‘Chocness Monster’ makes its mark

Lakeman brewer Laura Park takes part in a photo shoot for the Chocness Monster stout. Photo: Supplied

Lakeman has had three of its beers included in the top 25 of the annual New World Beer and Cider Awards.

Owned by James and Elissa Cooper, Lakeman has been a regular feature of the awards, having a beer in the top 25 for each of the past three years.

Elissa says it was unexpected to be awarded three this year and nice for the brew team of Glen Sando and Laura Park, “who are doing an excellent job”.

She says James develops most of the recipes and critiques them, but everyone comes up with ideas.

“We work it backwards to see if it is possible. And we have crossed off a few ideas, as they have to be really drinkable at the end of the day.” 

She says it was nice that the three winners span three different styles.

They are Taupo Thunder NZ Pale Ale, Rogue Hog West Coast IPA and Chocness Monster Stout.

The latter two are seasonal beers. In the case of the Chocness Monster, they had sold out prior to the awards so had to brew some more for the judges.

The stout has a chocolate-based malt, with additions of chocolate extract, honey, caramel, and a hint of almond.

It is described as “rich but not too sweet” and available in single 440ml cans.

Marty Day has been designing the labels and other graphic designs for many years for Lakeman and also came up with the name for the stout.

The distinctive names of the beers are often a group project Elissa says.

There is a People’s Choice Award this year, with voting from now until September 21.