Tui East India Pale Ale

Tui East India Pale Ale is New Zealand's most iconically named beer — a pale lager that has been called an East India Pale Ale since the brewery's founding in 1889 on the banks of the Mangatainoka River in the Tararua District. The name caused enough controversy for the New Zealand Consumers' Institute to formally criticise DB Breweries for claiming IPA status for what is in fact a light, refreshing pale lager. DB was unapologetic. At 4% ABV, Tui is described as a thoroughly refreshing beer with a light palate best suited to beaches, barbecues and all beer-related occasions — perhaps the most honest beer description ever written. The Tui brand was originally founded by entrepreneur Henry Wagstaff in 1889 and taken over by DB Breweries in 1969. It became famous across New Zealand through its irreverent Yeah Right billboard advertising campaign of the late 1990s and 2000s. Tui won NZ Best Draught at the Brew NZ awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Production moved from the spiritual home in Mangatainoka to Auckland and Timaru in 2016. Heineken became the ultimate parent through the APB acquisition in 2012.