Given that we're just emerging from the depths of a recession it's remarkable that in the last 12 months the craft sector of the beer market has experienced more than 10 per cent growth.

It's all the more astonishing if you consider that in the same period the price of New Zealand wine has plummeted and today a bottle of Marlborough sauvignon blanc costs less than many craft beers.

After years of being tucked away in wine's shadow, craft beer has emerged into the spotlight and is now being enjoyed by a growing number of Kiwis.

As well as discovering the huge spectrum of aromas, flavours and styles available, more and more people are keen to learn about beer; its history, how it's made, and how it can be matched with food.

But where do they go to get such information? Although bookshops generally offer a decent selection of books and magazines about wine, they tend not to stock much of interest beer-wise. That's a shame, because there are some excellent publications available.

In terms of beer periodicals, the Australian-based Beer & Brewer magazine has the market pretty much to itself. Published quarterly, this glossy magazine covers beer news from both sides of the Tasman and is always an interesting read. Although it isn't stocked by all bookshops, the current issue has recently appeared on the shelves at the New World supermarket here in Blenheim, so your local store might be a good place to check.

More info:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-wine/3898882/More-to-beer-than-drinking-it