our friends at Zealandia (aka Karori Wildlife Sanctuary) who do an amazing job looking after real-life Tuatara. They looked after them so well that there are now lots of little baby Tuatara there and the first one is just about to turn two. There is going to be a rather special birthday celebration.
It is a unique beer and food matching event at 6:30pm on Thursday 24 March 2011. As the website says:
“Well known brewer and beer expert Dion Page will talk you through seven Tuatara beer tastings, each with an interesting food match from Rata head chef Craig Dunshea. Anecdotes from one of our valley rangers will add an interesting tilt to the evening.”
Dion is more than familiar with Tuatara beers as he was a brewer here. Rata has an excellent reputation, environmentally friendly philosophy, great views and superb taste – not least because Tuatara Pilsner and Tuatara Porter headline their beer list. Many of the Tuatara crew have eaten at Rata and even just reading the menu always makes us hungry.
Seven Tuatara beers - seven food matches - singing Happy Birthday to a two-year old lizard from the order Sphenodontia. What is not to like?
The cost for this unique tasting is just $60 a head and bookings are essential. As always, all the money made goes to support the sanctuary. You can book by ringing 04 920 9200 or emailing them.
Cheers from the team at Tuatara
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