Lion Nathan New Zealand markets and distributes a number of international brands under licence, including Corona and the Budweiser group of brands, while our joint ventures with Diageo and Anheuser-Busch InBev provides for the local brewing, marketing and distribution of Guinness, Stella Artois and Beck’s in New Zealand.
Guinness
In 1759 Arthur Guinness took over a small unused brewery at St James Gate in Dublin. By 1833 this brewery was the largest in Ireland and by 1914 the brewery was the world’s largest stout producer – and still is today.
Guinness is the best selling stout in the world with over 10 million glasses enjoyed across the globe every day. It has been brewed from the same natural ingredients since it’s beginning in 1759 – Irish grown barley, soft Dublin water, hops and yeast. In fact the yeast strain has been carefully protected through the years and is the very same strain that was introduced by Arthur Guinness.
Guinness is sold in more than 150 countries worldwide, and is brewed under license in 50 countries, including New Zealand. As well as the traditional pint in a bar, Guinness is also available locally in a 440ml can and 330ml bottle.
While most dark beers and stouts are characterised by a degree of sweetness, the full and rich roasted malt flavour of Guinness is balanced by a strong bitter finish. The malted barley is roasted in a similar process to that used for coffee beans, giving Guinness its black appearance.
Around the world Guinness is known for its characteristic creamy head, which surges to the top of the glass. On tap the perfect pint of Guinness takes approximately two minutes to pour and the creamy head lasts down the pint, right to the last drop.
The robust taste of Guinness is best accompanied by foods with an equally strong flavour. Try Guinness with a cheese board or dessert and never look past the traditional and heavenly pairing of Guinness with oysters.
Date of Launch
1759
Style
Irish Stout
ABV
4.2
Standard drinks
1.9/560ml Pint
Total carbs g/100ml
3.6
Energy kj/100ml
158
Energy cal/100ml
38
Stella Artois
The origins of Stella Artois can be traced back to 1366 and a brewery called Den Horen, owned by the Artois family in the Belgian town of Leuven. Every year the Artois family brewed a Christmas beer and in 1926 the brew was so popular it became an all year round drink. It was christened with the name Stella, the Latin word for Star, and has become Belgium’s best known lager beer.
Stella Artois
Stella Artois is a full-flavoured premium lager with a hoppy aroma and a hint of fruitiness. The Belgian beer has a fine, clean bitterness and is well balanced by its malt flavour.
Stella Artois should always be served chilled into a cool, clean glass, with a large creamy head. The overflowing head is sliced off with a clean knife – part of the nine step pouring ritual that originates from Belgium. Stella Artois is dry, crisp and spicy, matching well with foods like oysters, mussels and satay chicken.
Date of Launch
1926
Style
Lager
ABV
5.0
Standard drinks
1.3/330ml
Total carbs g/100ml
3.3
Energy kj/100ml
171
Energy cal/100ml
41
Stella Artois Légère
Stella Artois Légère is a 4.6% premium lager, with a smooth easy-drinking taste and half the carbohydrates of regular premium beers. Légère embodies the tradition and heritage of the Stella Artois brand, and offers a stylish, modern expression of Stella Artois’ values.
Date of Launch
2010
Style
Lower Carb Lager
ABV
4.6
Standard drinks
1.2/330ml
Total carbs g/100ml
1.2
Energy kj/100ml
130
Energy cal/100ml
31
Corona
Corona Extra has been brewed and bottled in Mexico by the country’s largest brewer, Grupelo Modelo, for over 70 years. Corona is the world number one Mexican beer, the number four beer brand in the world, and the number one imported beer in the US.
Corona Extra has a smooth, refreshing taste and well-rounded character with a pleasant malt and hop aroma. This multiple award-winning beer contains the finest quality blend of barley, yeast, imported hops and water and is perfectly complemented with a wedge of lime.
Date of Launch
1925
Style
Lager
ABV
4.6
Standard drinks
1.2/330ml
Total carbs g/100ml
4.0
Energy kj/100ml
174
Energy cal/100ml
41.6
Beck’s
Beck’s is one of the world’s great biers – part of life and living in over 120 countries. Originally made in Bremen, northwest Germany in 1874, Beck’s is still brewed in accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516. Today, Beck’s is brewed here in New Zealand to the same strict standards, using only the finest traditional, natural ingredients such as approved malts, Bavarian Hallertau hops, carbon filtered water and the original and uniquely cultivated Beck’s yeast strain. Every brew is double-verified by the Master Brewers in Germany.
