Behemoth is a range of craft beers that include unorthodox flavours such as Triple Chocolate Milk. Andrew Childs is the owner and brewer for Behemoth Brewing Company, and spoke to the team about his business.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
"It started as a hobby but, when I won Wellington in a Pint back in 2012, it was quickly backed by a business plan."
What is the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market? (Are they gluten free? Do they utilise unique or new ingredients or techniques? Are they the only one of its kind?)
"Behemoth Brewing Company's core range consists of: 'Murica APA, Chur NZ Pale Ale, Tasty Beverage XPA, Hopped Up on Pils - Hoppy NZ Pilsner, 6Foot5 IPA, In Ya face Double IPA, Sauvin Slayer Double IPA, & Triple Chocolate Milk Stout. But Behemoth doesn't stop there. While being known for their big, hoppy IPAs including seasonals such as Lid Ripper Hazy IPA, they have recently won a Gold Medal in the New World Beer Awards for their Triple Chocolate Milk Stout (which tastes like a milkshake, only beery). I likes to keep my beers "fun" with a Vietnamese coffee imperial stout "Good Morning Vietnam" (9.99 ABV & made from coffee beans from my recent honeymoon in Vietnam) and the re-release of Brave Bikkie Brown Ale (flavoured with chocolate & coconut, much like a lamington) to be expected over the next two months."
Has there been any recent company news? (i.e New management, new product launches, new location, staff changes, or other news of this kind, awards?
"Always! Behemoth Brewing is now up to a team of 6 and busy making bigger tasting beers. At the AIBA (Australian International Beer Awards) last month wetook home a Silver medal for In Ya Face IIPA and 3 Bronze medals for 'Murica APA, 6Foot5 IPA, & the Triple Chocolate Milk Stout. Beervana beers are still under wraps, but before then we'll see No Sleep 'till Moutere - NZ Hazy IPA and Chocolate Fish, a chocolate raspberry milk stout (a special release made for the GABS festival)."
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
"Of course. Can't say too much, but don't be surprised if you see a permanent home for these gypsy brewers within the next year."
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability? If so, where would you like to see the product situated
"Behemoth beers are available in most New Worlds in New Zealand as well as a handful of Countdowns. They are in every supermarket in Wellington and most of the bottle shops, which gives us something to work for in Auckland and Christchurch. In Auckland, they are stocked in all Glengarrys and most Liquorlands as well. There is always room to grow and with the rise of craft beer, Behemoth aims to expand from its 500+ retailers on a continual basis, especially in the South Island."
