13/09/2025
Heaven’s Brewery in Northland made a stunning debut on the national stage when their Judas Sheep dark lager popped up in the New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 25.
When a new brewery arrives on the scene with such a splash my question is whether it’s a one-off fluke or if there’s something more. And there’s definitely something more going on with Heaven's Brewery .
I spoke with brewer Ben Heaven the other week and he’s a hugely experienced brewer with a deep curiosity about historical beer styles and a passion for yeast.
Judas Sheep is in the Czech dark lager style — possibly you could describe it as the pilsner equivalent of a black IPA? It’s rich yet easy-drinking with delicate coffee, mild chocolate and a hint of blackberry all entwined on a surprisingly refreshing malt base. There’s no roasty char, but it has a nice clean hop finish. It’s refined and elegant and a great beer for these wild spring evenings.
And do go to The Third Pint Theory Podcast to listen to Ben Heaven talking about his brewing history — from home brewing as a student at Massey, to starting a small cask ale brewery in the north of England, before returning to New Zealand and taking nearly a decade to create Heaven’s Brewery on a small farm in the Marua Valley north of Whangarei.