A German-style pilsener lager, Beck’s is instantly recognisable by its crisp, fresh palate and slightly bitter aroma. Distinctive and refreshing when enjoyed on its own, Beck’s is also a perfect balance for strong tastes, like European cheeses and meats.
Date of Launch
1874
Style
German Pilsner
ABV
5.0
Standard drinks
1.3/330ml
Total carbs g/100ml
3.2
Energy kj/100ml
168
Energy cal/100ml
41
Budweiser
This great American lager was first brewed in 1876 and is now the second biggest selling beer brand worldwide. Budweiser is famous for its crisp, clean, refreshing taste and fast finish thanks to the addition of rice and beechwood aging.
Date of Launch
1876
Style
American Lager
ABV
4.9
Standard drinks
1.4/330ml
Total carbs g/100ml
3
Energy kj/100ml
171
Energy cal/100ml
40
Kirin
In 1990, Kirin Ichiban’s debut made a splash in the world of super premium beers. The luxurious single wort (or first press) process yields a unique, complex flavor. With its gold label and ‘Special Premium Reserve’ appellation, Ichiban outclasses and outperforms. But don’t be fooled – this is a great beer that goes with anything.
The special first press method produces pure smooth flavours and the pale amber shine, crowned with a rich creamy head. Noble hops create an appetising floral aroma, complemented by a delicate fruity character. The full-bodied palate has a subtle sweetness punctuated by mild bitter notes.
Date of Launch
1990 (Japan) and 2003 (New Zealand)
Style
Lager
ABV
5.0
Standard drinks
1.3/330ml
Total carbs g/100ml
3.2
Energy kj/100ml
172
Energy cal/100ml
28
Little Creatures
From brewing to release, a batch of Little Creatures pale ale takes about six weeks to produce – allowing two weeks for conditioning in the bottle after packaging. No artificial preservatives or additives are included, just great ingredients.
Little Creatures displays a great balance of flavour and refreshment… complex yet easy-drinking. The beer’s character is driven by the use of fresh whole hop flowers that are bursting with aroma and contain all the essential oils and acids that deliver a unique flavour experience. Crisp, citrus flavours of grapefruit and passionfruit and a bit of honey are all backed up with a good balance of bitterness. Selected malts are kilned in small batches and used exclusively in the pale ale. Two different yeasts are also used to both ferment and bottle condition the beer.
Little Creatures is well matched with full flavoured foods such as fresh fish and chips, spicy Asian food or wood fired pizza.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is brewed at Ireland’s oldest established brewery St Francis Abbey in Kilkenny city, which dates back to the 14th century. Kilkenny is now available in 50 countries across the world, including New Zealand – where it is served from the tap into a pint glass or in a 330ml can.
Kilkenny is a very drinkable Irish ale, characterised by a creamy head like that of it’s sister brand Guinness. It is a rich and creamy ale with a smooth clean taste, brewed from 100% Irish malt, giving it a distinctive ruby red colour. This Irish beer goes well with meals of roast meat.
Oranjeboom
Dating back to 1528, this popular European beer originates from Breda in Holland and has a strong international following. Oranjeboom literally means ‘Orange Tree’, a name derived from a famous orange tree planted on the site of the brewery over 400 years ago. Its striking crest and colour symbolises the family tree of the Dutch Royal family, the princess of Oranje-Nassau.
Oranjeboom is a 5% premium golden colour pilsener-style lager with fruity hop notes in the aroma and a crisp refreshing finish. The brewing maturation of Oranjeboom results in a remarkably smooth lager with wide appeal, which is perfectly matched against a range of European dishes as well as more traditional Kiwi cuisine.
Ideal for all year round drinking, the smooth flavoursome aftertaste is just the thing for the hot New Zealand summer – from the plethora of food types associated with lunchtime antipasto dining to the adventurous and zesty recipes found within many BBQ meat marinades. Oranjeboom also provides clear balance for the more spicy styles such as sweet Thai chilli, ginger and Asian cooking ingredients.
Hoegaarden
The history of Hoegaarden began around 1445 in the small Belgian village of the same name. Hoegaarden White Beer takes its name from its naturally cloudy appearance, which results from continuous fermentation in the bottle to achieve a truly unique liquid. The brand’s unique appearance is mirrored by its one-of-a-kind taste – sweet and sour with a little bitterness and slightly spicy, with a strong touch of coriander and a hint of orange. Refreshing, a little quirky, and decidedly different – naturally.
