Local beer just like Captain Cook's | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

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Inspired by Captain Cook's beer recipe, an electrician-turned-brewer has poured his soul into making a truly hand-made drop.

Tony Dapson was made redundant in February after working as an electrician for 10 years and took the opportunity to create three craft beers as well as launch his company Naturale.

"I'm doing it for the creation of the beer, the love of making something you're passionate about," he said.

Originally from the hop-growing region of Kent, England, Mr Dapson has lived in Napier since 1967.

His Manuka Magic beer was launched last month and was inspired by the manuka and rimu beer recipe Captain Cook made in 1773. Mr Dapson formulated his own take on the drop, using manuka for flavour but leaving out the rimu and molasses.

The taste was popular with women, striking a tricky balance between sweet and bitter, Mr Dapson said.

Another hit with women was his conventional, sweet straw-coloured Skor Lager.

"It's one of those beers where you're in love, you're free, you've got no cares. It's like wow."

Mr Dapson has chosen names that reflect the nature of the beer. His traditional ale, Daps Classic, was named after "the person you look up to" - his grandfather.

He said it was popular with men and was the type of beer people could relax with after a day of sport.

Mr Dapson is involved in the entire process, from brewing to bottling and running the tasting room.

All of the beer is batch brewed on demand at Roosters Brewing in Hastings.

Mr Dapson bottles and labels every beer by hand in his Napier tasting and retail shop.

Brewers Guild treasurer Martin Bennett said the craft beer market in New Zealand grew 14 per cent in 2010.

Naturale has been operating for six months and business looks promising, but Mr Dapson said it was a hard road and he needed the support of beer drinkers.

"I'm a little guy in a big beer world."

The tasting room is open Tuesday to Sunday at 4/9 Nelson Quay, Napier. Daps Classic is available on tap at the Dram & Cock Whiskey Bar in Napier.

Mr Dapson and his family also sell bottled beer at the Hastings Farmers' Market from 8.30am to 12.30pm every Sunday.

For more information, visit www.naturale.co.nz or phone 06 834 3150 or 021 168 7597.