A new species has been named after Wellington brewpub Fork and Brewer.
Pentaceration forkandbrewer, a marine isopod found off the east coast of New Zealand, was given its formal scientific name after Fork and Brewer brewed the best beer at the 10th International Crustacean Congress last year.
Marine biologist Rachael Peart said it was a great way to engage people with New Zealand’s fantastic sea creatures.
“We were hosting the 10th International Crustacean Congress at Te Papa and wanted a unique way to showcase and celebrate our marine world. People love beer, so we thought – why not immortalise a local brewery by giving them a chance to be forever included in the scientific literature?” said Peart.
Beervana Festival Manager Ryan McArthur co-organised the competition.
NIWA’s marine biologist Kareen Schnabel said that they decided to give Mcarthur a special honour as a token of their gratitude for his support.
“We had a few new species that needed a name, and Ryan had been so helpful with organising the competition, so as thanks, we decided to name a deep-sea ghost shrimp Vulcanocalliax Beervana,” said Schnabeel.
Seven breweries entered, including winners Fork and Brewer, who presented a beer inspired by the low country boil-up from the south-eastern States of the USA.
Head Brewer Brayden Rawlinson came up with the concoction.
“Potatoes and flaked corn were mashed with the stout grain to give a clean fermentable. They also provided the gimmick of being key components of a low-country boil,” said Rawlinson.
“At the end of the boil, several prawns were added to infuse a subtle briny foundation to the beer, reminiscent of an Oyster Stout.”
Rawlinson added that the beer was also infused with Creole seasoning steeped in Bourbon Whiskey. This gave it a super savoury, complex aroma and flavour, with top notes of fusel (warm) alcohol, which gave the impression of it being a higher-alcohol beer.
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