Hoegaarden White works like a fine Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc – it is an excellent aperitif and tastes best with fresh mussels and frites. It can be accompanied by Thai or Chinese food and is an ideal match for apple pie with cream.
Leffe
Originating in 1240, Leffe is an authentic Belgian Abbey Beer brewed according to the traditional recipes of the Norbertine monks of the Abbey of Leffe.
Leffe Blonde is a creamy, lightly spiced beer, with a perfect balance of strength and subtlety. The higher alcohol level contributes to the mouth warming, full-bodied taste, while fruity notes are complemented by a gentle hop bitterness. With a subtle dry clove aroma it has a hint of oranges. Leffe Blonde compares best to a great red Bordeaux wine and it’s rich taste is ideal with vinegary dishes, fish, smoked ham or abbey cheese.
Belle-Vue
Belle-Vue Framboise combines ripened raspberries with young Lambic, which is spontaneously fermented and aged for two or three years in wooden casks. This sweet beer has a distinct raspberry flavour and a strong aroma. Served in a flute glass it is a truly elegant beer, ideal as an aperitif or with dessert.
Belle-Vue Kriek is made by macerating fresh cherries in four month old lambic, which gives a burgundy hue and a refreshingly fruity taste to the beer. Served with a large creamy head its sweetness is balanced by the subtle acidity of the cherries.
Boddingtons
Boddingtons is an English ale with an alcohol content of 4.8% and a deep amber colour and rich, creamy head. Special English Fuggles hops impart a distinctive hop bitterness and the balance between malt and hops is very rich and deliciously tasty.
International Premiums
Lion Nathan New Zealand markets and distributes a number of international brands under licence, including Corona and the Budweiser group of brands, while our joint ventures with Diageo and Anheuser-Busch InBev provides for the local brewing, marketing and distribution of Guinness, Stella Artois and Beck’s in New Zealand.
Guinness
In 1759 Arthur Guinness took over a small unused brewery at St James Gate in Dublin. By 1833 this brewery was the largest in Ireland and by 1914 the brewery was the world’s largest stout producer – and still is today.
Guinness is the best selling stout in the world with over 10 million glasses enjoyed across the globe every day. It has been brewed from the same natural ingredients since it’s beginning in 1759 – Irish grown barley, soft Dublin water, hops and yeast. In fact the yeast strain has been carefully protected through the years and is the very same strain that was introduced by Arthur Guinness.
Guinness is sold in more than 150 countries worldwide, and is brewed under license in 50 countries, including New Zealand. As well as the traditional pint in a bar, Guinness is also available locally in a 440ml can and 330ml bottle.
While most dark beers and stouts are characterised by a degree of sweetness, the full and rich roasted malt flavour of Guinness is balanced by a strong bitter finish. The malted barley is roasted in a similar process to that used for coffee beans, giving Guinness its black appearance.
Around the world Guinness is known for its characteristic creamy head, which surges to the top of the glass. On tap the perfect pint of Guinness takes approximately two minutes to pour and the creamy head lasts down the pint, right to the last drop.
The robust taste of Guinness is best accompanied by foods with an equally strong flavour. Try Guinness with a cheese board or dessert and never look past the traditional and heavenly pairing of Guinness with oysters.
Stella Artois
The origins of Stella Artois can be traced back to 1366 and a brewery called Den Horen, owned by the Artois family in the Belgian town of Leuven. Every year the Artois family brewed a Christmas beer and in 1926 the brew was so popular it became an all year round drink. It was christened with the name Stella, the Latin word for Star, and has become Belgium’s best known lager beer.
Stella Artois
Stella Artois should always be served chilled into a cool, clean glass, with a large creamy head. The overflowing head is sliced off with a clean knife – part of the nine step pouring ritual that originates from Belgium. Stella Artois is dry, crisp and spicy, matching well with foods like oysters, mussels and satay chicken.
Stella Artois Légère
Corona
Corona Extra has been brewed and bottled in Mexico by the country’s largest brewer, Grupelo Modelo, for over 70 years. Corona is the world number one Mexican beer, the number four beer brand in the world, and the number one imported beer in the US.
Corona Extra has a smooth, refreshing taste and well-rounded character with a pleasant malt and hop aroma. This multiple award-winning beer contains the finest quality blend of barley, yeast, imported hops and water and is perfectly complemented with a wedge of lime.
Beck’s
Beck’s is one of the world’s great biers – part of life and living in over 120 countries. Originally made in Bremen, northwest Germany in 1874, Beck’s is still brewed in accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516. Today, Beck’s is brewed here in New Zealand to the same strict standards, using only the finest traditional, natural ingredients such as approved malts, Bavarian Hallertau hops, carbon filtered water and the original and uniquely cultivated Beck’s yeast strain. Every brew is double-verified by the Master Brewers in Germany.
A German-style pilsener lager, Beck’s is instantly recognisable by its crisp, fresh palate and slightly bitter aroma. Distinctive and refreshing when enjoyed on its own, Beck’s is also a perfect balance for strong tastes, like European cheeses and meats.
Budweiser
Kirin
In 1990, Kirin Ichiban’s debut made a splash in the world of super premium beers. The luxurious single wort (or first press) process yields a unique, complex flavor. With its gold label and ‘Special Premium Reserve’ appellation, Ichiban outclasses and outperforms. But don’t be fooled – this is a great beer that goes with anything.
The special first press method produces pure smooth flavours and the pale amber shine, crowned with a rich creamy head. Noble hops create an appetising floral aroma, complemented by a delicate fruity character. The full-bodied palate has a subtle sweetness punctuated by mild bitter notes.
Little Creatures
Little Creatures displays a great balance of flavour and refreshment… complex yet easy-drinking. The beer’s character is driven by the use of fresh whole hop flowers that are bursting with aroma and contain all the essential oils and acids that deliver a unique flavour experience. Crisp, citrus flavours of grapefruit and passionfruit and a bit of honey are all backed up with a good balance of bitterness. Selected malts are kilned in small batches and used exclusively in the pale ale. Two different yeasts are also used to both ferment and bottle condition the beer.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a very drinkable Irish ale, characterised by a creamy head like that of it’s sister brand Guinness. It is a rich and creamy ale with a smooth clean taste, brewed from 100% Irish malt, giving it a distinctive ruby red colour. This Irish beer goes well with meals of roast meat.
Oranjeboom
Oranjeboom is a 5% premium golden colour pilsener-style lager with fruity hop notes in the aroma and a crisp refreshing finish. The brewing maturation of Oranjeboom results in a remarkably smooth lager with wide appeal, which is perfectly matched against a range of European dishes as well as more traditional Kiwi cuisine.
Ideal for all year round drinking, the smooth flavoursome aftertaste is just the thing for the hot New Zealand summer – from the plethora of food types associated with lunchtime antipasto dining to the adventurous and zesty recipes found within many BBQ meat marinades. Oranjeboom also provides clear balance for the more spicy styles such as sweet Thai chilli, ginger and Asian cooking ingredients.
Hoegaarden
The history of Hoegaarden began around 1445 in the small Belgian village of the same name. Hoegaarden White Beer takes its name from its naturally cloudy appearance, which results from continuous fermentation in the bottle to achieve a truly unique liquid. The brand’s unique appearance is mirrored by its one-of-a-kind taste – sweet and sour with a little bitterness and slightly spicy, with a strong touch of coriander and a hint of orange. Refreshing, a little quirky, and decidedly different – naturally.
Hoegaarden White works like a fine Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc – it is an excellent aperitif and tastes best with fresh mussels and frites. It can be accompanied by Thai or Chinese food and is an ideal match for apple pie with cream.
Leffe
Leffe Blonde is a creamy, lightly spiced beer, with a perfect balance of strength and subtlety. The higher alcohol level contributes to the mouth warming, full-bodied taste, while fruity notes are complemented by a gentle hop bitterness. With a subtle dry clove aroma it has a hint of oranges. Leffe Blonde compares best to a great red Bordeaux wine and it’s rich taste is ideal with vinegary dishes, fish, smoked ham or abbey cheese.
Belle-Vue
Belle-Vue Framboise combines ripened raspberries with young Lambic, which is spontaneously fermented and aged for two or three years in wooden casks. This sweet beer has a distinct raspberry flavour and a strong aroma. Served in a flute glass it is a truly elegant beer, ideal as an aperitif or with dessert.
Belle-Vue Kriek is made by macerating fresh cherries in four month old lambic, which gives a burgundy hue and a refreshingly fruity taste to the beer. Served with a large creamy head its sweetness is balanced by the subtle acidity of the cherries.
Boddingtons
Boddingtons is an English ale with an alcohol content of 4.8% and a deep amber colour and rich, creamy head. Special English Fuggles hops impart a distinctive hop bitterness and the balance between malt and hops is very rich and deliciously tasty.
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Guinness
Stella Artois
Corona
Becks
Budweiser
Hoegaarden
Leffe